Cody Grace announces his campaign for Texas House of Representatives District 6 on Sept. 21 at the Downtown Square in Tyler.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Nov. 29 that he is endorsing Daniel Alders for House District 6.

“Daniel Alders is a strong conservative with deep East Texas roots who will help me deliver crucial Republican victories in Austin,” Abbott said in a press release. “He understands why Texas has the best business climate in the nation and remains among the best states to start a business. Daniel will be a strong ally in the Texas House and help me secure the border, cut property taxes, and expand school choice for all Texas families.”

Alders is a seventh-generation Texas and East Texas native. He is the president of Drake Management Services, a commercial property management company based in Tyler.

“I am running for state representative because I want to ensure our values of life, liberty and personal responsibility are pursued and defended in Austin,” Alders said in a press release.

His opponent, Cody Grace, is also a local businessman. Graces’ decision to run is rooted in service, he previously told the Tyler Paper. His campaign focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.

“I stand before you not merely as a candidate but as a servant, ready to represent every individual in East Texas,” Grace said during his campaign announcement. “ I am dedicated to taking on corruption, ensuring we restore integrity, transparency and the rule of law in the Texas Legislature.”

Current House District 6 Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) announced earlier this year that he won’t be seeking reelection. Grace ran against Schaefer in the last election cycle, where Schaefer pulled out the win with 73.3% of the vote while Grace received 26.7%.

The elected representative will represent the region of Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Arp, Chapel Hill, Noonday, Troup and surrounding areas.