Clardy was an incumbent six-term representative who was elected to office in 2012, but had struck ire with the most conservative factions of the Texas Republican Party over his opposition to school vouchers.
Shofner had accused Clardy of being "unloyal to the conservative party" and stood behind voucher programs, which was the most prominent distinction between the candidates.
Pro-voucher special interest groups funded efforts to support Shofner's campaign and attack Clardy.
She was endorsed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Donald Trump, and Senator Ted Cruz.
[3][4] In the solidly Republican district, no candidate filed to run as a Democrat, and Shofner was elected in November 2024, and assumed office in January 2025.