Morgan Meyer wasted no time announcing his candidacy for the Legislature; he sent out a news release on the same day that District 108’s longtime representative, Dan Branch, launched his bid for attorney general.
On Saturday, Meyer kicked off his campaign with a party at his University Park home, which was packed with supporters, many of whom live nearby.
“We have the most amazing neighbors,” said Meyer’s wife, Keana.
Their two daughters were upstairs, but their 8-month-old son did make an appearance, donning a Mustang-embroidered jumper. After all, it was game day for Meyer’s alma mater, SMU.
The family aspect is one element that is already garnering trust for Meyer among potential voters.
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“I want someone who knows what it’s like to raise a family and build a business,” said Crayton Webb, who sits on the campaign’s finance committee. “This is how you win elections: friends telling other friends why they like him and trust him.”
In fact, Meyer’s role as a father is something that motivates his political aspirations.
“There is no better reason, in my mind, to run; when Keana and I were discussing whether or not we were going to take on this challenge, we kept coming back to our children,” said Meyer, who said he wants to preserve a bright future for the youngest Texans.
“I can’t tell you, also, how excited we are to have a party at our house where there isn’t a bounce house, mac ’n’ cheese, and there’s not some tears, though I guess that still could happen a little later,” he joked.
Guests included people who have known Meyer through all walks of life.
“He’s a solid, valued person; that hasn’t changed,” college friend Jim Engelland said. “Those core values are going to shine through.”
Some attendees, however, were there to learn more about Meyer.
“I haven’t heard the entire thing about him, but he’s a lawyer, and I am, too,” said Virginia Prodan, who immigrated to Dallas from Romania in the 1980s.
Two other Republicans — M Streets resident Chart Westcott and Devonshire resident Court Alley — have expressed interest in running for District 108, but neither has officially announced a campaign. Democrat Leigh Bailey of University Park is also in the mix.
Ultimately, Meyer’s party was an opportunity to mix with faces familiar and new, with the impact of family never far away.
“He’s been interested in politics since he was little,” Meyer’s mother, Marie, said with a smile as she greeted visitors at the door.
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