Business leader, rancher, conservative Republican, and lifelong Northeast Texan Josh Bray announced today that he will run for Texas House District 1 in the 2026 March Republican Primary Election.
The district’s current representative, Gary VanDeaver, has announced that he will not seek another term.
Bray said he stepped up to run because the people of Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Morris, and Red River counties need a representative who understands what it takes to provide for the area’s economic future, and he brings real world experience with a servant’s heart to the job.
“The faith and conservative values of this district shaped who I am,” Bray said. “I was raised to wake up early, work hard every day, and live a life of meaning that honors my responsibilities to God, family, and community. This district is where I built a successful business and where I’m raising my family. That’s why I’ve devoted so much time and energy to shaping a better future by improving our education system, workforce, job opportunities, and health care. I believe our home is worth fighting for and I’m ready to take up that cause in the Texas House.”
Bray founded Sanitation Solutions and grew it into a regional company serving 65 cities and employing a team of around 150. After selling the business, Bray dedicated his time to regional leadership. His leadership roles include the Paris Economic Development Corporation, Paris Regional Health, Paris Junior College, PJC Foundation, Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Paris, Evergreen Cemetery Association, Guaranty Bank & Trust, and faithful service at his local church.
Bray said his campaign will focus on the priorities that matter most to Northeast Texans, starting with strong border security and property tax relief that is real and lasting. He will fight for the region’s landowners, industries, and natural resources against threats from outside metropolitan interests. He will also press the state to upgrade key roads and bridges, drive broadband to the homes and businesses that still lack it, and to strengthen workforce training for the local economy. Bray wants to improve skilled trade, technical, and health care programs through local colleges so students can step straight into good jobs close to home.
“We face challenges on many fronts,” Bray concluded. “We must protect the conservative values that shaped our way of life. We must also make sure that prosperity from the America First Agenda and the strong Texas economy extends to the families and hometowns here in Northeast Texas. These are the fights that will define our future; they’re fights we must win, and that’s why I’m running for state representative.”
Bray and his wife Beth have been married for 20 years and are raising their daughters Anniston and AnneLee in Paris. The Bray Family are active members of Christian Fellowship Church.
To learn more about Josh, please visit https://www.joshbrayfortexas.com/
