Republican Craig Goldman elected to succeed Rep. Kay Granger in Congress, CBS News projects. See the full results.
NORTH TEXAS – Republican state Rep. Craig Goldman will defeat Democrat Trey Hunt in the 2024 election to succeed retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Kay Granger in the traditionally GOP-dominated 12th congressional district, CBS News projects.
Goldman, chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus, will take over for Granger, who has held the position for nearly three decades. He won with 63.5% of the vote, compared to Hunt's 36.5%.
Goldman said some of his top priorities will include working on a bill to fight against sexual predators in communities and cracking down on fentanyl.
Hunt acknowledged Goldman won the race and went on to say he is done with partisan politics and accused the Democratic Party of not investing in races in purple counties nationwide.
"Craig won, there is no election fraud and it is as clear as in 2022 as it is in 2024, CD-12 prefers Republican leadership," Hunt said in a statement to CBS News Texas. "I had the same flaw in 2024 like I did in 2022, being delusional, expecting the DNC to assist in persuading the constituents of CD-12 that Democratic leadership was viable. I'm not running for CD-12 for the foreseeable future, but the next Democratic candidate needs to [be] aware that if they expect to turn CD-12 they will have to be their own institution unless the Democratic leadership changes."
Goldman, who was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2012, has held various leadership roles, including Majority Leader of the Texas House of Representatives. He defeated business owner John O'Shea in the Republican primary.
Hunt, who has extensive experience working with the homeless population, has served as a homeless outreach specialist and case manager. His campaign platform focused on mental health, substance abuse treatment, and informed leadership. He ousted business owner Sebastian Gehrig in the Democratic primary.
Texas' 12th congressional district includes most of Parker County and the western half of Tarrant County.
Granger, the longest-serving Republican in the Texas delegation, announced her decision not to seek reelection in late 2023. She said she was "encouraged by the next generation of leaders" in her district.
"It's time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people," said Granger, who completed 14 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Granger was known in Congress for advocating for defense spending in her district, including the manufacturing of the F-35 fighter jet, and for more than $400 million in funding for Fort Worth's Panther Island flood control and development project. She's also supported legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and fight online sex trafficking.