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Editor's note: This story, originally published Sept. 24, was updated Sept. 25 with Sen. Paul Bettencourt's responses.
State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, will face Democratic candidate Michelle Gwinn in the Nov. 5 election for the Texas Senate District 7 seat.
This district mainly encompasses west Harris County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. Bettencourt has served in this role since 2015.
Early voting will take place Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and Election Day is 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.
For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Why are you running for this position, and what are your top priorities?
Continuing record Texas school property tax bill reductions, SB 2; electrical grid resiliency and utility performance top-down guidelines; stopping squatters from using other people’s homes or apartments and removing them from properties quickly; refiling and passing Senate bills on special education funding, expansion of virtual education, and restarting civil truancy procedures.
How would you ensure residents are prepared and protected when facing natural disasters?
CenterPoint LLC must be held accountable to the lack of electric grid resiliency in the transmission and distribution system in their service area. A recent Category 1 hurricane in Florida showed Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light restoring 90% of their customers’ service in 24 to 36 hours.
What are the biggest challenges in the state's public education system, and how would you address them if elected?
In 2021, I passed Senate Bill 1365 that restored the A-F public accountability system in Texas. Unfortunately, a few dozen ISDs have filed a lawsuit in Travis County to block TEA from releasing the results. It is critical to any public school system to have a transparent accountability system for everyone involved.
How would you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
Every major piece of property tax legislation I have passed since 2021, has had dozens of co-authors of both political parties. Increasing homestead exemptions for 5.72 million Texas homeowners passed unanimously in the Texas Senate, so did lowering over-65 and disabled property tax “freezes.”
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I maintain an active social media presence on X, Facebook and Instagram, including responses to comments as time permits. I have speaking engagements, blogs, radio and TV interviews, plus I publish newsletters too!
Why are you running for this position, and what are your top priorities?
I have been a resident of this district for over 20 years, and I noticed that the elected official in Austin has not created legislation that is inclusive of the diverse community [Senate District] 7 has become. Education and school vouchers; economic development; health care; affordable housing.
How would you ensure residents are prepared and protected when facing natural disasters?
I will introduce a bill to make it easier for residents to receive funds after a disaster. Small business owners will be required to complete paperwork before the storm. Public utilities will give automatic credits. Curfews will help law enforcement protect businesses and homes from looters.
What are the biggest challenges in the state's public education system, and how would you address them if elected?
The biggest challenge in the public education system is funding and school safety. Article 7 in the Texas Constitution requires the legislature to support and maintain public, free schools. I will amend the Texas school finance laws to raise the basic allotment per student.
How would you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
I will use my training and skills as a mediator. Listening to both sides of the aisles and being open to new ideas with the intention of creating policy for the future of all Texans.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I will have scheduled meetings within the community to hear what they have to say. I will send out informational newsletters keeping the district informed of what I am voting on.
