Molly White (politician) explained

Molly White
Nationality:American
Office:Texas State Representative from District 55 (Bell County)
Party:Republican
Term Start:January 13, 2015
Term End:January 9, 2017
Preceded:Ralph Sheffield
Succeeded:Hugh Shine
Birth Name:Molly Suzanne Gosney
Birth Date:26 February 1958
Residence:Belton, Texas
Occupation:Founder, Women for Life International
Spouse:Ronald Wayne White
Children:Tyrell Sayre White
Robert N. White
Natalie White
Unnamed Child
Unnamed Child
Parents:Robert Russell and Thelma Jean Hefner Gosney
Alma Mater:Belton High School
University of Mary Hardin–Baylor

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

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. CAIR is not designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Molly White. Texas Legislative Reference Library. December 5, 2014.
  2. News: Rep to Staff: Ask Muslim Visitors to Pledge Allegiance. January 29, 2015. Reeve . Hamilton . The Texas Tribune. January 29, 2015.
  3. "Abbott urges civility after official's Muslim remarks", Laredo Morning Times, January 31, 2015, p. 2
  4. Web site: Selby . W. Gardner . Molly White says Muslim group recently designated terrorist organization by United Arab Emirates . PolitiFact . 30 January 2020.
  5. Web site: Bobby Blanchard . Molly White, R-Belton, requesting recount in close election loss . Dallas News . 2016-03-03 . 2017-02-26.