Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson is considering a run for Congress in Texas, two sources familiar with his plans said Friday.

Jackson was the chief White House physician in 2018, when President Donald Trump nominated him to be Veterans Affairs secretary. But Jackson withdrew his name from consideration amid allegations that he abused alcohol and mishandled prescription drugs, although he said at the time the charges were “completely false and fabricated.”

A Texas native, Jackson is eyeing a run as a Republican in the 13th District, which became an open seat after longtime GOP incumbent Mac Thornberry announced his retirement. Trump won the district by 63 points in 2016 and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Solid Republican.

Jackson was born in Levelland, Texas, which is in the neighboring 19th District.

Jackson is well-liked by Trump and is still employed at the White House, although he is no longer the chief physician. He also served as a physician for Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Candidate filing begins Saturday and ends Dec. 9. 

Five Republicans have already filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for the seat, including Amarillo City Councilwoman Elaine Hays, Army veteran Vance Snider, former congressional aide Josh Winegarner, businessman Chris Exstrom, and activist Monique Worthy.

Leah Askarinam and John T. Bennett contributed to this report. 

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