He cited his duties in Austin and concerns over his wife's health issues as the reason for the closure.

"[7] Hopson would serve the district for six-terms, but starting in 2004, he began to have tightening elections, and in 2008, he defeated Republican challenger Brian Walker by only 120 votes.

[7] The addition of Nacogdoches County and removal of two rural counties Hopson had been representing was disadvantageous to him, and this change amounted a Republican primary challenge from Travis Clardy, a lawyer from Nacogdoches, who was positioning himself as a conservative alternative.

Hopson was scrutinized in the race for his voting record and history as a Democrat, notably his participation in the controversial actions by Democrats to skip town to prevent a vote on a Republican redistricting map in 2003, and Clardy characterized Hopson as "flip-flopping and wishy-washy" politician who did not provide "real direction or leadership.

"[13] Hopson received several endorsements, including from the Texas Alliance for Life, an anti-abortion organization, and the National Rifle Association, as well as from Governor Rick Perry and then-Attorney General Greg Abbott.