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Editor's note: This article has been updated to include responses from Apollo Hernandez.
Three Republican candidates are running for Texas Senate District 5 in the upcoming March primaries.
The big picture
Candidates Larry Nance and Apollo Hernandez are challenging incumbent Charles Schwertner for the Republican nomination.
The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic nomination in November. Candidates Kevin Nelson and Paul Thomasson are running in the Democratic primary, according to the Texas secretary of state's website.
Members of the Texas Senate are elected for four-year terms with no term limits. District 5 encompasses portions of Brazos, Williamson, Walker, San Jacinto, Robertson, Milam, Madison, Limestone, Leon, Freestone and Bastrop counties, according to the district’s webpage.
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 information about voting in Brazos County, visit https://elections.brazoscountytx.gov. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
*Indicates incumbent
Orthopedic Surgeon; State Senator, District 5; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
What would your top priorities be if elected?
I will continue defending the conservative values that make Texas strong: freedom, opportunity, and rugged individualism. I authored a strong immigration ICE enforcement law supported by President Trump and remain committed to combating the ill effects of mass migration while protecting Texas natural resources, communities, and families.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
As the Senate Business and Commerce Committee Chairman, I continue to lead efforts to enhance adequate, affordable electricity. I also serve on the Flood and Disaster Preparedness Committee, where I’ve focused on strengthening emergency communications and improving flood infrastructure. I support local planning backed by state guidance and financial assistance.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
My office maintains an open-door policy, encouraging constituents to meet with my outstanding staff who have subject-matter expertise across every branch of policy. My office and I engage with constituents year-round to ensure the legislative package I work to pass next session reflects the conservative values of Senate District 5.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
A high priority is enhancing the permanent property tax relief already accomplished that helps families stay in their homes and protects household budgets. Housing affordability can be improved by adequate infrastructure, financing options, and workforce. I remain committed to supporting the housing market in these areas.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Constituents are concerned about preserving community identity and conservative values amid rapid growth and population influx. People want to live in a Texas that honors faith, family, and community built on our divinely inspired and constitutionally enshrined liberties and rights.
Retired; MBA, 37 yrs of management experience, 10 yrs public service chairing committees and boards, Veteran
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are reducing the property tax burden, especially for seniors; reforming the property appraisal process to strengthen property owners’ rights; helping builders cut barriers to make it easier to provide affordable housing; and reforming credit reporting practices that unfairly punish Texans working to secure financing.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will push for fully-funded, regularly reviewed emergency preparedness and flood mitigation plans across the district. State dollars intended for readiness must be deployed proactively, ensuring infrastructure and response systems function before extreme weather occurs.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I plan to involve residents by establishing community advisory groups that meet quarterly, or more often when needed. Each county will have the opportunity to form focus groups to bring ideas forward. Together, we will develop practical solutions that reflect the community’s needs.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Reducing the property tax rate, especially for seniors and disabled veterans is number one. The zoning laws and all the permitting rules have to be updated to allow the builders the opportunity to build affordable housing. We need to make the process of building affordable houses easier for the applicant.
Cybersecurity Advisor (Security Advisor / Field CISO); Combat veteran; former Recon Marine; cybersecurity advisor ...
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Strengthen public schools, secure the border, stabilize property taxes, protect water infrastructure, and increase government accountability. I support term limits and believe legislators must serve the people—not special interests—while keeping Texas affordable, safe and economically strong for families and small businesses.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Invest in water infrastructure, grid reliability, flood mitigation and local emergency coordination. My military service taught me the importance of immediate, coordinated response, and my cybersecurity background reinforces the need to protect critical infrastructure. I will strengthen state-local partnerships to ensure rapid action and long-term resilience.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
This is a Republic, and I intend to be accessible and present. I will hold regular town halls across the district, maintain open communication year-round, and provide clear legislative updates. I want the people involved in decisions and to have a real voice before major votes.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Rapid growth without proper planning is a serious concern and has to be addressed. While AI will bring many benefits, we must prevent insurers from using it to deny medical care or claims and ensure its use does not harm our children or their future or generate illegal activity.
Pursue structural reforms to fix our property tax system through spending discipline, transparency and appraisal reform. I support long-term relief with the goal of eliminating property taxes so families can truly own their homes, while reducing regulatory burdens that drive up housing costs.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Rising property taxes, rapid growth straining water and infrastructure, housing affordability, and strengthening public education. We need proper school funding, strong accountability, teacher support, and a return to basics—teaching phonics, not sight words—so our children achieve better outcomes.
