Kyle Biedermann Says He Will Not Seek Reelection to House District 73

Kyle Biedermann, the Fredericksburg Republican who represents Canyon Lake in Texas House District 73, Wednesday said he will not seek a fourth two-year term and will instead consider a run for House District 19 or another elected position in the March 1, 2022 GOP primary.

Earlier this month the Texas legislature approved new legislative boundaries that are now awaiting signature by Gov. Greg Abbott. District 73 no longer includes Kendall, Gillespie and Blanco counties. The proposed new district encompasses Comal and half of Hays County.

Biedermann made it clear on Facebook that his family, business, future, and home will remain in Gillespie County even though on Sept. 30 he thanked the legislature for making District 73 more conservative and spoke fondly of the home he purchased in New Braunfels several years ago with his wife Barbi.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people and the interest of District 73 for almost six years,” he said Wednesday in announcing his decision to stay in Fredericksburg. “Barbi and I will always love and cherish the experiences we have had along the way. Thank you to the people I have represented for the chance to serve and the opportunity to make Texas stronger than we found it.”

Most of those who responded on his Facebook page said they were sad to see him go.

“It breaks my heart to see a true conservative step away from the fight,” said one constituent. “Please be involved in the race for the person taking over your seat, the last thing we need is a Democrat or RINO (Republican in name only) taking your place. Nothing but respect for everything you have done.”

Sue Piner, Comal County Republican chair, said she is thankful for Biedermann’s work with the Freedom Caucus to pass more conservative legislation, as well as his support of historical monuments like the Alamo.

Comal Republicans also appreciate his efforts to stop the proposed Vulcan Quarry at FM 3009 and State Highway 46, she said.

Biedermann, who is pro-business and owns an ACE Hardware store in Fredericksburg, believes in strong border protection and opposes abortion.

However, he also filed controversial House Bill 1359, better known as Texas Independence Referendum Act, which called for Texas to secede from the union. On Jan. 6, just before supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, he was photographed near the building.

Justin Calhoun, a Democrat who plans to run for the District 73 seat, said Biedermann’s leaving at a good time for Democrats.

“This redistricting has brought together our brothers and sisters in Hays and Comal counties in a way that I think will make for a much stronger bond between our communities,” he said. “I wish Rep. Biedermann well as he continues his journey but I think the people of this district have a different vision. From New Braunfels to Dripping Springs we have a voice, and that voice deserves to be heard clearly. I can’t wait to get to work addressing the concerns and representing the will of the people in the new District 73.”

Calhoun served in the U.S. Army for five years and is finishing up a degree in social work after interning with Rep. Diego Bernal, the San Antonio Democrat who represents District 123.

Shirley Fraser, Communications chair for the Democratic Women of Comal County, thinks Biedermann’s move to District 19 keeps him in “safer” Republican territory as Comal County grows “at rates that will likely change the political winds from red to at least a purplish-blue.”

“The Democrats have a strong and actively campaigning candidate for District 73 in Justin Calhoun,” she said. “An Afghanistan veteran and social worker, Justin will perfectly suit a new electorate’s need for a legislator who values good law over partisan interests.”

If nominated, Calhoun will face off against one of three other potential Republican candidates.

One is Dripping Springs’ Carrie Isaac, who wears signature cowboy boots like Biedermann’s. She announced her candidacy on Oct. 13 and is endorsed by Sen. Donna Campbell, who represents Canyon Lake in Senate District 25.

“I’m grateful for Rep. Biedermann’s service and that of his wife Barbi,” she said Wednesday. “I look forward to earning the support of the citizens of Comal and Hays county as I fight for lower property taxes, to secure the border, and fight against the radical leftist agenda of the Biden administration.”

Isaac has a master’s degree in health education has worked to advance health and wellness in Dripping Springs. She believes nonprofits and churches serve those in need more effectively than the government and currently works as executive director of DEWIT, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to veterans.

Former New Braunfels City Council Member Republican George Green announced his candidacy for Biedermann’s seat on Sept. 6.

“The people of House District 73 deserve to have confidence in a representative who advocates for their values and can get the job done,” he said on Facebook. “The call for a leader who can effectively pass policies based on principled family values, fiscal responsibility, and common sense cannot be ignored any longer. House District 73 deserves an effective representative that can pass legislation in the state house.”

A veteran, Green worked as an educator and as a business manager with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Isaac and Green both face another formidable candidate, Barron Casteel, who served as New Braunfels mayor from 2014-2020.

He told the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung Wednesday he plans to run for Biedermann’s seat in order to become the voice in Austin for local conservative values.

In a statement issued Thursday Casteel said Texas is known nationwide for its belief in low taxes, personal freedom, and strong conservative ideals.

“Support for the Second Amendment, support for border security, support for protecting innocent life, support for election integrity, and opposition to divisive programs like critical race theory is what makes Texas attractive to people around the nation and the world,” he said.

(To review all new legislative boundaries, click here.)