Steve Massengale Launches Campaign for State Representative

Current Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees President Steve Massengale officially announced his candidacy for State Representative District 83 on Tuesday.  Massengale will challenge State Rep. Charles Perry in the upcoming Republican Primary.

As far as why he's running for higher office, Massengale said, "Things are good here and it's easy to sit back and enjoy things, but decisions are being made in cities like Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas that will affect us. We need a representative who will work for us, and work with the local community, by voting to let decisions be made at the local level and a lot more common sense in government."

Massengale continued, "You'll find I'm conservative across all the issues.

"I'm a small business owner. I pay taxes. I've been employing people since I was 16 years old. I bring a private sector background to this job.

"I'm running because I love this community. It's done so much for my family and I feel this is the time to stand up and fight for what we believe in. Because this is one of those times in our country's history that we should step up and defend those values we hold so dear."

KFYO News asked Massengale, what differentiates him from his opponent, Charles Perry, "How we tackle things," Massengale responded. "I'm known for getting people to sing from the same song sheet. I've worked on so many different levels in this community, much more than he has. I've been working since I've graduated from college as a volunteer: whether it's been Texas Tech or the Chamber of Commerce.  I think I just bring a grounded reality to the job that he doesn't have.

Some former elected officials were in attendance at Massengale's announcement today, including former Lubbock Mayor David Langston and former Lubbock City Councilman Jim Gilbreath.

KFYO News' Matt Crow contributed to the story

Here are some photos from the event: