About David Simpson
Biography
Republican State Representative for East Texas
David Simpson was grateful to be elected State Representative of House District 7 in 2010, defeating a seven-term incumbent, by running on a platform of defending the Constitution, preserving our East Texas family values, and restoring government to its proper, limited role. He was re-elected in 2012 by a large margin. District 7 is comprised of Gregg and Upshur Counties.
In just his first session, Simpson earned the “Taxpayer Champion” award from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and the “Freshman of the Year” award from Young Conservatives of Texas; he was also named “Co-MVP of the Freshman Class” by Capitol Inside for his effectiveness as a legislator.
Deep Roots in Texas
David is a seventh generation Texan. He was born in Lubbock and grew up in Dallas, spending summers and weekends in East Texas at the family’s home place in Avinger, where his family settled in the mid 1800s. David and his family have lived in Longview since 2000.
Family
David and Susan Simpson have been married for 27 years. They live in Longview and have been blessed with seven children, ranging in age from eight to twenty-four, and two grandsons. The youngest three are still at home. David and his family enjoy hiking, target shooting, and horseback riding together.
Faith and Church
David and his family are active members of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, where he has regularly led the prayer meeting and occasionally taught.
Public Service
David served several terms as Mayor of the City of Avinger, Texas, from 1993 to 1998. During this time he led several revitalization projects to renew and restore downtown Avinger. He also led the city council to establish a municipal court and law enforcement department. President George W. Bush, when he was Governor of Texas, commissioned Mr. Simpson to serve as a member of the Ark-Tex Regional Review Committee in 1996. Mr. Simpson resigned as Mayor in August 1998 when he moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, due to his employment with Republic Group.
Education
Mr. Simpson is a 1979 graduate of Highland Park High School, a 1983 graduate of Vanderbilt University, receiving a B.A. in philosophy, and a 1988 graduate of Trinity Ministerial Academy of Montville, New Jersey.
Business Experience
Mr. Simpson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Avinger Timber LLC, which owns and manages timberlands in several counties in northeast Texas. He also manages other small businesses, including Simpson Publishing Company, which he founded. Previously he was employed by Republic Group Inc. (formerly NYSE: RGC) as Manager of Mill Operations (1998 – 2000) and Executive Vice President-Paperboard (2000). He was a director of the company from 1994 to 1998 and again in 2000 until it was sold.
David is grateful to be endorsed by the following organizations and individuals:
Organizations and Ratings
- Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (A+)
- Texas Right to Life PAC (100%)
- Texas Alliance for Life PAC
- Grassroots America - We the People, Tyler
- Young Conservatives of Texas (91%, Honor Roll)
- Heritage Alliance (90%)
- National Rifle Association (A+)
- Texas State Rifle Association (A+)
- Conservative Republicans of Texas
- Texans for Lawsuit Reform
- Texas Farm Bureau AgFund (90%)
- VOCAL (Voice of Conservatism and Liberty)
- Upshur County Conservative Coalition
- Texas Conservative Digest (A)
- Texas Homeschool Coalition
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Texas Eagle Forum (87%)
- Farmers Employees and Agents PAC
- AEP Texas PAC
- Texas Forestry Association
- Texas Architects Committee
- Texas Apartment Association
- PACE - Political Action Committee for Engineers
Republican Party Leadership
Click here for our press release from the campaign announcing over 80% precinct chair endorsements!
"David Simpson has proven himself to be a champion of conservative values and common sense government. David’s leadership and willingness to serve the people are qualities that are so desperately needed in government today."
-- Brenda Patterson, SREC Committeewoman SD 1—Gilmer
"I support those candidates that will support the Republican Platform of Texas. The Texas Republican Platform is not just a wish list; it is a manual of how grassroots Republicans want The State of Texas to be run. David Simpson is a man that will support the Republican Platform of Texas. We need David in the Texas House to give a voice to the grassroots Republicans not being heard in District 7."
-- Josh Flynn, SREC Committeeman SD 15—Houston
Dennis & Maggie Boerner, Former SREC Committeeman SD 1 and Camp County Republican Chair, respectively
"David is the only conservative candidate in the race. His opponent’s voting record has been very liberal."
-- Ashton Oravetz, Smith County Republican Chairman—Tyler
"I have gotten to know David very well over the last couple of years. I am confident in his integrity, ability and leadership. Compassionate conservatism is what we need in our governmental leaders. David is that kind of leader."
--Chad Sims, Harrison County Republican Chairman—Marshall
"We need a statesman, not a politician. David does not make expedient claims prior to an election just to get a vote."
--Ermine Schufeldt, Former Gregg County Republican Precinct 8a Chair—Longview
East Texas County Chairs:
Cynthia Ridgeway (Upshur), Ashton Oravetz (Smith), Chad Sims (Harrison), Gene Edwards (Marion), Eileen Collins (Cass), Sheila Head (Rusk), Charlene Irwin (Morris), Donnie Wisenbaker (Hopkins), Sue Evenwel (Titus), Bert Edmondson (Franklin), Pam Derr (Delta), Shawn Tully (Red River), Ken Autrey (Bowie)
Gregg County GOP Leaders and Precinct Chairs:
Don Radcliffe (3), Brian Bowden (6), Gail Lester (7), Kyle Smith (8), Kevin Massey (10 and Vice-Chair), Virgil Bohanan (11), Kelly Rolland (12), Kirk Rotramel (13), Sandra Odom (14), Thomas Wood (16 and VP of the Gregg County Republican Club), Laura Hargis (18), Andy Farrell (19), Bill Daniel (20), Judith Frey (Secretary)
Upshur County GOP Leaders and Precinct Chairs:
Cynthia Ridgeway (9 and Chair), Denice McDonald (Republican Women), Madaline Barber (5 and Secretary), Kenneth Yates (13 and Chaplain), Keith Barber (Sgt. at Arms), Lanette Crittenden (1), Joy Connery (4), Cotton Jones (6), Blanton Dawson (7), Jackie Oliver (8), Jed Hefner (10), Bill Stenger (12), Matt Byrd (14), Joe Dodd (15), Ken Patterson (16), Teresa Huggins (17), Glenn Leach (19)
The People of East Texas
"We have had the pleasure of getting to know David and we would without hesitation endorse him. He is the real thing, he is a good Christian man who deserves our wholehearted support."
--Jeff & Carolyn Baynham—Hideaway
"Just like with Sarah Palin, God has sent David Simpson to help us at such a time as this."
--Neal & Judy Frey —Longview (Judy serves as the Gregg County Republican Secretary)
"David and I have volunteer coached together several years. I have seen how he leads and guides young men on the athletic field and how they respond to him. I observed how he responded to the officials and opponents. You can ascertain a great deal about a man’s character when he is coaching. I have great respect for David as a man of great character. He is a wonderful father and has a fantastic family. He will do the same excellent job as our representative. I have great confidence in him."
--Bill Godsey, PG, President, Geo Logic Environmental Services, LLC—Longview
"We support David Simpson because he is a godly man who stands for individual liberty. He will fight for our rights to educate our children in the way we feel best."
--Justin & Cheryl Little, home school parents—Longview
"David Simpson is a man with experience in business and government, guided by strong principles and personal integrity. We can count on him to do what’s right for the citizens of East Texas."
--Jim Mauldin, MD — Longview
"David Simpson’s integrity and commitment to God, Country, and Family is above reproach. For a man of this caliber to step forward for the people at a time such as this, is both inspiring and comforting. He is the type of hero and leader that can change the course of a nation."
--Kathy McCommon, Premiere Whole Health — Longview
"In a time of big government on multiple levels that constantly dismisses the will of the people, it is time to bring responsible government close to home. The time is right; the time is now to right the ship. David Simpson will be much more likely to reflect the will of his east Texas constituents than the fourteen year incumbent. Career politicians are not the answer on any level. It is time for a change. It is time to vote for liberty."
-- LtCol Joel Muirhead, MD—Longview
"I have known David and Susan and their family for several years. David really cares about his (our) country, property rights, family values. We need a truly conservative voice to represent us in Austin. David supports voter ID. We need a statesman, not a politician. He does not make expedient claims prior to an election just to get a vote."
--Paul & Ermine Schufeldt, delegates to several Republican State Conventions—Longview
"I support David Simpson because HE CAN WIN and because he will represent MY VOICE in the Texas House.""
--John B. Ross, DDS—Longview
"Thanks again for giving the people of District 7 a real choice."
--Danny Perkins—Longview
"For constituents of District 7 which are looking for a true conservative voice and a fresh new representative in Austin, David is the best choice."
--John E. Petty—Longview
"We feel that David Simpson is a man of honor, values and is a constitutional candidate."
--Fred & Joy Lawrence—Lindale
David is the "real deal."
--Pam Burton—Lindale
"Hearing David speak about his philosophy of small but efficient government and free but conscientious citizens is a refreshing change after wading through the political murk, muck, smoke and mirrors that we have come to accept--and expect--from our politicians. I believe his views represent the convictions of most East Texans and that the citizens of District 7 would benefit from a representative voice like David’s in Austin."
--Mike & Kristi Simpson– Kilgore
"We need a true Republican in the House to represent District 7. It’s difficult to tell what party his opponent represents but it’s certainly not the Republican party! David will serve us well."
--Ronald Wade—Longview
"We are so excited that you are running for state office and supporting conservative issues in Texas!"
-- Dr. and Mrs. Mark Wallis—Longview
"I believe David will represent us in a true conservative and Christian manner. He will listen to our voice."
-- Larry G. Wyatt—Longview Minister and Constitutionalist
"We are so excited that you are running for state office and supporting conservative issues in Texas!"
-- Edward Hulsey—Longview
"We support David Simpson because he represents what’s best for our district. He is a man of character that understands our Constitution. He is not a lifetime politician who’s been diluted by years of fostering favors for the establishment. It’s time for a positive change in District 7."
-- Truett & Debi Phillips—Lindale
"To place David Simpson at this post is to put a watchman on the tower as an advocate of the people, who will care he is sent by the people, who will truly be there for the people. If you want to actually be represented...if you want a man in there who will do what is right and proper for you no matter what it costs him...if you want someone who will go and do exactly what he says he will do... then here he is, send him."
-- Phil Hodson, Pastor—Longview
"David Simpson is the kind of leader we need. His integrity and character are of the highest standard. I’ve seen first hand his dedication and tireless commitment to everything he does. David has a clear vision for Texas that reflects the traditional values of East Texas. David is a trusted friend and can be counted on to represent the people well."
-- Keith Jarvis—Gilmer
Statement of Faith
Though the Texas Constitution prohibits any religious test for holding a civil office, it does require the acknowledgement of a Supreme Being.1 Our forefathers believed in liberty of conscience and religious liberty in particular, but they also believed that humanity was subject to its Creator. In light of this constitutional requirement, and so that you may know what my basic convictions are, I have included this statement of faith below.
Natural Revelation
I believe that God has revealed himself in nature.2 This natural revelation is the source of what is referred to as the “Laws of Nature” in the Declaration of Independence. It is also the basis for the concept of the “rule of law.”3 This is especially important for our nation and state where civil servants swear an oath, not to men, but to the Constitution, which acknowledges the preexisting principles of justice and individual rights of human beings given by God. In fact the Constitution was established to protect these principles against arbitrary decisions or actions of an officeholder or even a majority who would violate “the rule of law.”4
Redemptive Revelation
I also believe that God has revealed himself in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is his eternal Son of God and the Savior of all who come to him in faith.5 I trust him as my Lord and Savior.
Creation and Providence
I do not believe that the universe is an accident. I believe that God created all things for his glory and that history is the unfolding of God’s all wise and glorious purpose.
Human Dignity
I believe that humanity is the crown of God’s creation, being made in God’s image.6 Because of this amazing distinction from all other creatures, the life and liberty of each human being is sacred. Human dignity and sovereignty, under God, are rooted in individual human beings and not social groups or associations or races.7
Worship and Stewardship
Moreover, I believe God made us for himself — to know and enjoy him8 and to be stewards of his creation.9 Simply put, mankind was made to worship and to work. Because man is free and accountable ultimately only to God, true worship cannot be coerced; it must be voluntarily offered in faith according to one’s conscience informed by God and reason. This is the ground for religious liberty. And because work is re-creation and utilization of the resources and creatures which God made, the creation should be used, enjoyed and conserved wisely for humanity and God’s glory. This is the ground for private property. The fruits of our labor are an extension of our lives.
Purpose and Limit of Civil Government
Humanity now is corrupted by sin.10 God’s image is still integral to humanity, but the likeness is distorted in varying degrees, and human dignity is mixed with depravity. Man’s actions which harm other men must be checked by force to preserve human life and liberty. I believe that this is the legitimate role of civil government — to do justice and to protect individual rights of life, liberty and property.11 This consists of enforcing the rules between individuals (contracts), punishing the wrongdoer who harms his neighbor here at home, and defending us from our enemies abroad. Civil government, otherwise, should leave us alone and free.
Civil government must be limited, lest it take away the rights of individuals that it was instituted to protect. Civil magistrates, if granted excessive authority and opportunity, may act merely in their own interests and at the expense of the people whom they are to protect.
Finally, I believe that local self-government is the best form of civil government.12 Local self-government made our large and diverse country a great nation and it is essential that it be preserved or we will lose our freedom and the union.13
