Katrina Pierson Says She's Running for Congress

Former Trump 2016 campaign spokesperson Katrina Pierson is reportedly eying a race for Texas' U.S. House seat left vacant in February by the death of Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, who died of COVID-19. 

Pierson said in a text message to The Hill on Sunday that she plans to make her final decision about running "within the next 48 hours" and she is "honored to have so much local support."

"As a proven conservative fighter, from my home state of Texas, I remain committed to furthering the America First agenda," she added. "I was with President (Donald) Trump long before the historic elevator ride, and I remain with him still."

Pierson, a Tea Party activist who also served as a top adviser in Trump's 2020 reelection bid, plans to file in upcoming days for Wright's seat, which is based southeast of Fort Worth and reaches into rural Ellis and Navarro counties, according to five sources said to have knowledge of her plans 

One source said Pierson is building a campaign team ahead of her likely announcement, and others said she has held conversations with a top GOP consulting firm about entering the race. 

The sources added that Pierson will likely get Trump's backing, which will be a huge boost for her efforts. 

Wednesday is the deadline to formally file paperwork to run for Wright's seat. Gov. Greg Abbott last week declared the seat vacant while setting up May 1 for the primary election. 

If she runs, Pierson will have competition. The late congressman's widow, Susan Wright, a prominent GOP activist, is also planning to run, as is Sery Kim, who held a post in the Department of Health and Human Services during Trump's first year in office. 

State Republican Rep. Jake Ellzey, a veteran of the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, lost by within 1,100 votes to Wright in a race for an open seat in 2018.

Meanwhile, several Republicans pointed out that Pierson, who lost a race challenging Rep. Pete Sessions, a Republican, in a suburban Dallas district in 2014, does not live in Wright's district.