Mike Hendrix, who announced in an interview with Dallas Voice in July that he was challenging District 105 incumbent state Rep. Terry Meza, a Democrat, today issued a statement announcing that he is discontinuing that campaign.
Hendrix drew immediate criticism when he announced his campaign from long-time LGBTQ+ and Democratic Party activists for targeting an incumbent Democrat who they described as a hard-working, effective legislator and a staunch, long-time ally of LGBTQ+ Texans.
Opponents alleged that Hendrix had misled people about his background, failing to acknowledge his work on behalf of numerous right-wing politicians known for targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including Michelle Bachman and Newt Gingrich. They also noted that Hendrix was sued for defamation in 2020 after he and his PR firm at the time distributed GOP Primary campaign mailers for Skeet Phillips, linking Phillips’ opponent, then-incumbent Kaufman County Commissioner Ray Clark, to a man accused of molesting a child. The court dismissed claims against Phillips and another defendant in the case but ruled against Hendrix, ordering him to pay $774,700 to Clark.
Hendrix, at the time he launched his campaign, was engaged to Cathedral of Hope Senior Pastor the Rev. Neil Thomas, and Hendrix was accused of using his relationship with the pastor to gain access to the church’s email address lists and using those lists to send campaign messages.
Shortly after allegations against him began to surface, Thomas ended his relationship with Hendrix, and Hendrix “paused” his campaign to deal with what he said were health issues, including a cancer diagnosis. Today, Hendrix ended his campaign completely.
In a statement sent to Dallas Voice, Hendrix said:
“Serving the people of House District 105 has always been my top priority, and it was with that commitment in mind that I launched this campaign. I entered this race because Irving deserves responsive leadership, strong democratic values, and a representative who understands how the Capitol works and how to make it work for our community.
“For years, I have dedicated myself to navigating committee hearings, drafting effective legislation, and building bipartisan coalitions on issues that matter: strengthening our public schools, securing $50 million in therapeutic clinical research, protecting LGBTQ Texans, and ensuring our economy supports working families. That work continues to be the driving force behind my public service.
“It is from that place of care for this community that, after deep reflection and conversations with those closest to me, I have decided not to continue my campaign for Texas House District 105. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one for my health and my long-term ability to keep serving this community.
“Stepping back from the campaign trail does not mean stepping back from the fight. Over the coming months, I will focus on my personal health while dedicating my time and experience to helping Democratic candidates up and down the ballot ahead of November. Our community, our state, and our shared values are too important to sit on the sidelines. I intend to support the organizers, advocates, and candidates working every day to move Texas forward.
“I remain deeply grateful to every volunteer, donor, friend, and neighbor who believed in this campaign and in the vision we shared for a stronger, more inclusive Texas. Your encouragement and trust have meant more than you know.
“HD 105 deserves representation that listens, understands, and delivers, and I will continue working to help ensure that happens.
“Thank you for your support, your kindness, and your belief in what’s possible. Our work for a better Texas continues.”
Hendrix also posted a message to social media that included vague allegations that “health issues” and “domestic violence issues” had “played a major part” in his decision to end his campaign.
— Tammye Nash