East Texas Rep. announces campaign to replace State Sen. Nichols
Posted/updated on: June 25, 2025 at 11:34 pm
JACKSONVILLE – East Texas State Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville announced on Tuesday that he’s not running for re-election in Texas Senate District 3. Our news partner KETK reports that, following Nichols’ announcement, East Texas State Rep. Trent Ashby announced his bid for the seat.
Nichols has served in the Texas Legislature for 20 years and was outspoken on issues like school choice, which he openly opposed.
“It had always been my goal to make things better, to stop bad things, to do it in a way I thought was right, never forgetting who I represented and to work at it long enough, but not too long. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to have represented the people of East Texas in the Texas Senate.” said State Sen. Robert Nichols
Nichols’ announcement comes on the same day that East Texas State Representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin launched his campaign.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve you in the Texas House. Now I’m stepping up to fight for our rural values in the Texas Senate,” Ashby said. “I’m running to protect our East Texas way of life, defend our conservative principles and ensure our voice is heard loud and clear in Austin.”
Ashby said the people of East Texas owe Nichols a debt of gratitude for his many years of service to the district.
“For nearly two decades, Sen. Nichols has been a steady and respected voice for East and Southeast Texas,” Ashby said. “Throughout his time in office, he has exemplified what it means to be a public servant-leading with humility, integrity and deep commitment to the people he represents. His legacy is one of quiet strength and principled service and the people of Senate District 3 owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his years of faithful service.”
Ashby represents Texas House District 9 which is entirely within Senate District 3 and covers the cities of Crockett, Lufkin, Groveton, Livingston, Woodville and San Augustine. Ashby was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2014.
