James White (Texas politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James White
White in 2021
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 19th district
In office January 8, 2013 – August 11, 2022
Preceded by	Tuffy Hamilton
Succeeded by	Ellen Troxclair
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 12th district
In office January 11, 2011 – January 8, 2013
Preceded by	Jim McReynolds
Succeeded by	Kyle Kacal
Personal details
Born	James Earl White (1964-07-16) July 16, 1964 (age 60) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University (BS, MEd) University of Houston (MS, PhD)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1986–1992
Unit	Infantry Division

James Earl White (born July 16, 1964) is a former politician from Texas. He used to be a member of the Texas House of Representatives. This is a group of people who make laws for the state of Texas.

He represented District 19, which includes several counties like Polk and Hardin. Before that, he represented District 12. He is a member of the Republican Party. James White left his position on August 11, 2022. He lives in Hillister.

Early Life and Education

James White was born and grew up in Houston. He went to public schools there. In 1982, he finished high school at Lamar High School.

In 1986, he earned a degree in political science and military science. He got this from Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University. This is a special university known as a historically black college.

Military Service and Career

After college, James White joined the United States Army. He served as an officer in the infantry from 1986 to 1992.

Later, he became a teacher in Houston. He also wrote articles for Headway Magazine. He then taught at Woodville High School in Woodville. Besides teaching, he owns a cattle ranch. He is also a member of the Hillister Baptist Church.

Further Education and Community Involvement

James White continued his education. In 2000, he earned a Master of Education degree from Prairie View. He later received two more degrees from the University of Houston. He got a Master of Science in 2010 and a Ph.D. in 2012.

He is part of several groups. These include the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which are for military veterans. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association of America and the Farm Bureau. He is on the board of the Texas Federation of Republican Outreach.

Political Journey

James White started his political career in 2010. He ran for the Texas House in District 12. He won against the person who held the seat before him, Jim McReynolds.

In 2012, his district changed to District 19. He won the Republican primary election against Mike "Tuffy" Hamilton. After that, he ran without any opponents from other parties in the main election.

Key Legislative Actions

As a state representative, James White worked on different laws. In 2013, he voted against a bill about allowing some young people to get immunizations.

In 2017 and 2019, he introduced bills about historical monuments. These bills aimed to protect public monuments and memorials from being moved or changed. This included monuments related to military service or other historical events.

In 2018, he was re-elected. He won by a large number of votes against his opponent, Sherry Williams.

Focus on Fairer Laws

James White was the only African-American Republican in the Texas Legislature at one point. He was known for being a strong conservative. He also worked to make laws fairer for everyone, especially in the area of criminal justice. He tried to pass a law to limit arrests for very minor offenses, but it did not pass.

In June 2021, James White announced he would not run for the Texas House again. Instead, he decided to run for Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

Later Career

On August 11, 2022, James White left his position in the Texas House. He took on a new role as the executive director of the Texas Funeral Services Commission.