Abbott sends cease and desist to local representative

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the campaign manager for Gov. Greg Abbott has sent a cease and desist notice to Texas House Rep. Travis Clardy, saying he is falsely claiming the governor has endorsed him for re-election. Clardy currently represents in District 11 including Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Rusk, Sabine and Shelby counties. Abbott endorsed Clardy’s opponent, Joanne Shofner, in December, stating she is the new conservative voice needed in Austin to help secure key republican victories.

According to Clardy’s website, Abbott released the statement in Dec. 2020. Clardy has held the position for 11 years and has been in several committee assignments including House Higher Education Committee and International Relations and Economic Development Committee. “It is unfortunate that you would misrepresent Governor Abbott’s position on your race on your website, which serves only to confuse voters about who is the actual conservative candidate in the race. Which begs to question, what other matters have you tried to confuse voters on,” said in the letter.

Clardy’s official campaign website has the following quote from Abbott as of this writing:

“Representative Clardy has helped lead the cause for improved teacher pay, retention and recruitment in the Texas school system. Not only that, his small business background means Representative Clardy understands the importance of a thriving business climate in the state of Texas. I am proud to endorse Travis Clardy for another term as a State Representative. The voters of House District 11 can be assured that Representative Clardy will faithfully fight for their values and needs in Austin.”

The letter ended saying, “we demand you cease and desist using Governor Abbott’s endorsement in your campaign materials, including without limitation your campaign website, social media posts, and any paid media.”

Clardy’s office has not immediately responded to request for comment.