Texas state House Democrat celebrates his re-election victory behind bars

A Texas Democrat is celebrating his re-election victory from behind bars — the same place he's been for the past two months.

State House Rep. Ron Reynolds, also known as inmate No. 232573 at the Montgomery County Jail, ran unopposed in District 27 and pulled in 47,305 votes in Tuesday's election, according to the Houston Chronicle. Reynolds represents Fort Bend County, which is southwest of Houston.

The Democratic lawmaker, who was first elected in 2010, turned himself into the county jail Sept. 7.

What's the story?

The 45-year-old Missouri City lawyer is serving a yearlong sentence after being found guilty on five counts of barratry, KXAN reported.

Reynolds was convicted for illegally soliciting clients by using a middleman to chase ambulances. He was convicted in 2015 but has spent the last three years appealing his conviction.

Why didn't he resign after his convictions?

Reynolds' five convictions were misdemeanors, which means he did not have to resign from office.

However, his law license was suspended in May 2016.

What else?

After Reynolds was booked into jail, his office released a statement, according to the Texas Tribune.

“Rep. Reynolds has full confidence that his experienced staff will be able to handle any immediate needs of his constituents, during his 4-6 month absence,” the statement said in part.

It's unclear whether he will have to serve his full sentence, which would end Sept. 7, 2019.

The Texas Legislature will begin its 86th regular session Jan. 8.