Texas State Representative

Ken King

Biography

Ken King is currently serving his sixth term as the State Representative for House District 88, which encompasses 19 counties across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. He has developed a strong leadership role in the Texas House, chairing the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee and participating as a member of several other critical committees, including Public Education, the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity & Enrichment, and the Energy Council. Furthermore, he holds a position on the House Research Organization Board of Directors, which provides nonpartisan information on legislative matters.

Before his legislative service, King was engaged in local government, having served over five years on the Canadian Independent School District's School Board, including a term as president. His community involvement extends to leadership roles in the YMCA and the Hemphill County Appraisal District's Executive Board.

King's professional background includes significant involvement in the energy sector, where he is the president of Black Gold Pump and Supply Inc. He is actively associated with industry organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute and the Independent Producers Association of America. In addition to his business endeavors, Ken is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and is associated with various local agricultural and ranching organizations, reflecting his strong ties to Texas's rural landscape.

King and his wife, Robin, have two grown children and are active participants in their community and church. They contribute to several local initiatives, including the KK-125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Legislative Agenda and Political Leanings

Throughout his time in the legislature, King has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills that reflect a commitment to enhancing public education, fiscal accountability, and community safety. Notably, he is a joint author of House Bill 331, which focuses on financial adjustments for the expansion of open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. This bill, which has garnered attention for its implications on educational funding, aims to improve the fiscal structure surrounding charter schools and is expected to enhance educational options for families.

In addition, King has shown support for public safety and law enforcement standards, as indicated by his sponsorship of Senate Bill 21, which seeks to ensure that law enforcement agencies achieve and maintain accreditation. This bill not only aims to bolster the performance standards across law enforcement agencies in Texas but also includes a grant program to assist smaller departments in meeting these standards.

King's participation on various legislative committees, particularly those focused on education and public safety, positions him as a centrist leader who prioritizes both community development and effective governance. His support for bills aimed at improving education funding and enhancing safety protocols in schools further underscores a balanced approach to legislation, catering to the needs and interests of his constituents.

Through his legislative actions, Ken King reflects a dedication to fostering educational improvement and developing strategic initiatives that address the needs of Texans, especially in rural areas. His engagement in key sectors such as energy and public safety illustrates a multifaceted approach to constituency service and policy advocacy.