Here’s who’s in the race for District 71

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Since State Representative Stan Lambert’s retirement announcement, many have stepped forward to serve House District 71. Here’s who is running so far.

Eddie Pugh

Pugh describes himself as someone who will call out corruption when others are silent. He seeks to fight for government transparency, judicial reform, and stronger protection.

“I am running because District 71 deserves real leadership—not another politician who answers to special interests or bows to the establishment. Our community deserves someone who will fight for government transparency, real judicial reform, and stronger protection for our families and neighborhoods,” Pugh shared. “I will not accept donations from lobbyists or political insiders. This campaign is powered by the people, for the people—because our voices matter more than their money. Together, we can build a District 71 where justice is fair, government is honest, and families come first. It’s time for strong, relentless leadership that cannot be bought, silenced, or controlled!”

Blaise Regan

Regan is an Abilene attorney and City Councilman, seeking to stand for what he calls West Texas values: work ethic, our family values, and passionate service.

Diana Luna

Native Abilenian Diana Luna is a data analyst in the non-profit space. She is a local organizer with the Liberal Moms of Abilene group and the Taylor County Democratic Party.

“My hope for this campaign is that I can give a voice to everyday voters who may feel like politics doesn’t affect them. It’s wage earners, hourly workers, the disabled, and the elderly whom the policies in Austin affect the most, yet historically have voted the least,” Luna shared. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make to throw my hat into the ring, and in fact, if you ask around, you’ll be told that I actually declined several times. But in the spirit of another trouble-making woman, I’m going to fight for the things I care about, and hope that I do it in a way that others will follow me.”

Jay Hardaway

Former Abilene city councilmember and businessman Jay Hardaway went public with his campaign Friday morning. Hardaway, touting his “conservative values”, wants to run a positive campaign focused on issues that will have a direct impact on the West Texas community he hopes to serve.

“As a husband, father, and lifelong resident of the Big Country, I am committed to delivering on
the issues that will keep our region and our state strong and prosperous,” Hardaway shared. “We must continue to deliver meaningful and permanent property tax relief, secure our border and keep our communities safe, promote policies to ensure Texas students have the best teachers and schools, protect private property owner rights, defend life and the Second Amendment, and continue to foster an environment of job creation and economic growth that make the Lone Star State the envy of the rest of the country.”

Joshua Ohlemacher

Ohlemacher describes himself as a liberty-minded, principled conservative. A lifelong Texan and father of six, his campaign platform highlights reducing government overreach, cutting unnecessary spending, defending constitutional rights, and supporting strong borders with lawful immigration.

“My goal is to be a voice for individual liberty and then fiscal responsibility for the government that does exist,” Ohlemacher said.

BriTanya Brown

Brown’s Facebook page describes her as a “care-servative” progressive, looking to protect families, dignity and everyday people in the community. She is a mom, an educator and a nationwide movement leader.

Liz Case

Taylor County rancher Liz Case ran against Lambert in the Republican Primary Election two years ago. During her campaign, Case plans to highlight issues such as border security, property tax relief, parental rights and educational freedom, election integrity, culture of life, and more.

“I first got into politics because of the Pro-Life movement decades ago, and I led grassroots efforts to help save women’s sports at the State Capitol,” said Case. “I will always stand firm to protect Texans’ right to Life, Liberty, and Property, not be another politician who masquerades as a conservative at home but doesn’t follow through in Austin.”