"I will announce that I will file as a candidate in the Republican Party Primary for the office of Texas State Representative for District 11, at an 11:45 AM press conference on Monday, November 16, 2009, in front of the Norman Activity, 526 E Commerce, Jacksonville." said Dr. Michael Banks of Jacksonville.   "My love of East Texas and my passion for our way of life has led me to this decision, and I will do everything in my power to represent all the people of this region well."

Dr. Banks was born in Jacksonville and is a practicing dentist there.  He has recently achieved recognition for conservation efforts associated with the Neches River in East Texas.  He has been a leader in Rotary International, serves on the Board of East Texas Medical Center-Jacksonville, and has been a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America.  Banks has served as Trustee for the Jacksonville Independent School District.  He is a director of the Texas Wildlife Association and an active member of the Texas Conservation Alliance.  He currently serves as vice president of the Board of Visitors at Jacksonville College.  He is also a veteran of the Texas Army National Guard and a former public school teacher.

Texas House of Representative District 11 includes Cherokee, Houston, Panola and Rusk counties and represents about 140,000 people.

Dr. Banks states he is a political conservative and would seek efficient government.  He states, "Texas is growing and our business climate must be protected because business is what drives the economy, not government.  But this growth also challenges the functions of government.  We have our work cut out for us since the next state budget will start out with a nine billion dollar deficit mainly due to the decrease in sales tax revenue."

Dr. Banks and his wife of 35 years, Rose Mary Arnett Banks, have three children, their spouses and four grandchildren.  He is an avid outdoorsman; enjoying hunting, fishing and kayaking.

"I am taken back by the outstanding support Rosie and I have received as we have contemplated this decision to run for public office.  I look forward to organizing our campaign and meeting with the people of this district."