Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Learn more about the two candidates running in the Republican primary election for the state representative District 66 seat.
Early voting for the primary election begins Feb. 20 and ends March 1 before election day March 5.
The two candidates who have filed to run in the Republican primary election are Wayne Richard and incumbent Matt Shaheen, according to the Texas secretary of state’s website. Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity.
Why are you running for office?
As a proven conservative warrior in the Texas Legislature, I firmly believe Texas is special, we continue to lead the nation on many important conservative fronts. But there is more that needs to be done and I have the proven record as a fighter for conservative, Texas values.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
The biggest challenges facing our county is our southern border, illegal immigration and keeping the Texas economy strong.
How do you plan to address these issues?
For the border I’ll fight to continue to deploy Texas Troopers and National Guardsmen to our southern border to fight illegal immigration, to build the wall, and transport illegals back to Mexico or to sanctuary cities. I'll keep the economy strong by reducing job killing taxes and regulations.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My priorities are the priorities of my constituents. A strong southern border, keeping the Texas economy strong and protecting jobs and protecting children from being indoctrinated and sexualized.
Why are you running for office?
Establishment politicians are undermining the principles and practices essential to Texas and American greatness. I am running to stand against the political regime and radical activism, and to fight for the liberties, interests, and priorities of hardworking Texas. Our current Representatives in Collin County no longer represent the conservative grassroots.
What are the biggest challenges facing the county?
Too many apartments, property taxes and the cost of water are too high. I am concerned about our current infrastructure with the influx of so many new residents.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Listening and working with the county leadership and assisting from a state level vs. dictating solutions that place additional burdens on hardworking taxpayers.
What would your top priorities be if you were elected?
My top priorities are the open border and eliminating property taxes. We do not own our homes with property taxes. Texas has the eighth highest property taxes in the country. The Republicans are the majority therefore we need to elect a speaker that will follow and implement the Republican platform.
