Joanne Shofner, a Republican elected in 2025 to represent Texas’s 11th House district, announced on social media the legislative progress of a bill allowing over-the-counter access to ivermectin in Texas.
On August 27, 2025, Shofner posted: “Making Texas Healthy Again!! Ivermectin without a prescription passes 3rd reading! On to the Senate! @Burrows4TX @GregAbbott_TX @SecKennedy @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/9Hs0u5qDOQ”.
Hours later, after Senate approval, she wrote: “Ivermectin OTC is not just a medically safe and reliable medicine, it’s a symbol of political freedom from medical tyranny and oppressive random “rules” and protocols created during the reaction to the lab leaked Coronavirus. Redemption. It just passed the Senate! @Burrows4TX https://t.co/20jDDfCZVR” (August 28, 2025).
Shofner also expressed gratitude toward Senator Bob Hall for his efforts on the legislation: “Thank you @SenatorBobHall for all of your hard work and support!!! Onto @GregAbbott_TX !! https://t.co/HigkCciaD0” (August 28, 2025).
Shofner succeeded Travis Clardy as state representative after her election in 2025. The legislation she referenced would make ivermectin available without prescription in Texas. Ivermectin has been at the center of public debate since early in the COVID-19 pandemic when its use was promoted by some as an alternative treatment despite mixed scientific consensus.
