SAN ANGELO, TX — San Angelo LIVE! wanted to hold a debate Monday night between the two candidates for the Republican nomination for Texas House Representative, incumbent Drew Darby and challenger Stormy Bradley. Bradley refused to participate.

Instead, we were forced to switch gears. The even was billed as a “GOP Candidate Forum Headlined by a Conversation with Drew Darby.” We invited all GOP candidates in races for various positions who will be on the March 5 Republican Primary Election ballot. All Democrats running for various positions are unopposed. In the Fall, we will invite Republican nominees and Democrat nominees to another event similar to this.

The event was held Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024, in the Sugg Community Room of the Stephens Central Library in downtown San Angelo. We live streamed the event on YouTube, Facebook and X simultaneously and the recording remains on all platforms after the event.

Del Velasquez served as the emcee. Joe Hyde interviewed Rep. Drew Darby.

The following times are where each candidate made a presentation:

Tom Green County Republican Party Chair

• Bruce Burkett (incumbent) 1:35
• Ruth Staton 6:14

Tom Green County Tax Assessor/Collector

• Becky Robles (incumbent) 11:22
• (Her opponent, Juan Acevedo, was unable to attend)

Tom Green County Constable Precinct 4

• Gary Cole 16:19
• (His opponent, Thomas Bigham, was unable to attend)

Tom Green County Commissioner, Precinct 1

• Ralph Hoelsher 22:43
• Michele DeRusso 30:22

A Conversation with Drew Darby

• Intro 42:05
• Are you a RINO? 44:52
• Darby’s High School Years 51:49
• Importance of Public Schools to Texas and Country 53:58
• Aren’t private school vouchers akin to providing a free “public school education” to all Texans? 57:11
• Cherry Picking Best Students for Private Schools 59:39
• Financing Private School Vouchers 1:02:20
• How Much of State Budget is Discretionary 1:05:06
• Some Parents Believe Public Schools No Longer Share my Values 1:08:50
• Border Security 1:11:14
• Are You Really Forced to Obtain Democrat Votes to be Elected Speaker of the Texas House? 1:13:32
• Why Do Republican Speakers of the House Appoint Democrats to Committee Chairmanships? 1:15:42
• Will you ever speak to Governor Greg Abbott after this “revenge primary”? 1:18:24