The winner will face off with Republican Tennyson Moreno in the November general election.
House District 45 covers the eastern half of Hays County, including San Marcos, Buda, Kyle and parts of the Dripping Springs, Hays City and Driftwood areas.
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.
Community Impact is only asking candidates in contested Republican or Democratic primaries to answer questionnaires.
*indicates incumbent
Erin Zwiener*
Experience:
Three-term state representative, effective legislative expertise, proven problem solver and collaborator, dedicated public servant
Occupation:
Student
Candidate Website:
https://www.erinforyall.com
Contact Information:
512-757-3858
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
I was proud to hold the line against voucher scams that would have funneled taxpayer dollars to private schools. Because of right-wing attacks on education, districts across Texas are struggling with teacher retention. We must invest more resources in our public schools so they can recruit and keep great educators.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
The biggest challenge Hays County faces is completely nonpartisan. Rapid growth and development is a challenge that impacts quality of life in our communities. I will continue fighting to give cities and our county more tools to manage that growth, with a particular eye on water resources and transportation.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
I founded the bipartisan Texas Energy and Climate Caucus, which has grown to 56 members, and held the line against far-right attacks on renewable energy. We must stop the unprecedented attacks on the civil rights of Texans and restore or protect abortion rights, voting rights, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ rights.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
I am both a fierce advocate for Democratic values and effective at reaching across the aisle to work towards solutions when possible. Last session I increased funding for Texas State University, secured property tax relief, defended public schools and renewable energy, and funded fentanyl awareness curriculum for Texas public schools.
Chevo Pastrano
Experience:
Attorney, small business owner
Occupation:
Trial attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.chevopastrano.com
Contact Information:
512-216-3717
What is the most important issue facing residents, and how would you address it if elected?
We will begin healing relationships between local officials and the office of the state representative. Through forming and fostering stronger relationships between local officials and our state representative, we will be able to resolve issues brought on by unprecedented growth in Hays County, including infrastructure and our overloaded justice system.
If elected, how do you plan to represent all your constituency as a whole?
Constituent services will become a focal point of the work of the office of state representative. One of our top priorities will be equality on all fronts, including racial, gender, LGBTQIA+. This will be the spirit of our representation—to represent all of the citizens of House District 45 equally.
What issues outside of the most important one named above are a high priority for you to address?
As a product of Hays County public schools, increasing school funding, increasing teacher pay and reducing class sizes is a top priority. Forming restorative justice programs that give deserving people a second chance is also a top priority. Presently, our local system is overloaded and needs help on all levels.
What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?
We are not moving into the district to run for office. I was raised in Kyle. I graduated from public schools in this district and Texas State University before going to law school. I have maintained my law practice in Hays County for 20 years. We are here to stay.
