Congressional District 22 in Texas just got a double dose of drama with Rep. Troy Nehls bowing out and his identical twin stepping up to the plate.
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, followed immediately by his brother Trever Nehls declaring his candidacy for the same seat, as Fox News reports.
Nehls, who has represented the district since 2021, shared that his decision came after heartfelt discussions with his family during the Thanksgiving holiday.
"After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress," Nehls posted on X.
That’s a legacy worth respecting, but let’s be real—walking away from the fight in D.C. at a time when conservative values need every voice is a tough pill to swallow. Still, family first is a principle we can all get behind.
Nehls, 57, has been a steadfast ally of President Donald Trump, even personally notifying Trump of his plans before going public with the news.
As a vocal backer of Trump’s agenda, Nehls has pushed hard for policies like mass deportation of unauthorized migrants, with his recent legislation to ease such removals advancing through the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month.
He’s also co-sponsored a bill to put Trump’s face on the $100 bill and advocated renaming Dulles International Airport in Trump’s honor. Talk about leaving a mark—though some might say it’s more of a billboard than a footnote.
Nehls has consistently urged the Republican Party to rally behind Trump’s every move, a stance that’s earned him both admiration and scrutiny in today’s polarized climate.
Before Congress, Nehls served in the U.S. Army Reserves with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and spent decades in law enforcement as a police officer, constable, and Fort Bend County Sheriff. That’s the kind of grit we need in politics, even if he’s stepping away for now.
His exit adds to a troubling trend of Republican lawmakers leaving their posts, with names like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also stepping down recently amid reported tensions with Trump. It begs the question—where’s the fight when we need it most against a progressive agenda run amok?
Enter Trever Nehls, Troy’s identical twin, who wasted no time announcing his run for the open seat in District 22 with a promise to carry on the same conservative torch.
"I am honored to announce my candidacy for Congressional District 22 to continue fighting for the people of this district," Trever Nehls posted on Facebook. "District 22 needs a Representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people."
That’s a bold pledge, and if Trever can match Troy’s energy, we might just see District 22 remain a stronghold against policies that threaten traditional values. But twins or not, the voters will decide if the mirror image holds up under scrutiny.
