HOUSTON – A former Texas congressional candidate has been arrested with charges related to an alleged domestic violence situation.
Brett Jensen, who ran for Texas’ 8th Congressional District, was arrested Sunday night and charged with assault-family violence involving impeding breathing, according to Harris County court records.
According to law enforcement sources, deputies with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office were called to Houston Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands.
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At the hospital, Jensen’s wife allegedly told investigators that he had slapped and strangled her. She said it was not the first time this had happened, according to court records.
A law enforcement source said Jensen told hospital staff that his wife was injured after she became intoxicated at a party and fell.
“He’s 100 percent not guilty. He’s 100 percent innocent of these allegations, and I will be appearing in court with him to defend him against these charges,” Brent Mayr, Jensen’s defense attorney, told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry.
Jensen is scheduled to appear in probable cause court Monday evening.
Jensen’s campaign website describes him as a “lifelong conservative” and devoted father to a 6-year-old daughter.
He lost the Texas House District 8 Republican Primary race in March to Jessica Steinmann. Jensen came in second place, earning 12.7% of votes.
District 8 represents parts of multiple counties in the Houston area, including Montgomery, Walker, San Jacinto, Liberty, Polk and Trinity.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
If you are in a domestic violence situation, please contact the domestic violence hotline at 713-528-2121.