Jay Dean is a Texas State Representative serving House District 7, which encompasses parts of Gregg, Harrison, and Marion Counties. First elected in 2017, Dean has previously held the position of Mayor of Longview for a decade and served five years on the Longview City Council. Under his leadership, Longview garnered recognition from Forbes Magazine as one of the "best places for business," highlighting his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports economic growth.

As a lifelong conservative, Dean's legislative priorities reflect a focus on reducing government size, promoting responsible budgeting, and advocating for low tax rates. He strongly supports public education and workforce training while also upholding the right to life and the Second Amendment. Dean's professional background includes extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, where he is currently the General Manager of Thomas Oilfield Services, after previously managing his own business.

Legislative Involvement

Dean has been active in multiple committees, including:

• Appropriations Committee: This committee plays a vital role in managing the allocation of Texas taxpayer dollars across various sectors. With a bipartisan composition, it seeks to address fiscal challenges while ensuring responsible resource distribution.

• Higher Education Subcommittee on Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness: This subcommittee focuses on aligning educational initiatives with labor market needs, emphasizing the importance of preparing graduates for a competitive job market.

• Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee: This committee addresses issues related to juvenile justice reform and family law, reflecting Dean’s commitment to safeguarding youth and families.

He has sponsored or co-sponsored several significant bills, including:

• HB 15: Establishes the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas, aiming to address mental health challenges through enhanced research and funding.
• HB 25: Focuses on the wholesale importation of prescription drugs to improve accessibility and affordability.
• HB 4293: Aims to ease processes for establishing new open-enrollment charter school campuses, fostering competition in the educational landscape.
• HB 4666: Expands tuition and fee exemptions for military personnel and their dependents.
• HB 8: Proposes changes to public higher education financing, implementing performance-based funding for community colleges to enhance educational outcomes.

Dean's sponsorship of bills such as HB 1636, which includes benefits for Texas military forces, underscores his focus on supporting veterans and military families. His involvement in policies related to environmental regulation further demonstrates his commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Political Leanings and Community Engagement

Throughout his legislative career, Dean has maintained a conservative stance, as evidenced by his support for bills limiting government involvement in areas such as vaccine mandates (HB 7) and promoting economic stability through tax exemptions for small businesses (SB 3). He actively engages in discussions surrounding property tax relief, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on residents.

Dean resides in Longview with his wife, Pokie, where together they have raised three daughters and helped establish their church, St. Matthew's. His experience as a family man, small business owner, and dedicated public servant informs his approach to legislation, promoting policies that he believes will benefit the Texas community at large.