Fallon changes mind, won't run for Texas senate seat

Pat Fallon has switched again.

The Republican congressman from Texas has apparently decided to try to keep his seat in the U.S. House Of Representatives instead of running for the state senate Dist. 30 seat that represents Wichita Falls.

The Texas Tribune reported the switcheroo was the result of appeals from leaders in both the U.S. and Texas capitals.

More: Will a U.S. Congressman change course to represent WF in the state senate?

Both Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said them wanted Fallon in their ranks, according to the Tribune. But Fallon told the Tribune the decision came down to his family. His son, Thomas, became distraught at the thought of him leaving Congress.

His younger son, Mac, had said he wanted to come home to Texas when they learned the state senate seat would be up for grabs.

Fallon admitted all the flipping and flopping in recent days was a "self-created tempest.”

"I'm the one that did it. It was tough to go through," Fallon told the Tribune.

More: Pat Fallon files for state senate seat that includes Wichita Falls

Fallon held the state senate seat for a term beginning in 2019, but left for the Texas 4th District Congressional seat in 2021.

“I loved being in the Texas Senate. I passed 68 bills," Fallon told the Tribune.

In Congress he has passed none.

Wichita County is split between two state senate districts, with the 30th District encompassing Wichita Falls and the eastern part of the county.

More: Pat Fallon files for state senate seat that includes Wichita Falls

The seat became open when Sen. Drew Springer said he would not run for re-election to the post.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Fallon changes mind, won't run for Texas senate seat