In a significant political upset, Shelley Luther, a former Dallas salon owner known for her defiance of COVID-19 shutdown orders, won the Republican primary for Texas House District 62. Luther, who became a symbol of resistance against pandemic-related restrictions, secured 53.4% of the vote, defeating seven-year incumbent Reggie Smith, who garnered 46.6%. Smith, who opposed school choice, was the 6th incumbent ousted in the night's elections. Luther's victory was notably supported by a school choice super PAC, highlighting the election's focus on both pandemic responses and education policy.
Conservative activist Shelley Luther has won her rematch against incumbent Republican State Rep. Reggie Smith of Van Alystne to represent House District 62 in North Texas. 📲Full Story: https://t.co/mU09jlqnVX https://t.co/ORUhz0LwuK
Shelley Luther, the former Dallas County salon owner who made national headlines for defying COVID-19 shutdown orders, won the Republican primary in Texas House District 62 along the Red River on Super Tuesday. https://t.co/4u4sYrCyGz
HUGE! Shelley Luther defeats Rep. Reggie Smith in Texas House primary race Shelley was the salon owner who refused to close during COVID... even when Texas was keeping businesses closed. She'd be great in Congress. https://t.co/9ZYeMRY2pI
Shelley Luther, former Dallas salon owner who defied COVID-19 orders, wins Texas House District primary https://t.co/kThERsOxPf
BREAKING: Texas House District 62 Republican Primary: Reggie Smith:* 46.6% Shelley Luther: 53.4% Smith was a 7-year incumbent and opposed school choice. Luther was endorsed by my organization's school choice super PAC. 6th incumbent ousted tonight. https://t.co/e3nOp92CJ7