Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, a Republican stronghold for more than four decades, is bracing for a rare open-seat contest following Rep. Troy Nehls’ announcement that he will retire from Congress at the end of his term. The news, delivered on November 29, 2025, has triggered a political scramble, with candidates from both parties moving quickly to stake their claims ahead of the December 8 filing deadline.
Nehls, a Republican and former Fort Bend County sheriff, has represented the district since 2021. He made his decision after what he described as heartfelt conversations with his wife and daughters during the Thanksgiving holiday. In a post on X, Nehls stated, "I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress." According to UPI, he added, "Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life."
Before making his announcement public, Nehls personally called former President Donald Trump. "President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first," Nehls said. His retirement is part of a broader wave of exits from Congress, including notable names such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Don Bacon, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, as reported by UPI.
For the residents of Texas’ 22nd District—which spans Fort Bend County and includes Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, and parts of Katy—the coming months promise a lively and competitive race. The district has been in Republican hands since 1984, when former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay first won the seat. Since then, it has remained a GOP bastion, with Nehls following in the footsteps of DeLay and Pete Olson.
Within hours of Nehls’ announcement, the race to replace him was well underway. The first to declare was his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, a former Fort Bend County Precinct 4 constable. Trever wasted no time in positioning himself as the continuity candidate for local Republicans, emphasizing his commitment to the same conservative principles championed by his brother. Troy Nehls endorsed Trever on the very day he announced his retirement, stating that his brother "knows the district" and has the experience to continue his work.
Trever Nehls’ platform focuses on border security, public safety, and family issues—core tenets of the district’s recent Republican leadership. He pledged to "follow in Troy’s footsteps," stand with Trump, and defend what he calls "America First leadership." Trever’s background includes service as Precinct 4 constable and two unsuccessful bids for sheriff and county judge in recent years. He has not shied away from controversy; his county judge campaign drew headlines after accusations of online smear tactics surfaced, though the race ultimately went to his opponent.
Joining Trever in the Republican primary is Rebecca Clark, a geophysicist with a background in oil-and-gas exploration. Clark announced her candidacy shortly after Nehls’ retirement became public, framing her campaign around "Faith, Family and Freedom" and a strong emphasis on energy policy. According to her campaign website, Clark promises to prioritize American energy independence, fiscal responsibility, education, and national security. She argues that residents are frustrated with "empty promises" from Congress and vows to "bring integrity, transparency and accountability" to the district. Clark’s bid is rooted in what she describes as "Texas values," aiming to appeal to voters who prioritize economic growth and traditional conservative principles.
On the Democratic side, Marquette Greene-Scott, an attorney and Iowa Colony council member who ran against Troy Nehls in 2024, announced her candidacy the day after Nehls’ retirement. Greene-Scott sees this moment as an opportunity for the district to chart a new course. In a pointed statement, she said Nehls’ departure marks "a new beginning" for the district and accused him of focusing on "performative loyalty" to Trump during his tenure. Greene-Scott’s campaign centers on engaging with constituents through town halls, investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses, expanding access to affordable health care, and ensuring fully funded public schools. She has called for "honest governance" and expressed a desire to restore "decency and love of democracy" to the office.
The Republican field may grow even more crowded. On December 1, 2025, former Texas Representative Jacey Jetton filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for the TX-22 seat. Jetton, who served House District 26 from 2021 to 2023 before being unseated in the 2024 election, has yet to make a public announcement or release a campaign statement. His entry adds another layer of intrigue to an already dynamic race.
The stakes are high for all involved. The 22nd District’s history as a Republican stronghold is well known, but demographic shifts and changing political winds have made some observers wonder whether Democrats could mount a serious challenge. Greene-Scott’s platform of infrastructure and education investment, coupled with her call for "a new beginning," is likely an attempt to appeal to moderate voters and those frustrated by partisan gridlock.
Meanwhile, the Republican contenders are working to consolidate support among the district’s conservative base. Trever Nehls’ close association with his brother and alignment with Trump’s policies may give him an edge with loyal GOP voters. Clark, on the other hand, is betting that her expertise in energy and her "Texas values" message will resonate in a district where oil-and-gas interests loom large. Jetton’s late entry could shake up the field, particularly if he draws support from those seeking a fresh face or different approach within the party.
Troy Nehls’ own journey to Congress was marked by decades of public service. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, earning two Bronze Stars during deployments in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After returning to Texas, he joined the Richmond Police Department in 1994 and was elected sheriff of Fort Bend County in 2012. His election to Congress in 2020 capped a career spent in both military and law enforcement service. As he prepares to step away from politics, Nehls has emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, telling UPI, "Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life."
With the filing deadline fast approaching, the race in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District is poised to be one of the most closely watched in the state. Voters will soon decide whether to continue the district’s long Republican lineage, embrace a new brand of conservative leadership, or opt for a Democratic "new beginning." One thing’s for sure: the competition is just heating up, and the outcome is anything but certain.
