The details
District 146 was formerly held by Democrat Shawn Theirry, who lost a runoff election to Simmons—a union organizer with the Texas State Employees Union—in May, nearly doubling her vote total. Prior to that, Thierry held the seat dating back to 2016.
York is a business owner who runs York's Wax, an organic car wax and gun wax shop, according to filings with the Texas Secretary of State's office.
District 146 covers parts of south and southwest Houston, including neighborhoods such as Westbury, the Willowbend area, Brays Oaks and Sunnyside. State representatives in Texas serve two-year terms.
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, click here.
*Indicates incumbent
Lauren Ashley Simmons
Experience:
Statewide union organizing director; Texas State Employees Union, American Federation of Teachers, HISD parent activist
Candidate Website:
https://www.laurenashleysimmons.com
Contact Information:
713-496-2035
Why are you running for election to District 146?
I’m running because we need a representative who will stand up to Republicans to keep our public schools strong by supporting teachers, students and parents. I’m running to fight for living wages and health care for people who have to choose between paying for medicine or paying the rent.
If elected, what would your top priorities be during the 2025 Legislative Session?
My priorities are: education (protecting public schools, teachers and kids); access to health care and the freedom to make health care decisions without government interference (particularly for women and LGBTQIA families); issues critical to working people (living wages, working conditions, discrimination, paid leave, minimum wage and more).
What, if anything, do you believe the Texas Legislature should work on with regards to public school funding?
State funding is wholly insufficient. The most recent fix has already run short, and Texas is still ranked among the lowest in the country in per-pupil spending. I will fight for sustainable revenue streams so public schools can serve all children, regardless of their needs, backgrounds, neighborhoods or abilities.
What, if anything, should the legislature do to make housing more affordable in Houston?
We need to restore local control so that cities and counties can better protect tenants and seniors from housing discrimination. We need to prioritize responsible housing development (e.g., development that does not contribute to flooding or otherwise overburden existing infrastructure) that is targeted to middle-income and working people.
Lance York
Experience:
Candidate did not respond.
Why are you running for election to District 146?
Candidate did not respond.
If elected, what would your top priorities be during the 2025 Legislative Session?
Candidate did not respond.
What, if anything, do you believe the Texas Legislature should work on with regards to public school funding?
Candidate did not respond.
What, if anything, should the legislature do to make housing more affordable in Houston?
Candidate did not respond.
