MJ Hegar Gets Democratic Nod For 31st Congressional District

ROUND ROCK, TX — Mary Jennings "MJ" Hegar on Tuesday defeated Christine Eady Mann in the runoff race for the Democratic nomination for the state's 31st congressional district.

A decorated veteran of the war in Afghanistan during which the former Air Force pilot was injured in an ambush — earning her a Purple Heart in the process — Hegar secured 62 percent of the vote, or 8,843 vote, to 38 percent (5,371 votes) garnered by challenger Mann. The results were based on 100 percent of the voting in from among 59 polling places.

In addition to her past military service, Hegar is a public speaker and author. Mann, 53, of Leander, is a physician with a family practice.

The 31st congressional district covers the whole of Williamson County and most of neighboring Bell County, including Temple, and the area surrounding Fort Hood. The district has been represented by incumbent Republican John Carter since its creation in 2004.

“I am honored to have received the support of so many people in my home district where I grew up and am raising my children, Texas’s 31st Congressional District," Hegar said in an emailed prepared statement. "We must do better for our veterans, families, and seniors. Now is the time to come together to win in November and give Texans the present and available representation we deserve and have been sorely missing.”

End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller offered her congratulations to Hegar on her win: "MJ is steadfast in her commitment to reforming the rigged system in Washington where politicians are beholden to their biggest donors," Muller said in a prepared statement. "She’s already showing leadership on the issue by rejecting corporate PAC money in her campaign. Voters in the district are demanding reform, and they made a strong statement by nominating MJ. We’re proud of her victory and look forward to helping her win this November.”

>>> Photo of MJ Hegar via MJ For Texas campaign