THE TEXAS TRIBUNE - Representative Nate Schatzline , a staunchly conservative Fort Worth Republican, declared his candidacy on Tuesday to take over the state Senate position abandoned by Kelly Hancock, who departed from the legislature the previous week to serve as Texas' interim comptroller.
It’s evident that our state will remain conservative only to the degree we are prepared to advocate for it," Schatzline stated during his announcement. "If elected as a senator, I will persistently make my presence known in the fight for Texans, steadfastly adhering to the principles and commitments I’ve upheld.
Gov. Greg Abbott has not yet scheduled a special election to fill the North Texas seat, which encompasses roughly half of Fort Worth and many of Tarrant County’s northern suburbs.
Hancock, a Republican from North Richland Hills, resigned from the Senate Last week, he secured a higher role within the comptroller’s office, setting the stage for him to assume the position of interim leader on July 1st. This transition occurs as Comptroller Glenn Hegar departs to serve as the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
Soon after leaving his position in the Senate, Hancock initiated his bid to secure a full term as comptroller in 2026.
Schatzline, who won a seat in the Texas House in 2022, stands out as one of the chamber’s most conservative representatives and often engages in political conflicts centered around religious matters and social topics. He serves on both the Corrections and Human Services committees.
In his campaign launch, he emphasized his efforts during this year's legislative session advocating for school voucher programs, mandating that public schools post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms, and prohibiting the sale of land to individuals affiliated with the Chinese, North Korean, Russian, and Iranian governments.
Schatzline launched his campaign backed by endorsements from numerous fellow House Republicans and various local politicians, including key figures from Tarrant County as well as representatives from Fort Worth and North Richland Hills cities.
A previous clergy member named Schatzline, who is 33 years old, established For Liberty & Justice, an organization aimed at encouraging the local church to bring about reform within the government. according to His campaign website was established accordingly. Additionally, he holds the position of Director of Operations at The Justice Reform, a non-profit based in Fort Worth that aims to tackle human trafficking.