Molly White (politician)
Molly White | |
|---|---|
| Texas State Representative from District 55 (Bell County) | |
| In office January 13, 2015 – January 9, 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Sheffield |
| Succeeded by | Hugh Shine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Molly Suzanne Gosney February 26, 1958 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Ronald Wayne White |
| Children | Tyrell Sayre White Robert N. White |
| Parent(s) | Robert Russell and Thelma Jean Hefner Gosney |
| Residence | Belton, Texas |
| Alma mater | Belton High School University of Mary Hardin–Baylor |
| Occupation | Founder, Women for Life International |
Molly Suzanne White (née Gosney; born February 26, 1958) is a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives. She represented District 55 for one term, from 2015 through 2017.[1]
Political activism
[edit]On January 29, 2015, White put up an Israeli flag in her office, and instructed her staff to ask Muslim constituents participating in "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" to "announce publicly allegiance to the United States",[2] causing controversy. Governor Greg Abbott distanced himself from White's remarks and called for "civil discourse" regarding matters of this kind.[3] In a follow-up social media post in February, White stated that her remarks had been misrepresented. White explained that the "genesis" behind her statement was that the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), which "started Muslim Day at the Texas Capitol" is "designated as a terrorist group by the United Arab Emirates."[4] PolitiFact quoted a city council leader as stating that CAIR was among the organizations that started the annual Muslim Day.[4] CAIR is not designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.[4]
In the 2016 Republican primary election, Hugh Shine defeated White by 118 votes. White requested a recount, which was granted; her loss was confirmed.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "Molly White". Texas Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ Hamilton, Reeve (January 29, 2015). "Rep to Staff: Ask Muslim Visitors to Pledge Allegiance". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
- ^ "Abbott urges civility after official's Muslim remarks", Laredo Morning Times, January 31, 2015, p. 2
- ^ a b c Selby, W. Gardner. "Molly White says Muslim group recently designated terrorist organization by United Arab Emirates". PolitiFact. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
- ^ Bobby Blanchard (2016-03-03). "Molly White, R-Belton, requesting recount in close election loss". Dallas News. Retrieved 2017-02-26.
External links
[edit]
- 1958 births
- Living people
- Republican Party members of the Texas House of Representatives
- People from Belton, Texas
- Businesspeople from Texas
- Belton High School (Belton, Texas) alumni
- University of Mary Hardin–Baylor alumni
- Women state legislators in Texas
- American anti-abortion activists
- American lobbyists
- Female critics of feminism
- Eagle Forum
- Tea Party movement activists
- Activists from Texas
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century members of the Texas Legislature