Republican Mike Billand hopes to primary Rep. Dan Crenshaw in Texas’s Second Congressional District, and is honing in on what some people view as disappointing developments from Crenshaw, notably his support for anti-Second Amendment Red Flag Laws, and his inaction on the subject of Election Integrity in the days leading up to January 6.
“I’m just a local man from East Texas who actually cares about these issues. I’m sick of this political oligarchy which has grown in the DC swamp, and that’s what I decided to run,” Mike Billand told National File. Especially since Crenshaw got elected, Billand told National File he feels that his district has not been truly represented. “Crenshaw sees himself as living in DC. I’m a man of the people of East Texas.”
In particular, Billand cited Crenshaw’s claims to support election integrity, despite certifying what many believe to be fraudulent election results earlier this year. “What I ultimately hope with these audits is that turncoats like Crenshaw don’t successfully posture as the true defenders here. Their treachery cannot be forgiven.” By contrast, Billand says he “absolutely would have objected to the electoral certification” on January 6. (READ MORE: Gaetz Slams Crenshaw For Siding With Liz Cheney On Trump’s Impeachment)
He also attacked Crenshaw for his advocacy of Red Flag Laws. “Especially as a veteran, the group who is most impacted by red-flag laws, this is just disgusting to see,” said Billand. Crenshaw previously described opponents of Red Flag Laws as emotional and uninformed in a video he recorded in 2019.
Billand also says Crenshaw has done little to help fight the culture war, and promises to fight for Christian values. “We’ve lost some ground that we can’t get back, but let’s not cede any more,” he explained, specifically mentioning his opposition to child castration. Billand is critical of Crenshaw’s comparison of Jesus Christ to Superman, which many believe constitutes describing Christ as a fictional character. “Disgusting,” said Billand. “I believe America is a Christian nation and this sort of rhetoric is just gross.”
Billand is also calling for a four year immigration moratorium and believes the United States should have tailored caps on immigration from different countries, a merit based immigration system, and a complete wall on the southern border. Billand is also calling for a federal voter ID law, and says mail in voting should only be allowed in very limited circumstances, with serious hurdles to receiving your ballot by mail. However, Billand told National File he would like to see Election Day become a Federal Holiday, to better allow Americans to vote in person.
On the subject of COVID-19 lockdowns, Billand, many Republicans in his state, is opposed to the mask mandates and lockdowns. With a background in molecular biology, Billand told National File he believes lockdowns are unscientific and were recommended in bad faith, largely in an effort to stop President Donald Trump from winning last November.
Billand’s primary is next year. In the 2020 primary, Crenshaw ran unopposed, and received over 48,000 votes in the primary, and nearly 200,000 votes in the general election. Also running against Crenshaw is Lucia Rodriguez.
