LUFKIN, TX – Long time community leader and East Texas native Rocky Thigpen announced today that he will run in the Republican Primary for State Representative in House District 9, which includes all of Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity, and Tyler Counties.
With the announcement that current State Representative Trent Ashby will run to represent Senate District 3, House District 9 will be an open seat.
“Trent represented this district with dignity and brought back many wins for our region,” said Thigpen. “I look forward to building on those successes and continuing that tradition of effective, conservative leadership here in East Texas.”
With deep roots across all six counties of the district, Thigpen brings many years of law enforcement experience and a lifetime of public service to the race. A retired sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Thigpen patrolled every county in the district during his distinguished career as a highway patrolman before retiring in 2018.
“I’ve spent my life serving the people of East Texas, and I’m running for the Texas House to continue that work at the next level,” said Thigpen. “We need strong, conservative leadership that prioritizes public safety, supports our small businesses, and helps rural communities thrive and prosper.”
A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Thigpen has previously served as a city council member and currently represents Precinct 1 on the Angelina County Commissioners Court. His past civic involvement includes service on the Planning and Zoning Board, as President of the Board of Crime Stoppers of LuZin, as a member of the Airport Advisory Board, on the State Bar of Texas District 2B Grievance Commi\ee, and the Mosaic Center board.
In addition to his public service, Thigpen is Vice President of the Texas Division of Overseas Hardwoods Company, an importer and distributor of high-performance lumber products, where he oversees day-to-day operations and sales.
A member of Harmony Hill Baptist Church, Thigpen credits his faith as a cornerstone of his life and leadership. “I believe in servant leadership rooted in Christian values, and I will always fight to protect the strong faith, family, and freedom that define East Texas,” he said.
Rocky and his wife Terri—who spent nearly 30 years as a teacher in East Texas—raised four sons, all of whom now live and work in East Texas.
“I’m running to fight for families, rural communities, and to build on the progress that has been made in this region in years past,” Thigpen said. “I look forward to meeting with voters across the district and earning their trust and support.”
