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Two candidates are running for the U.S. House of Representatives District 65 seat in the Nov. 3 election.
What you need to know
Republican incumbent Mitch Little will run against Democratic candidate Detrick DeBurr.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or shortened to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Attorney, served one term in the Texas House of Representatives
Why are you running for office?
Our district deserves competent, attentive representation in the Texas House. We are a rapidly growing district with sophisticated public policy needs. We need someone who understands our people, the issues, and the legislative process to keep us safe and minimize the impact of government on our lives.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Affordability is our biggest challenge. Texas is an economic giant, but we can’t let government grow unchecked alongside it. Property taxes, public safety, road infrastructure, and protecting our children are all at the forefront of our constituents’ minds.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I support every available measure to eliminate/reduce property taxes on homeowners. Texas needs to continue to mitigate the impact of immigration, both illegal and temporary legal, on our way of life in Texas. I fully support mandatory minimum prison sentences for teachers and school employees who sexually abuse children.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top priorities are to reduce property taxes, protect small business, reduce government surveillance, protect our children, improve our roads, and keep us safe.
Software Engineer, eight years on The Colony Planning and Zoning Commission, eight years on Cedar Hill Planning and Zoning Commission
Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Texas House because Texas should work for everyone. Our schools are barely working. They need fair funding. After 16 years as a North Texas planning and zoning commissioner, I understand how cities grow and what communities need from the state. I’ll bring that experience to ...
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Beyond the high cost of living, the biggest long-term challenge facing House District 65 is keeping our public schools strong without raising local property taxes. Texas should pay a larger share of basic school costs. This would help families and honor the state’s duty to support public education.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I would have the state pay at least half of basic school costs. This would reduce pressure on local property taxes while protecting local control. State funding should keep up with enrollment, inflation, special education, and teacher pay. Local taxes should fund community-approved extras, not cover state shortfalls.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My top three priorities are fair funding for public schools through increased state support, greater affordability through livable wages, and property tax relief through transparent assessments and plain-English explanations of how tax dollars are spent.
