State Rep. John Cyrier will not seek re-election

State Rep. John Cyrier, R-Lockhart, announced Friday, Nov. 12, he will not be seeking re-election to a fifth term representing Gonzales County in the Texas Legislature.

“After nearly 15 consecutive years of public service to my county, region, and state, I have decided to not seek re-election to the Texas House,” Cyrier said. “Serving the communities throughout District 17 has truly been a privilege and something I will always cherish. I am immensely proud of the work we have accomplished and believe the time is right to embark on new opportunities.”

Cyrier was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in November 2014. His term in office will come to an end on Jan. 10, 2023. House District 17, which Cyrier serves, includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Karnes and Lee counties.

“During my four terms as a state representative, I saw the very best in people who came together and realized that bonds of community are stronger and matter more than ideology or political party. Recovering from devastating wildfires, making our communities more prepared and resilient for the future, and passing statewide groundwater protection legislation can only happen when people set differences aside to put community first.

“I also take great pride in our work to secure funding for the Army Futures Command and pass a constitutional amendment to guarantee a sustainable funding stream for our state parks system. This work will have a lasting positive impact on our state and is a testimony to teamwork and determination.”

Cyrier previously served as a Caldwell County commissioner and county judge pro tem, where he worked to improve transportation, overhaul outdated subdivision and development regulations, and promote local business development and jobs growth. He was appointed to the Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which oversees transportation planning throughout the Central Texas region, and served three years on the organization’s Executive Committee.

A 1995 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he served as Commander of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, John was founder and Managing Director of Sabre Commercial. He and his wife Rachelle live on a ranch just outside of Lockhart and are members of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association, and Texas Farm Bureau.

“I have spoken often about the sacrifices by my spouse and coworkers that make this work possible, and I want to publicly thank my wife, Rachelle, for the sacrifices she has made throughout the years that allow me to serve,” Cyrier said. “This work would also not have been accomplished without a talented team across several campaigns and legislative sessions, including Jacob Reagan, Jeff Miller, Alonzo Wood, Susanna Feather, MeLissa Nemecek, and Sara and Jerod Patterson.”

In addition to serving as chairman of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, the agency which reviews state agencies to determine their efficiency and responsiveness, this term, Cyrier was assigned to the Agriculture and Livestock Committee and Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

In 2019-20, he was the chair of the Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee and was also a member of the Juvenile Justice & Family Issues Committee. Other prior committee assignments include Environmental Regulation, House Administration and Land and Resource Management.

“During my time in office, I was honored to chair the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission and House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, and would like to thank the highly professional staff members for their daily work on behalf of the State of Texas, and my colleagues who served with me. I also wish to extend my deepest well wishes to my colleagues in the House and Senate and gratefulness for lasting friendships that were formed over the past several years.

“I will miss deeply the daily interactions with those who I have met and worked with throughout the district and at the capitol. I count among them some of the most talented people I have ever known, and take comfort in knowing their work and service continues. Thank you to Caldwell County, District 17, and the Central Texas region for your support and the opportunity to serve.”