Ericka Lomick Suspends Campaign for Texas House District 93

Ericka Lomick, the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 93, announced the suspension of her campaign on Monday. This decision came after a political action committee (PAC) brought to light her federal felony conviction for mortgage fraud.

Lomick made her announcement through a press release, indicating that concerns about her eligibility to serve prompted her to step aside for the benefit of the constituents in Tarrant County. She expressed that it was a tough choice but felt it was necessary.

“This was not an easy decision, but I am convinced it was the right one for the people of HD 93,” Lomick remarked in her announcement.

The statement also conveyed her desire for voters to choose a candidate “without the burden of defending against attacks that would threaten to derail the business of the people.”

In court records examined, it was discovered that Lomick, previously known as Ericka Flood, was charged in 2010 amid a federal mortgage-fraud investigation in North Carolina. She served as a mortgage broker and promoter in the case known as U.S. v. Sharreff-El. In 2011, she entered a plea agreement, admitting to conspiracy to commit mortgage fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, leading to a 63-month prison sentence. An appeal she filed was dismissed in 2013 for being untimely.

This information came to light following a September 17 report from Protect and Serve Texas PAC, which detailed her case, her sentencing, and a claimed $300,000 federal lien against her.

Lomick had previously stated that she had never been convicted of a crime “in any state,” according to the Fort Worth Report.

According to Texas law, individuals finally convicted of a felony are generally barred from running for office unless they receive a pardon. Completing a felony sentence doesn’t automatically restore eligibility, as noted by the Texas Secretary of State.

With Lomick’s exit, Republican Alan Blaylock, a former Fort Worth city councilman, is now the likely frontrunner for the seat that was previously held by Nate Schatzline.

Blaylock remarked on Lomick’s situation, suggesting that she, like several other Democratic candidates this election cycle, was unprepared and hastily filed her candidacy.

This incident follows a series of scrutiny faced by Texas Democrats this election season, including U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, who has faced questions over voting using his parents’ address, and U.S. Congressional candidate Bobby Pulido, who was recorded discussing aiding a convicted child predator.

Even with her campaign suspended, the Texas Democratic Party continues to list Lomick as their nominee for HD 93.