Max A. Sandlin, Jr. (born September 29, 1952), American politician, was a Congressman representing Texas District 1 in the United States House of Representatives from 1997 to 2005. In 2002 Max Sandlin became the Chief Deputy Whip of the Democratic Party leadership in the House of Representatives. He served in that position until 2005. Sandlin was a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally moderate Democrats in Congress.

Born in Texarkana, Arkansas, Sandlin earned Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he was selected Outstanding Young Alumni. His political career began when he was elected County Judge of Harrison County in 1986. He balanced the county budget, cut ad valorem taxes, left office with a budget surplus and was subsequently elected Judge of the County Court at Law in the county seat of Marshall. Sandlin was elected to Congress in 1996.

Sandlin served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, House Financial Services, Ways and Means committees.

Sandlin's constituency, House District 1, was one of those divided by the Texas Legislature during redistricting in 2003. He decided to run again in District 1 in January 2004, but was defeated by Louie Gohmert in the November 2 election. He has said he still hopes that the Texas State Supreme Court will declare the 2003 redistricting unconstitutional, which would cause a special election to take place in either the old or a third set of districts to be drawn. Sandlin has also said he may run again in 2006.

External link

• Official campaign web site