When Kevin Sparks won the Republican nomination for state senate, Midland got its regional representative.
For years, there had been a goal of claiming the seat that had been held by Amarillo Republicans Teel Bivins and then Kel Seliger. Odessa had its chance with Kirk Edwards and then former Midland Mayor Mike Canon ran for the GOP nomination twice.
Heading into primary season, Sparks made his announcement. He was in. It didn’t take long to see he would be a formidable candidate, but the road was made easier by a series of events. First, Seliger decided he wouldn’t seek another term. Redistricting moved some counties in District 31 from the north to the south. Third, Donald Trump endorsed him. Fourth, Democrats didn’t line up a challenger. The GOP primary on Tuesday became winner-take-all.
Seliger had talked about the redistricting process and how it turned political, including inside District 31. He commented that Panhandle counties were sent packing from District 31 in favor of counties further south.
Sparks responded by not only winning Amarillo area counties (Potter and Randall) but topping 50 percent in Randall for good measure. Sparks said heading into the campaign that he would attempt to unite and his campaign showed he was up to the task, even defeating two Amarillo area-based candidates in the process.
“We spent time in the Panhandle,” said Don Sparks, Kevin’s father and who also once ran for Texas Senate.
The elder Sparks said the family still had connections in the Panhandle. He said that support opened doors during the campaign. He also said there were even “13 leaders and strong businessmen from the northern part of the district” in Midland on Tuesday for the Sparks’ primary night watch party.
More in common
Don Sparks told the Reporter-Telegram that showing off his son as the next leader of the district meant showing that the northern and southern parts had plenty in common. First, this was one of the most conservative senate districts in the state – if not the most. For instance, 77.3 percent of Midland County voters selected Donald Trump in 2000. In Randall County, that number was 78.54 percent. Sparks also said both were “faith-based” and “family-based” and that residents in both areas “don’t mind working hard and giving back to communities.”
“That is no different up (in the northern part of the district) than it is in the southern part,” Sparks said.
Candidate Sparks avoided talk about oil versus agriculture. Instead, he talked about how the two regions combine for around 40 percent of the state budget.
“It is good for the district and Texas that Kevin won,” said former Mayor Ernie Angelo, who also ran for state senate on two occasions. “He was committed to winning and representing from the top to the bottom. The previous incumbent did a poor job (of that).”
The Reporter-Telegram attempted to contact Seliger’s press office to arrange an interview for this story. A message was not returned.
A victory for conservatism, a victory for Midland
In his victory statement, Sparks stated that winning the District 31 seat was a win for “the conservative majority in West Texas.” This comment should probably not come as a surprise to anyone who has followed Kevin Sparks or the Sparks family. Kevin was a board member of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which on its website lists its mission is “to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.”
“I am ready to go to the state Capitol to fight for the conservative principles that I know we share – our commitment to life and protecting the unborn, our commitment to the Second Amendment, and our commitment to securing our border,” Sparks said.
But he also won a seat that Midlanders have had their eyes on. Former Mayor Bobby Burns noted “it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a Midlander represent us in the senate. Midland fuels Texas and America. And Kevin Sparks will open eyes across this state with Legislative decisions that will allow Midland to simply get things accomplished.
“People talk about making a difference. They don’t because they don’t try. Kevin has taken a risk. And risk involves real sacrifice. I’m excited about the potential. Now let’s back him up and trust him. I know I will.”