Q&A: Meet the candidates in the race for Texas House District 89 seat

Why are you running for office?

I've built a career helping young people understand how government works. Now I'm ready to help shape it. I'm a mother, a wife, a teacher, part of a working class that feels unheard. Democracy only works when people who care decide to take part. I'm ready to do mine.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district?

Families here are stretched. Rising insurance and prescription costs eat into paychecks while a new $1 billion voucher program pulls money from the public schools most kids attend. Add leadership that shows up only at election time, and it's no wonder trust is thin.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I'll fight to keep public dollars in public schools and end voucher programs that drain them. I'll push to cut out the middlemen driving up prescription prices and raise the state minimum wage to $15. And I'll show up year-round, holding town halls and listening before decisions get made.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Public schools fully funded, not drained by vouchers, with strong classrooms and teachers who stay in them. A government that doesn't operate behind closed doors, people deserve to know how decisions are made and who they serve. Kids set up to succeed, leaders who stay accountable.

Why are you running for office?

Texas is the envy of the world. I have been proud to have led in making sure that Texas has limited government, safe streets, and a business environment that fosters growth and opportunity. I want to continue to serve so that we provide that Texas Miracle for future generations.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district?

Two serious issues face our area. First, growth in our neck of the woods is incredible! It is exciting to see young families buying their first homes. But with thousands of homes built along tiny two-lane roads, the traffic has become terrible. Second, property taxes must be reduced.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I’m already fighting for transportation dollars to come to our area. Growth is coming, and I’m proactively looking to our area’s current and future needs: prevent flooding, improve and grow our power system, water infrastructure, and roadways. Regarding property taxes, I will continue my fight to lower them.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

I will continue my record of protecting children and elderly from predators. Build on my work of improving educational opportunities. I also have a plan to use excess state revenue to buy down and quickly eliminate the largest part of your property tax bill: the school M&O tax.