Texas's 26th congressional district

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The current boundaries of Texas District 26.
The current boundaries of Texas District 26.

Texas District 26 of the United States House of Representatives is a Congressional district in the state of Texas that serves an area in the northern portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex centering around Denton County. The current Representative is Michael C. Burgess. The District is best known as the seat of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey.

[edit] History

The district was created after the 1980 census due to population growth in Texas and Denton County, specifically in its southern sector. From the beginning, the district map has been centered around Denton County, one of Texas' fastest-growing counties.

Except for the first election, won by Democrat Tom Vandergriff in 1982, the seat has been held by Republicans. As Denton County has become overwhelmingly Republican in recent years (every county officeholder is Republican, as are all of the members of the Texas Legislature representing the county), District 26 is considered a "safe seat" for the GOP.

The current makeup of the 26th District includes most of Denton County (only the southeast corner is not part of the District) as well as the eastern half of Cooke County, much of central Tarrant County, and a small sliver of northwest Dallas County.

[edit] Representatives who have served District 26

Congress Congressman Term Party
98th (1983 – 1985) Tom Vandergriff 1983 – 1985 Democratic
99th (1985 – 2001) Dick Armey 1985 – 2001 Republican
100th (1987 – 1989)
101st (1989 – 1991)
102nd (1991 – 1993)
103rd (1993 – 1995)
104th (1995 – 1997)
105th (1997 – 1999)
106th (1999 – 2001)
107th (2001 – 2003) Michael C. Burgess 2001 – incumbent Republican
108th (2003 – 2005)
109th (2005 – 2007)

[edit] 2004 Election results

US House election, 2004: Texas District 26
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Michael C. Burgess 180,519 65.8 -9.1
Democratic Lico Reyes 89,809 32.7 +9.9
Libertarian James Gholston 4,211 1.5 +0.1
Majority 90,710 33.0
Turnout 274,539
Republican hold Swing -9.5