Buc-ee’s Expansion Plans Face a New Test as Texas and Other States Turn Blue

Aplin’s preferred business climate

Buc-ee’s is expanding into Arkansas and other places, and its president and co-founder, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, has expressed a preference to avoid blue states, according to Fox Business. At a new store opening in Benton, Arkansas, he said he would rather build where people appreciate the company.

Aplin said conservative leadership supports the business-friendly and family-oriented approach he associates with Buc-ee’s. He pointed to leadership at the state and local levels, including governors, lawmakers and mayors.

Texas results raise questions

The story reports that Texas shifted to Democratic control in the midterm elections. James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate, while Governor Greg Abbott lost to Gina Hinojosa. It also says Democrats gained a slight majority in the Texas House.

Ted Cruz remains in the Senate, but the story notes he was not up for re-election. With Buc-ee’s headquartered in Texas, the reported political shift puts the company’s stated preference for conservative states in focus.

Other states see Democratic gains

In Arizona, Democrats are reported to have taken the state house, senate and governor’s office for the first time in 60 years. Colorado’s House shifted from an even split to seven of eight seats going to Democrats. In Ohio, Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, Democrats flipped the state House, and Sherrod Brown defeated Jon Husted for Senate.

Close races and expansion outlook

Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected governor of Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor of a U.S. state, according to the story. Mississippi’s Senate contest was still too close to call when it was written: Scott Colom held a 0.1% lead over Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith.