We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.
Republican Shelley Luther earned 77.7 percent of the vote, beating Democrat Tiffany Drake, who took in 22.3 percent, in District 62.
A Texas woman jailed for defying COVID-19 lockdown mandates by keeping her salon open has been elected to the state’s House District 62.
“When he finally pushed it back a final time I just woke up one day and I said, ‘I have to open, my stylists are calling me, they’re not making their mortgage,’” Luther said.
Behind on her own mortgage, she reopened her shop in April, but was arrested and jailed for seven days and ordered to pay $500 for each day the salon was open.
“I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I’m selfish, because feeding my kids is not selfish,“ Luther responded. ”I have hair stylists that are going hungry because they’d rather feed their kids.
“So, sir, if you think the law is more important than kids getting fed, then please go ahead with your decision, but I am not going to shut the salon.”
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stay-at-home executive order that prohibited what was then classified as “non-essential” businesses from operating to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” Abbott said.
The state Supreme Court ordered Luther be released after state officials, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, spoke out to support her.
Luther later unsuccessfully ran for state Senate in 2020, then lost to an incumbent Reggie Smith in the 2022 Republican primary for Texas House District 62.
She defeated Smith in the March primary and proceeded to the 2024 general election.
She ran on issues such as border enforcement, election integrity, and the prohibition of sexual content in public schools.
Zachary Stieber and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.