CLEBURNE, Texas — State Rep. DeWayne Burns’ (R-Cleburne) seat may be in jeopardy as he faces a tough challenge in his primary opponent, Helen Kerwin in this May runoff.
Kerwin pulled ahead of Burns in the March primary with 48% of the vote, while Burns earned 41% of the vote.
Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed Kerwin ahead of Super Tuesday, despite having endorsed Burns in the past. This comes after Burns voted against Abbott’s proposed school voucher plan, causing him to become one of the 21 Republicans Abbott has been campaigning against who opposed the plan.
“When it comes to the voucher program, there were two things: It was way too expensive and would’ve been an additional burden on taxpayers that I just couldn’t support," Burns told WFAA in February. "The second thing is it would’ve been a free handout for illegal immigrants to take a free handout and go to private schools."
Kerwin said in February she would support a future fight for vouchers.
“It’s critical we give families choice,” Kerwin said. “I will make sure Texas education freedom is available to every family.”
Burns has served as representative for the district for nine years after first being elected in 2015.
Kerwin previously served as Mayor of Glen Rose and has also received endorsements from Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller and former President Donald Trump.
Whoever wins this runoff would be the de facto next representative, as they will face no Democratic challenger in November.
