Republican Trever Nehls is projected to win Texas' 22nd Congressional District, according to preliminary results from Decision Desk HQ, securing a solidly red seat and succeeding his twin brother, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who announced his retirement earlier this year.
With more than 95 percent of ballots counted as of Wednesday afternoon, Trever Nehls led Democratic opponent Marquette Greene-Scott by a narrow margin, capturing roughly 52 percent of the vote to Greene-Scott's 48 percent. The race had been considered safely Republican, but the final tally showed a closer contest than many anticipated in the district, which covers parts of the Houston suburbs.
Trever Nehls, a retired U.S. Army colonel, first enlisted in 1988 and later commanded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military service earned him three Bronze Stars and the Combat Action Badge. Before entering politics, he served as constable for Fort Bend County Precinct 4 from 2013 to 2020 and ran his own firm, Nehls Consulting, LLC.
President Trump endorsed Trever Nehls last December, shortly after Troy Nehls revealed he would not seek reelection. Trump praised the Nehls brothers as "fierce advocates" for the MAGA movement. A host of prominent Republicans also lined up behind the candidate, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (La.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (La.), Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Troy Nehls told constituents he decided to retire to focus on his family "after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls." He said he consulted with Trump before making the decision. His departure set off a competitive primary, which Trever Nehls won in a landslide, clearing the path to the general election.
The 22nd District has long been a Republican stronghold, and Trever Nehls's victory ensures the seat remains in GOP hands. His win is part of a broader Republican effort to maintain control of Texas' congressional delegation amid a challenging national environment. For more on how the GOP is faring in the Lone Star State, see our coverage of another key Texas House race and a nearby district's outcome.
Trever Nehls's military and law enforcement background aligns with the district's conservative electorate, and his name recognition from his brother's tenure likely boosted his candidacy. However, the relatively close margin against Greene-Scott may raise questions about Republican enthusiasm in the area, even as the party holds the seat.
National Republicans celebrated the projected win as a sign of continued strength in Texas, while Democrats pointed to the tighter-than-expected result as evidence of shifting dynamics. The outcome adds another chapter to the Nehls family's political legacy in Fort Bend County and reinforces the influence of Trump's endorsement in GOP primaries.
With the race called, Trever Nehls is set to join the 119th Congress, where he is expected to support the Republican agenda and serve as a reliable vote for the party's leadership. His transition from constable to congressman marks a rapid rise in Texas politics, mirroring his brother's path.
For ongoing coverage of Texas political races, including the fallout from recent GOP losses and Democratic holds in other districts, stay tuned to The World Signal.
