Dr. Ray Callas posts $200,000+ fundraising haul in his first month on the campaign trail
The Ray Callas Campaign announced this week that it raised over $200,000 in its first month of fundraising for the open seat in House District 21.
“I am humbled by the number of people who are supporting my campaign and backing up that support with their hard-earned dollars. Every contribution, every endorsement bolsters my commitment to fight for Southeast Texas,” Callas said. “This is a great start. We’re not going to let this momentum go to waste.”
BEAUMONT, TX – The Ray Callas Campaign announced this week that it raised over $200,000 in its first month of fundraising for the open seat in House District 21.
“I am humbled by the number of people who are supporting my campaign and backing up that support with their hard-earned dollars. Every contribution, every endorsement bolsters my commitment to fight for Southeast Texas,” Callas said. “This is a great start. We’re not going to let this momentum go to waste.”
The online fervor for Callas’ campaign has grown swiftly after early endorsements from Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Since then, a host of current and former elected officials at the local and state level have added their names to the list of more than 100 endorsements for Callas.
On October 25, Courville’s in Beaumont will be host to a fundraiser and Aggie Football watch party.
“I truly want Courville’s to be packed with loud and proud conservatives who are ready to keep Texas strong and fight for the families in Southeast Texas,” Callas said, adding, “this event is open to the public and all contributions are welcome. Let’s break bread and share in fellowship while we discuss my campaign and conservative priorities.”
Callas entered the open race for state representative in House District 21 in late August following the retirement announcement by Speaker Dade Phelan. Learn more at RayCallasforTexs.com.
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, State Sen. Brandon Creighton, joined by more than 80 Texans and Local Leaders, in supporting Dr. Ray Callas for Texas House District 21
Dr. Ray Callas released a list of more than 80 endorsements from local, state, and national Conservative voices backing his campaign for Texas House District 21. Included in the list are Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, State Senator Brandon Creighton, State Senator Donna Campbell, businessman and philanthropist Tillman Fertitta, Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, Beaumont City Councilman Mike Williams, and former Jefferson County Sheriff Carl Griffith.
BEAUMONT, TX – Today, Dr. Ray Callas released a list of more than 80 endorsements from local, state, and national Conservative voices backing his campaign for Texas House District 21. Included in the list are Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, State Senator Brandon Creighton, State Senator Donna Campbell, businessman and philanthropist Tillman Fertitta, Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, Beaumont City Councilman Mike Williams, and former Jefferson County Sheriff Carl Griffith.
“I am honored and humbled to have so many people getting behind this campaign,” Dr. Callas said. “Stepping up to serve comes naturally to me, which is why I continue to volunteer—from the military to medical school to public service. The folks endorsing this campaign care deeply about Texas, and they know I will put it all on the line to keep Texas safe and protect our communities."
The list of endorsements follows early backers Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who both endorsed Dr. Callas shortly after announcing his candidacy for Texas House District 21. Dr. Callas is building support from across Jefferson, Orange, and Jasper Counties as he prepares for the upcoming Republican Primary race on March 3, 2026.
*List as of Sept. 7
Dr. Qumar & Kelli Arfeen
Tony Ashfari
Slate & Dana Babineaux
Janson Bailey
Robert & Patrice Bertrand
Jared Bishop
Jeff Bradley
Pat & Angela Bransford
Blu & Rachel Broussard
Jim & Barbara Brown
Sen. Donna Campbell
Gerald Candon
Bryan Case
Dr. Rodney & Tonya Cavness
Andy Chica
Warren Claybar
Big Rich Courville
Jesi Jones Courville
Fmr. Sen. Brandon Creighton
Will & Joy Crenshaw
Councilman Cory Crenshaw
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
JW Dalton
Justin Doss
Tilman Fertitta & Family
Ed Fisher
Brandon & Christie Fontenot
Mike Fulgenz
Bryan & Jordan Gaspard
Brian Glenn
Mason Gobert
Hon. Carl Griffith
Kerry Hatley
Dr. Jorge Hernandez
Councilman Joey Holland & Shanoah Holland
Sheriff Chuck Havard
Zach Johnson
Thomas & Allie Kelley
Mickey Landry
Matt Matheny
David Montagne
H.B. Neild
Dr. Mike Oszczakiewicz
Bubba & Sherry Paschal
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Kevin & Tricia Picard
Jerry Picard
Shilo Platts
Wayne Reaud
Dr. Jeremy & Jennifer Roebuck
Mike Roebuck
Bill Scott
James Scott
Wes Sonnier
Fmr. Ag Commissioner Todd Staples
Kevin Steele
Harvey & Monique Stenhagen
Dr. Dan & Lauree Thompson
Sean Tilley
Jeff & Emily Trevino
Dr. Ruben Victores
Dr. Andy Victores
Brent & Candice Walters
Councilman Mike Williams
Justin & Marianne Youngblood
Fmr. State Rep. John Zerwas
Dr. Callas has spent his life growing up, serving, and working along the Texas Coast. A U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he has served his country and his community throughout his career. Now, he is stepping up to serve Southeast Texas in the Texas House.
Learn more about Dr. Callas at raycallasfortexas.com.
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Desert Storm Veteran and Conservative Local Physician Ray Callas, Announces Campaign for House District 21
BEAUMONT, TX – Local physician Ray Callas, M.D., is entering the Republican primary race for House District 21. The US Navy veteran, who received two medals for his service during Operation Desert Storm, announced his campaign for the open seat following reports that incumbent former Speaker Dade Phelan will not seek re-election.
“The call to serve continues to ring, and I have never been one to leave that call unanswered. From Desert Storm to the operating room to the Capitol halls, I have given my all to protect life and preserve the liberty forged by our founding fathers,” Dr. Callas said. “As your state representative, I will continue to fight for those values and preserve the Texas way of life.”
Reared on the Texas Coast, Dr. Callas is a proud Texas Aggie and a graduate from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, where he honed his profession as an anesthesiologist. Before getting his medical degree, Dr. Callas served the US Navy as a Machinist Mate and in the Submarine Service as a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. During his service, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal and a National Defense Medal.
As state representative, Dr. Callas is committed to fixing our state’s broken property tax system to deliver meaningful and lasting relief to Texans, especially seniors. He will also continue the success of President Donald J. Trump’s effort to secure the border and crack down on illegal immigration, strengthen the Texas economy, and block any attempts to infringe on our Second Amendment Rights. As a physician, he will continue to uphold his oath to protect the lives of both the unborn and mothers.
“The same skills that make me a dependable physician — attentive listening, empathy for the situation, and confidence to deliver a winning solution — will make me a trusted and reliable representative in Austin. I will engage with constituents regularly to understand the challenges in our communities. And then I will work with local and state leaders to deliver solutions. Every day, patients trust me with their lives on the operating table. Imagine having that kind of trust in your state representative,” Dr. Callas said.
After leaving the Navy, Dr. Callas returned to his education and began his path as an award-winning physician in Beaumont. But the pull to serve continued, and Dr. Callas has stepped up in both the political and policy arenas. He is currently a commissioner for the Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation, which oversees all occupational licensing in the state. The governor also appointed Dr. Callas as a Commissioner on the Jefferson & Orange County Pilot Commission. More recently, he served as the President of the Texas Medical Association for the 2025 legislative session, and is an active member of local, state, and national associations for medical professionals.
Locally, Dr. Callas has served on city building and standards commissions, is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont, serves as advocacy director for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and continues to serve as a board member for First Financial Bank. He is also a proud member of the Jefferson County Republican Party, a former Republican National Committee member, and a delegate to the Republican Party of Texas state convention.
Dr. Callas announced his campaign following reports that incumbent former Speaker Dade Phelan will not seek re-election. Dr. Callas extended his gratitude to the outgoing representative for his years of service and for delivering millions in state investments for the region.
To learn more about Dr. Callas and his campaign for Texas House District 21, go to RayCallasforTexas.com.
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