David Simpson (Texas politician)

David Simpson (born June 27, 1961)^[1] is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 7th district. He defeated Tommy Merritt in the Republican primary with 52.88% of the vote, before being elected to the 82nd Texas Legislature in November 2010 with 91.28% of the vote.^[2]

Simpson was born in Lubbock, Texas. He was Mayor of Avinger from 1993 to 1998 before moving to Longview in 2000. He is married to Susan, and they have seven children. Simpson is a Christian, and has published a Statement of Faith.^[3] He has been described as someone who "did exactly what he said he would do in his campaign and stood for limited government." ^[4]

Simpson filed legislation in the 2011 Texas legislative session to be able to prosecute, what Simposon deemed, offensive and intrusive groping searches of private parts without probable cause by the TSA or other security personnel. The bill, HB 1937,^[5] passed unanimously out of committee and then again out of the Texas House. It was coauthored by 94 other Representatives from both parties. ^[6] However, it failed to be approved in the Senate after the Department of Justice threatened to make Texas a no-fly zone if the legislation passed.^[7][8]

Simpson's style has led to him becoming a 'loner' in Austin, where he has few legislative friends.^[9][10] Simpson's website states that he "will steadfastly fight for limited government and freedom under the rule of law."^[11]

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