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Friday, February 20, 2026

State Rep. Jay Dean’s GOP primary challenger files defamation lawsuit related to his campaign claims - cbs19.tv

Melissa Beckett sues State Rep. Jay Dean for defamation, alleging false claims about her stance on the teacher retirement system, as primary voting begins.

LONGVIEW, Texas — State Rep. Jay Dean’s Republican primary opponent has filed a defamation lawsuit against him, claiming he falsely accused her of wanting to eliminate the state’s teacher retirement system.

Melissa Beckett filed the suit this week against Dean, R-Longview, in Gregg County’s Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Court. Beckett is seeking an unspecified amount of damages, though JP courts can handle cases involving $20,000 or less.

The lawsuit came one day after early voting began for the March 3 primary for the House District 7 race and other county, state and federal offices.



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