Jodey Arrington

Jodey C. Arrington is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 19th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this position since 2017. The district encompasses a significant portion of West Texas, with Lubbock and Abilene as its central cities. Over his tenure, Arrington has engaged in various legislative initiatives and has held multiple roles in government prior to his election to Congress.

Early life and career

Born on March 9, 1972, Jodey Arrington grew up in Plainview, Texas, as the son of Gene and Betty Arrington. His father was an athlete who played basketball at Texas Tech University, where he earned letters in the late 1950s. Arrington himself was a multi-sport athlete in high school and gained recognition as a state-ranked tennis player. After completing his secondary education at Plainview High School, he enrolled at Texas Tech University. There, he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and also joined the football team as a walk-on under coach Spike Dykes.

Arrington graduated from Texas Tech in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He continued his education at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Public Administration degree in 1997. In 2004, he furthered his academic credentials by earning a Certificate of International Business Management from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

Following his education, Arrington entered public service, beginning his career in the administration of Governor George W. Bush. In 1996, he was appointed as appointments manager for the governor. After Bush's election to the presidency in 2000, Arrington transitioned to the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director of Presidential Personnel. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing an executive search team that filled thousands of executive-level positions, focusing on appointments related to energy, the environment, and natural resources.

In December 2001, Arrington became the chief of staff for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under Chairman Donald E. Powell, making him one of the youngest individuals to hold such a position in the agency's history. His responsibilities included overseeing various offices within the FDIC, reorganizing them for improved efficiency, and chairing the FDIC Board Appeals Committee.

In 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Arrington was appointed as Deputy Federal Coordinator for the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding. In this role, he collaborated with state governors, military officials, and local authorities to coordinate federal recovery efforts, contributing to the management of significant federal funds allocated for infrastructure and assistance relief.

After his tenure in Gulf Coast rebuilding, Arrington returned to Texas Tech University, where he served as the system chief of staff and later as Vice Chancellor for Research and Commercialization. During his time at Texas Tech, he was instrumental in various initiatives, including the strategic plan for enrollment growth and securing naming rights for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health.

In 2014, Arrington became the president of Scott Laboratories in Lubbock, a healthcare innovation holding company. His focus was on launching new ventures and supporting revenue opportunities within the health system until he transitioned to a political career.

House tenure

Arrington's political career began with an unsuccessful bid in 2014 for the Texas State Senate District 28, where he lost to fellow Republican Charles Perry. However, he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, succeeding Randy Neugebauer, who retired from Congress. Arrington officially took office in January 2017 and has since been re-elected multiple times, continuing to represent Texas's 19th congressional district.

During his time in the House, Arrington has participated in various legislative activities and has sponsored multiple bills. Notably, he introduced the One Big Beautiful Bill Act during the 119th Congress, which was signed into law in July 2025. His legislative efforts reflect his commitment to addressing issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader national landscape.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of Congress, Arrington has focused on several key areas, including economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure. His background in public administration and experience in various governmental roles have informed his legislative priorities. He has worked on initiatives that aim to enhance the economic prospects of his district, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and energy.

Arrington has also served on various committees during his tenure in the House, where he has contributed to discussions and decisions on legislation that impacts both his constituents and the nation. His involvement in these committees has allowed him to advocate for policies that align with the interests of Texas's 19th congressional district.

In addition to his legislative work, Arrington has been active in engaging with his constituents, holding town hall meetings and participating in community events to address their concerns and gather feedback on pressing issues. His approach to representation emphasizes the importance of being accessible and responsive to the needs of the people he serves.

As of January 3, 2027, Arrington's current term in the House is set to conclude, and he has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. His decision marks a significant transition in his political career, concluding a tenure characterized by a focus on legislative initiatives and community engagement.