In the November 6 general election, he lost against the Republican Ted Cruz, who still holds the position.

His father worked for Sun Oil Company and moved his family throughout Texas, California, and Louisiana.

After redistricting, he ran in the newly redrawn Texas' 8th House District and won re-election in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000.

Ratliff's resignation created a special election in January 2004, in which Sadler finished first with 39 percent of the vote.

[10] In the runoff election, the Republican Kevin Eltife, a former Mayor of Tyler, defeated Sadler, 52-48 percent.

[11] Sadler returned to practicing law in 2003 and specializes in product liability, major personal injury litigation and Prompt Pay representing Hospitals and doctors against insurance companies.

[15] Sadler was defeated by Republican candidate Ted Cruz, who received 4,456,599 ballots or 56.6% of the votes cast.