Candidates for the Texas Legislature will discuss public education policy at a series of upcoming forums and town halls.

The “For the Future” series is hosted by Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for systemic improvements to the state’s public education system.

“Public education has never been more important to our local communities and state, and we believe it’s critical every voter is informed on this issue,” said Libby Cohen, the director of advocacy at the foundation, in a release.

Candidates will be asked four questions focused on statewide public education issues, such as school funding, high-stakes testing, teaching and vouchers. Other questions tailored to candidates’ respective districts will also be asked.

More than 40 events will take place across the state leading up to the March 3 primary election. Each event will also be live-streamed through links accessible on Raise Your Hand’s social media accounts.


Events taking place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will feature candidates from the following house district races. Not all candidates have been confirmed, according to a Raise Your Hand spokesperson. This list is not comprehensive.

*indicates incumbent

Jan. 29: Northeast Tarrant forum

Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive, Colleyville


6:30-8:30 p.m.

HD 92

Jeff Cason (R)

Taylor Gillig (R)


Jim Griffin (R)

Steve Riddell (D)

Jeff Whitfield (D)

HD 98


Giovanni Capriglione* (R)

Debra Edmondson (D)

Feb. 4: Carrollton/Lewisville forum

Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St., Lewisville


6-7:30 p.m.

HD 65

Michelle Beckley* (D)

Nancy Cline (R)

Paige Dixon (D)

Kronda Thimesch (R)

Feb. 4: Dallas/Richardson forum

Fretz Park Branch Public Library, 6990 Belt Line Road, Dallas

5:30-7 p.m.

HD 102

Linda Koop (R)

Ana-Maria Ramos* (D)

Rick Walker

Feb. 4: Keller forum

Chandon Arbors Event Center, 121 S. Elm St., Keller

6:30-9 p.m.

HD 98

Giovanni Capriglione* (R)

Debra Edmondson (D)

Feb. 5: Fort Worth/Saginaw forum

Chisolm Trail High School

3100 NW College Drive, Fort Worth

6-8:30 p.m.

HD 93

Lydia Bean (D)

Matt Krause* (R)

Feb. 6: West Plano forum

Plano ISD Sockwell Center, 6301 Chapel Hill Blvd., Plano

6-7:30 p.m.

HD 66

Forrest Hampton (G)

Sharon Hirsch (D)

Aimee Garza Lopez (D)

Matt Shaheen* (R)

Feb. 11: East/Central Plano, Allen & North Richardson forum

Collin College Living Legends Conference Center - Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano

6-7:30 p.m.

HD 67

Tom Adair (D)

Rocio Gocewehr Hernandez (D)

Jeff Leach* (R)

Anthony Lo (D)

Lorenzo Sanchez (D)

Click here for a full list of forums and town halls.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story was amended to include the correct house district featured at the Feb. 4 forum at Fretz Park Branch Public Library.