Republican Texas state Rep. Drew Darby was caught Friday boasting a faux endorsement from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on his website when Abbott actually endorsed Drew’s challenger.
The newly revealed discrepancy was revealed by school choice activist Corey A. DeAngelis, who described it as a “lie” and posted it on Twitter.
BREAKING: Drew Darby’s campaign website falsely claims that he is endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott.
That is a lie.
Governor Abbott endorsed Stormy Bradley, Drew Darby’s challenger who supports school choice.
Remove this lie from your campaign website, @DrewDarbyTX. pic.twitter.com/ywDvyiY4El
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) January 26, 2024
Drew’s challenger, Stormy Bradley, was endorsed by Abbott as recently as early December of 2023. Abbott cited her campaign promises on commitments to school choice options for Texas families as a reason for his endorsement. (RELATED: These States Are Gearing Up For A School Choice Showdown In 2024)
So thankful for your support and I look forward to empowering parents when elected! https://t.co/iJEQB49661
— Stormy Bradley (@StormyForTexas) January 20, 2024
Conservatives strongly support school choice.
Liberals are against school choice.
Makes you wonder about the Republican Texas House members who voted with the liberals against school choice.
A change is coming on March 5th. https://t.co/iXCoxoQKHH
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 21, 2023
In any case, Abbott had formerly endorsed Darby in previous election cycles, according to a 2019 statement published on GregAbbott.com.
At the time of press, Darby’s official website still claims to have been endorsed by the Texas governor. Abbott is the only “individual” endorsement the campaign claimed to have, listing organizations including the National Rifle Association, Texans for Life Committee and the Texas Wildlife Association. (RELATED: Agents ‘Absolutely’ Don’t Want To Cut Greg Abbott’s Razor Wire, Border Patrol Union President Says)
The Daily Caller reached out to Darby’s campaign but had not heard back from anyone from the camp by the time of publication.
Stormy Bradley’s campaign spokesperson, Matt Langton, provided the Caller with the following statement:
“Drew Darby has a history of lying to voters and ignoring the truth. The reality is that in addition to Darby lying about a Greg Abbott endorsement he has also lied about his love for open borders and being in the back pocket of the Austin lobby. It’s time to retire liberal Drew Darby,” Langston told the Caller in a Friday afternoon email.
The Caller also reached out to Abbott’s office to confirm his endorsement for the district but did not immediately hear back.
Bradley is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.