Ernest Bailes

For the Australian footballer, see Ernie Bailes.

Ernest James Bailes IV (born April 13, 1982), is an American politician and a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives for the 18th district.^[1] Bailes was defeated by Janis Holt by 53% to 39% on March 5, 2024, in the Republican primary for the Texas House of Representatives for the 18th District.^[2]

Ernest James Bailes IV
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 18th district
In office January 10, 2017 (2017-01-10) – January 14, 2025 (2025-01-14)
Preceded by	John Otto
Succeeded by	Janis Holt
Personal details
Born	(1982-04-13) April 13, 1982 (age 43) San Jacinto County, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Courtney Bailes
Children	2
Residence(s)	Shepherd, Texas, U.S.
Alma mater	Texas A&M University (BS)
Occupation	Agriculturist politician rancher
Website	www.bailesfortexas.com

Background

Bailes, a rancher and agriculturist, grew up on his family's beef and dairy cattle operations in East Texas. Growing up in Shepherd, he is a graduate of Shepherd High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 2004.^[3] Following graduation from A&M, Bailes founded his own company, Repro Select, an "advanced reproductive services provider for cattle and whitetail deer producers across the South-Central United States". Bailes is married to Courtney Bailes, a third-grade teacher in the Coldspring–Oakhurst CISD. The couple has two sons named Cinco and Rigby.^[4] Bailes assumed office in 2017, succeeding fellow Republican John Otto, who did not seek re-election in 2016.^[5]

Legislative history

Bailes currently serves on the House Committee for Culture, Recreation, and Tourism^[6] and the House Committee on Energy Resources.^[7]

Bailes voted to prohibit one-punch straight-ticket voting^[3] and voted to establish standards for determining adjusted franchise tax rates.^[8]

Additionally, Bailes voted against the Schaefer Amendment of Senate Bill 8, which would have required women to carry fetuses with fatal fetal abnormalities to term. The amendment was tabled.^[9] SB8 related to certain prohibited abortions and the treatment and disposition of embryonic and fetal tissue remains, creating a civil cause of action and imposing a civil penalty, creating criminal offense.^[10] The law was struck down by a court challenge before taking effect.^[11]

2018 reelection

Bailes won reelection to a second term in the general election held on November 6, 2018. With 35,538 votes (75.5 percent), he defeated Democrat Fred Lemond, who polled 11,514 votes (24.5 percent).^[12]