Texas Values Action recently released the 2017 Faith & Family Scorecard showing how state legislators performed in the 85th Texas Legislature on our core issues impacting religious freedom, marriage and family, life, and privacy, as well as other important pro-family reforms.

Thanks to the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, the 85th Legislature saw progress made in protecting religious liberty and life, but obstruction by House leadership ensured several important pro-family bills were killed – most notably the Texas Privacy Act, a statewide law to keep men out of women’s bathrooms in government buildings.

To recognize legislators that demonstrated a strong commitment to voting for and supporting our core issues, House and Senate members that scored 90% and above are recognized as 2017 Faith & Family Champions:

Senate Faith & Family Champions:

Sen. Donna Campbell
Sen. Bryan Hughes
Sen. Don Huffines
Sen. Brian Birdwell
Sen. Bob Hall
Sen. Charles Perry
Sen. Paul Bettencourt
Sen. Brandon Creighton
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst
Sen. Konni Burton
Sen. Jane Nelson
Sen. Kelly Hancock
Sen. Larry Taylor
Sen. Van Taylor
Sen. Dawn Buckingham
Sen. Craig Estes
Sen. Charles Schwertner
Sen. Joan Huffman

House Faith and Family Champions:

Rep. Matt Schaefer
Rep. Matt Krause
Rep. Ron Simmons
Rep. Cole Hefner
Rep. Matt Rinaldi
Rep. Briscoe Cain
Rep. Bill Zedler
Rep. Greg Bonnen
Rep. Jonathan Stickland
Rep. Valoree Swanson
Rep. Mark Keough
Rep. Mike Lang
Rep. Scott Sanford
Rep. Phil King
Rep. James Frank
Rep. Jeff Leach
Rep. Tony Tinderholt
Rep. Tom Oliverson
Rep. Dennis Paul
Rep. Mike Schofield
Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson
Rep. Dan Flynn
Rep. Dwayne Bohac
Rep. Wayne Faircloth
Rep. Pat Fallon
Rep. Jim Murphy
Rep. Kevin Roberts
Rep. Matt Shaheen
Rep. Craig Goldman
Rep. Stephanie Klick
Rep. Will Metcalf
Rep. Terry Wilson
Rep. Rick Miller
Rep. Drew Springer

In contrast to the Faith & Family Champions, some state legislators – most notably several Republicans close to House Speaker Joe Straus – performed poorly on the scorecard. Many of these Republicans openly opposed much-needed legislation like the Texas Privacy Act and, in some cases, cast votes against priority religious liberty and pro-life legislation while supporting legislation promoted by LGBT advocates.

Also of note is that several House Republicans scored lower than Democratic Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (86%), who has received “Honorable Mention” recognition for his support of the Texas Privacy Act and legislation supporting religious liberty, life, and school choice.

Notable Texas House Republicans that scored poorly:

Rep. Byron Cook – 59%
Rep. Jason Villalba – 48%
Rep. John Zerwas – 56%
Rep. Charlie Geren – 59%
Rep. Ken King – 54%
Rep. John Kuempel – 68%
Rep. Lance Gooden – 67%
Rep. Larry Gonzales – 59%
Rep. J.D. Sheffield – 60%
Rep. Drew Darby – 63%
Rep. Sarah Davis – 3%

With the primary elections already coming into focus, now is the time for Texans to equip themselves and hold their elected officials accountable. We must continue our work to ensure that the values of faith, family, and freedom are more strongly upheld.

One of the most important ways you can help Texas Values Action hold our elected officials accountable is by making a generous donation today to help cover the cost of producing and distributing the 2017 Faith and Family Scorecard.

Your financial support is critical to ensuring more Texans are reached with this important tool and that our elected officials are held accountable for their record in Austin