Texas State Representative

Drew Darby

Biography

State Representative Drew Darby represents House District 72 in Texas, which encompasses a diverse area across ten counties, including Coke, Coleman, Concho, Glasscock, Howard, Irion, Reagan, Runnels, Sterling, and Tom Green. A San Angelo native, Rep. Darby has spent his life in West Texas and completed his education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

Drew Darby has been actively involved in Texas politics since his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2006. He has held various leadership positions, currently serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Redistricting and a member of the Criminal Jurisprudence and Energy Resources Committees. His involvement in these committees highlights his focus on addressing critical issues such as electoral fairness, energy policy, and public safety. In past sessions, he has also contributed to the Legislative Budget Board and held roles in other significant committees, advocating for fiscal responsibility and effective governmental operations.

As a businessman, Darby owns Surety Title, with multiple offices in West Texas, and serves Of Counsel at the law firm Jackson Walker, LLP, specializing in energy and real estate law. His professional background in business and law informs his legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to economic development and regulatory policies.

In terms of family, Rep. Darby is married to Clarisa, and together they have five children and eleven grandchildren. They are active members of the First Presbyterian Church in San Angelo, indicating a commitment to their community values.

Representative Darby's political leanings can be characterized as conservative, which is reflected in the key legislation he has sponsored and co-sponsored. He has been involved with several notable bills, such as:

  • HB15, aimed at creating the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas, which seeks to improve mental health funding and research.
  • HB6, appropriating funds for border barrier infrastructure construction, emphasizing border security as a priority in his legislative agenda.
  • HB3, relating to funding for law enforcement and construction maintenance of border barriers, which further illustrates his commitment to border security and law enforcement.

Other bills he has sponsored include those aimed at improving financial allocations for the Department of Agriculture and addressing environmental regulations for transportation projects. Through these efforts, Darby has shown support for both business interests and environmental considerations, aiming for a balance between economic growth and regulatory oversight.

Overall, Drew Darby’s legislative work reflects a strong inclination towards promoting conservative policies while addressing the unique needs of his constituents in West Texas. His extensive experience in business and law, coupled with a commitment to energy policy and fiscal responsibility, shapes his contributions to the Texas House of Representatives. He is dedicated to fostering development and ensuring that the challenges faced by Texas communities are met with informed and effective legislation.