Trenton Edward Ashby (born October 9, 1972) is an American politician in the state of Texas, who currently represents District 9 of the Texas House of Representatives. He previously represented District 57, which at that time was composed of Angelina County, Houston County, Leon County, Madison County, San Augustine County, and Trinity County. Prior to being a state representative, Ashby was a local politician and business owner.
Trent Ashby | |
|---|---|
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Chris Paddie |
| Constituency | 9th district |
| In office January 8, 2013 – January 10, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Marva Beck |
| Succeeded by | Richard Hayes |
| Constituency | 57th district |
| Member of LISD Board of Trustees | |
| In office 2007–2012 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Trenton Edward Ashby October 9, 1972 Rusk County, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Nickie |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Lufkin, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M University (BA) |
| Signature |  |
Early life
editTrenton Edward Ashby[1] was born on October 9, 1972, in Rusk County, Texas.[2][3] He was raised in rural Rusk County on a dairy farm and diversified livestock operation. While growing up, Ashby was an elected leader in his local FFA and 4-H youth organizations.[3] Graduating from Henderson High School, Ashby would go on to attend Texas A&M University where he was elected to the Student Senate, Senior Yell Leader, and Class Treasurer. He graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in 1996, and is still affiliated with Texas A&M through the Texas A&M Letterman's Association and Association of Former Students.[4]
Political career
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Ashby is a former president and member of the nonpartisan Lufkin Independent School District Board of Trustees; his tenure on the school board started in 2007 and ended in 2012. He served as president of the board in his final 2 years.[3][5]
In 2012, Ashby entered the Republican primary to represent District 57 of the Texas House of Representatives, he was challenging incumbent representative Marva Beck. Ultimately, Ashby won the primary with 58.1% of the votes and was unopposed in the general election. He was sworn in to represent District 57 on January 8, 2013. He has been subsequently reelected, by large margins or was unopposed, in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.[6][7] In 2022, after redistricting, the district was numbered as District 9; Ashby ran to represent the newly-numbered District and was again successful.
In October 2020, Ashby filed for candidacy to be speaker of Texas House of Representatives.[8] Ashby and Dade Phelan (R—Beaumont) were considered the primary contenders before Ashby backed out of the race, endorsing Geanie Morrison, after Phelan announced he had the votes to win the speakership.[9] Ultimately, Phelan was elected the speaker.
Policies
editKTRE characterized Ashby as a "conservative Republican."[3] He has earned a 70% rating from the American Conservative Union.[2]
Ashby has a record of being anti-abortion. He has supported and co-sponsored several bills restricting abortion access, including Texas House Bill 2 which banned abortion passed 20 weeks of gestation.[10] This record has earned him a 100% rating from Texas Alliance for Life, a 60% from Texas Right to Life Committee, and a 0% from NARAL Pro-Choice Texas.[2]
Personal life
editAshby is a resident of Lufkin, Texas, with his wife Nickie and two sons. The Ashby family are active members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church. Additionally, he is active in several local non-profit organizations.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Legislative Reference Library | Legislators and Leaders | Member profile". lrl.texas.gov. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ a b c "Trent Ashby's Ratings and Endorsements". Vote Smart. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Trent Ashby profile". www.ktre.com. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ Representatives, Texas House of. "Texas House of Representatives". www.house.texas.gov. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Elected Officials Directory: Texas Representative Trent Ashby | The Texas Tribune". 21 December 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-12-21. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ "Texas State House - District 57 Election Results | USA TODAY". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
- ^ "Trent Ashby". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
- ^ Cobler, Nicole. "4 Republicans, 1 Democrat declare candidacy for Texas House speaker". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ Pollock, Cassandra (4 November 2020). "State Rep. Dade Phelan says he has votes to become speaker of Texas House". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 23 August 2020.