BIZARRE: John smithee | Mind Blowing Facts

Panhandle history museum scrambles to protect 2 million artifacts as it fights permanent closure

With a steep price tag, saving the landmark museum won’t be easy, but area residents and leaders are looking for solutions.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 8

Longtime GOP state Rep. John Smithee of Amarillo will not seek reelection

Smithee has represented the Panhandle in the Texas House for 40 years. He ran for speaker last year and most recently served as chair of the criminal jurisprudence committee.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 7, 2025

Stricter bail rules advance through Texas House, which had blocked an overhaul in previous sessions

The House advanced a measure that would ask voters to amend the state Constitution to tighten the state’s bail laws, setting up a major policy win for Gov. Greg Abbott.

The Texas Tribune · May 19, 2025

Comparing Biden and Trump’s recent endorsements in top and down-ballot races

Welcome to the Tuesday, March 12, Brew. 

Ballotpedia · Mar 12, 2024

Voting sites expected to open in Panhandle on Tuesday, despite wildfires

Candidates continued their campaigns at a subdued pace, as they focused on getting resources for fire victims.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 4, 2024

Primary threats loom over House Republicans as lawmakers again consider school vouchers

Gov. Greg Abbott promised that if House Republicans block school choice again, he’d go after them in the primaries

The Texas Tribune · Oct 9, 2023

Three new candidates declare in Texas

Ballotpedia tracked three new state-level candidates in Texas between Sept. 25 and Oct. 1. This was two more candidates than the prior week. 

Ballotpedia · Oct 3, 2023

Rep. John Smithee emerges as House hero among Paxton supporters, floated for speaker

On the day the House impeached Ken Paxton, Smithee delivered a 20 minute speech, criticizing the impeachment process as opaque, rushed and unfair to the accused.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 27, 2023

Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan trade potshots after impeachment trial ends

The lieutenant governor criticized the House for a secretive and rushed process that “wasted” taxpayer dollars. The House speaker fired back, saying Patrick confessed his bias and contempt.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 16, 2023

Texas House impeaches Ken Paxton for abuse of office

Paxton is immediately removed from office, pending a Senate trial.

Axios · May 27, 2023