State Rep. Benjamin Bumgarner, R-Flower Mound, and Democratic candidate Michelle Beckley are running for the position.
The district includes portions of Southlake, Trophy Club, Roanoke, Westlake, Fort Worth, Northlake, Grapevine, Coppell, Lewisville and Flower Mound.
Early voting is from Oct. 21-Nov. 1.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the question provided without attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
* Indicates incumbent.
Benjamin Bumgarner*
Experience:
Current office holder finishing my first term. Served three years on the Flower Mound Town Council.
Occupation:
Texas House, District 63 official/self-employed/manufacturing
Candidate Website:
https://www.Votebumgarner.com
Contact Information:
940-205-2210
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to help bring property tax relief to the state. I am also running to fight the border crisis and to expand on legislation I passed last session to fight human trafficking in our communities.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 63?
The biggest challenges District 63 is seeing is planning for future growth and solving infrastructure needs. Ninety new faces are moving to Denton County each day and we need to make sure we have vital resources to sustain that growth.
How do you plan to address these issues?
By making sure my county and my local municipalities have all the tools in their bags to efficiently and effectively plan and manage for our new soon-to-be neighbors in our communities.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are expanding HB 3579 so we can shut down hotels harboring human trafficking in our state. I will work with legislation to continue lowering our tax bills and continue to fight for our public schools as they are the main attraction to why people move here.
Michelle Beckley
Experience:
former Texas State Rep (2019-23)
Occupation:
small business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.michellebeckley.com
Contact Information:
469-346-5741
Why are you running for office?
To keep fighting for affordable quality healthcare, fully funded public schools, & our environment which includes sustainable energy and a working power grid.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Fighting Gov. Abbott’s school voucher scam. The school districts here will lose $45 million a year if that goes through.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Keep fighting to increase school funding to levels prior to 2009. Texas has one of the lowest per student spending levels even though we are one of the wealthiest states.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Fully funding public schools. Fighting to regain women’s healthcare rights and freedoms.
