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Two candidates are running to represent District 23 of the Texas House of Representatives.
Incumbent Republican Terri Leo Wilson is wrapping up her first term as a representative. Challenging her is Democrat Dev Merugumala, a pediatrician.
District 23 covers much of Chambers County, as well as parts of Galveston County, including parts of Galveston, La Marque, Seabrook and Texas City, according to the Texas House's website.
Early voting starts Oct. 21. Election Day will be held Nov. 5.
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.
*Indicates incumbent
If elected, what is your top priority?
I’ll stand up to greedy corporate special interests that buy political influence to push their agendas over ordinary Texans’ needs. My priority is addressing everyday economic concerns to put more money into the pockets of hardworking Texans—fighting for fairer wages, enhanced worker benefits and more affordable healthcare options.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
I oppose the ongoing, poorly thought-out assault on Texans’ reproductive freedom. My commitment to reproductive freedom stems from my dual roles: as a doctor sworn to protect patient autonomy, and as a labor advocate recognizing that reasonable access to contraception and abortion is an economic necessity for many working families.
What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focused on?
I reject the school voucher scam that proponents remain eager to push in the next legislative session. Vouchers divert taxpayer dollars away from underfunded public schools towards affluent private schools. Instead of pointlessly subsidizing private school tuition, let’s invest in public education to safeguard Texas’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Are there any economic-related policies you would support in the upcoming legislative session, such as to boost business or help Texans with inflation?
Strengthening rules on corporate mergers and price-fixing can counteract rising monopoly power in broadband, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Such antitrust reforms empower Texas’ innovative small businesses to compete more effectively. These policies lead to lower costs by stopping corporations from artificially inflating prices and also enable greater consumer choice overall.
In your view, what can the state do about rising property taxes?
Enhanced government transparency in the appraisal and spending of property taxes can significantly promote fair taxation and efficient utilization of revenue. Additionally, increased state investment in public schools and other services typically funded by local property taxes would alleviate the heavy financial burdens that everyday Texan homeowners are often shouldering.
If elected, what is your top priority?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
What kind of school-related legislation do you feel the state should be focused on?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Are there any economic-related policies you would support in the upcoming legislative session, such as to boost business or help Texans with inflation?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
In your view, what can the state do about rising property taxes?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
