Two Republican candidates are running for state representative District 17 in the upcoming March primaries.

The overview

Stan Gerdes and Tom Glass will compete for the Republican nomination. The winning Republican candidate will face the Democratic nominee in November.

Dates to remember
  • Feb. 2: last day to register to vote in the March 3 primary elections
  • Feb. 17: early voting begins
  • Feb. 20: deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot
  • Feb. 27: early voting ends
  • March 3: primary election day
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.

* indicates the incumbent candidate







Stan Gerdes*



Occupation & Experience: Consultant, Smithville City Council, state representative House District 17







Why are you running for office?



I’m running to defend our conservative values and protect our rural way of life from radical liberals in Austin. Faith, family, and freedom still matter. I’ve fought hard for this district, earned endorsements from President Trump, Governor Abbott, and Senator Cruz, and I’m running for re-election to continue delivering real ...



What would your top priorities be if elected?



Keeping Texas safe, defending constitutional rights, cutting property taxes, and strengthening schools. That means stopping violent illegal aliens, protecting the Second Amendment, putting parents in charge of education, and continuing the fight to put Texas on the pathway to eliminate property taxes so Texans truly own their homes.



What are the biggest challenges facing this district?



Like a lot of Texans, folks here are worried about the direction of the country, what their kids are being taught in school, and whether our conservative values are being upheld. People want safe communities, strong schools, lower prices and greater affordability, and leaders who won’t back down from tough ...



How do you plan to address these issues?



I address them the same way I always have-by taking action. I’ve stood up to radical ideologies, including efforts to bring Sharia law into Texas. I’ve personally gone to our local city councils and demanded that they cut items from their budgets to stop tax hikes, and will continue to ...



If elected, what would your priorities be for the future of Texas education?



Strong, values-based education. I helped pass over $8.5 billion for schools, raised pay for teachers, counselors, and librarians. I supported prayer and brought back the Ten Commandments in schools, and will keep fighting for classrooms that reflect Texas values. Our kids deserve a quality education.












Tom Glass



Occupation & Experience: Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.





Why are you running for office?



Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.



What would your top priorities be if elected?



Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.



What are the biggest challenges facing this district?



Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.



How do you plan to address these issues?



Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.



If elected, what would your priorities be for the future of Texas education?



Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.