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Three Democratic candidates are running for state representative District 17 in the upcoming March primaries.
The overview
Robert Salter, Frank Gomez III and Mary Elizabeth Klenz will compete for the Democratic nomination. The winning Democratic candidate will face the Republican nominee in November.
Dates to remember
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Journeyman pipefitter; global efficiency manager, Air Liquide; industrial systems expertise; sixth generation Milam County
Why are you running for office?
I'm a 7th generation Texan who started as an apprentice pipefitter and became a global efficiency manager. HD-17 deserves a representative who understands working families and complex policy. I'm running to bring practical problem-solving to Austin—not partisan politics, but solutions that work for our district.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Fully funding public schools. Protecting water infrastructure as growth continues. Supporting small businesses through government efficiency and expanded economic opportunities—not just tax cuts, but real revenue growth. Improving healthcare access to reduce family and business costs. Practical solutions requiring technical expertise, not partisan ideology.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Rapid growth straining infrastructure—roads, water, schools. Property taxes pushing longtime residents out. Economic transition from traditional industry to data centers and bitcoin mining, creating power grid and water concerns. We need representatives who understand these technical challenges and prioritize local families over outside corporate interests.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Apply systematic problem-solving from managing industrial systems worldwide: analyze problems, gather data, listen to stakeholders, implement solutions. Demand state infrastructure investment matching growth. Close corporate tax loopholes that shift burden to homeowners. Ensure new industries benefit communities, not just extract resources. Good policy requires understanding how systems work.
If elected, what would your priorities be for the future of Texas education?
Modernize education to prepare students for a changing world. Pay teachers competitively to stop losing them to other states. Expand career and technical education—I built my career from an apprenticeship. Fully fund schools. Reduce over-testing. Support informed local decision-making over Austin mandates.
Engineering technician, naval firefighting, manufacturing, EV automotive, tech
Why are you running for office?
I’m a regular Texan concerned by the same things as most voters: Fear-based policies create barriers in pursuing education in medicine, unfinished major projects like never-ending road construction, and the state of healthcare. Overall, I feel that many policies meant to serve public interest end up benefitting private groups.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities include job security/workers' rights, education, housing, personal autonomy regarding medical decisions, and support for rural communities.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Talking to constituents, our education system is clearly failing our children, the future of Texas. Another major concern is data centers/AI. I welcome technology so long as it serves the public. Hence, People First. Texans in rural communities also face unique issues such as access to high-speed internet.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I support legislation for hemp/THC. Let's treat Texans like Adults. This industry offers a tremendous opportunity for business. Veterans and citizens support this initiative which can offer relief for pain and other symptoms. Tax revenue can be allocated to support other initiates such as public-school revitalization.
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
If elected, what would your priorities be for the future of Texas education?
I am all in on support for teachers and public-school districts. Another concern is academic freedom. I have personally witnessed professors who taught controversial lessons that challenged narratives in fear of disciplinary action from college administration. Also, I am looking at ways to increase security for schools that need it.
