So Jason Corley — yes, that Jason Corley — apparently tried to soft-launch his congressional campaign like it was a new kombucha flavor, and oops, Texas law says that counts as quitting your day job. Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish announced Monday that Corley effectively resigned the moment he started using a “Corley for Congress” email address, graphics, and a P.O. box. In Texas, that’s resign-to-run: you announce early, you’re done early. Who knew state law was such a party pooper?
Corley insists he didn’t officially announce until December 2, but Parrish pointed out that he sent emails and press releases weeks earlier talking about his “exploratory committee” using campaign branding. Which, apparently, is like announcing “I’m not saying I’m running, but here’s my campaign logo, email, and mailing address.” Parrish declared the seat vacant and immediately swore in Mark Meurer from Slaton, because why waste time when there’s a perfectly good replacement sitting around?
Corley says he was removed by security, Parrish says nope, but both agree he definitely wasn’t allowed in his own commissioner meeting anymore. Corley says this is an insult to voters. Parrish basically says, “laws are laws.” Meanwhile, Corley’s taking the whole thing as free publicity and thanking Parrish for the attention. Because nothing says “respect for democracy” like getting fired and calling it a marketing win.
At this point, should we just rename Precinct 2’s seat “Whoever Forgot the Technicalities Last”?