Skip to main content

State Rep. Helen Giddings not running for re-election

First elected in 1992, Giddings is vice chairwoman of the powerful House State Affairs Committee and also serves as chairwoman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

by Patrick Svitek

State Rep. Helen Giddings, D-De Soto, speaks during a press conference regarding the "lunch shaming" bill on May 23, 2017.
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune

State Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, is retiring from the Texas House after 13 terms. 

"After much prayer, combined with careful and thoughtful deliberation with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election," Giddings said in a statement Tuesday. "This is obviously a difficult decision and one that tugs at my heart."

First elected in 1992, Giddings is vice chairwoman of the powerful House State Affairs Committee. She also is chairwoman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. 

Giddings' announcement comes over halfway through the candidate filing period for the 2018 primaries. The deadline is Dec. 11.

Giddings' House District 109, which wraps around Dallas to the south, is expected to stay in the Democratic column. One Republican, Casey Littlejohn, was running for the Seat before Giddings' retirement announcement. 

Quality journalism doesn't come free

Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Do you value our journalism? Show us with your support.

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Patrick Svitek’s staff photo