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On March 3, voters in the primary election will decide who will be the Republican candidate for Texas House District 137. Robert McKenzie and Helen Zhou have filed for the Republican primary.
The details
Democratic incumbent Gene Wu is running uncontested.
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.
City of Houston manager, NASA programs, energy consultant, financial advisor, writer, UCLA & UH degrees
Why are you running for office?
I am obliged by my duty, commitment, and service to Houston to be a strong voice for District 137.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
My expertise in Houston governance, energy, finance, and policy in addressing District 137’s urban-economic priorities.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Public safety, energy independence, lower taxes, improved infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity for all.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district and how do you plan to address these issues?
District 137’s top challenges include public safety with random gunfire, flooding mandating insurance, extreme heat from greenspace shortages, high poverty/food insecurity, and economic strains. I will address via more police funding, drainage upgrades, urban parklands, job growth in energy and technology, and property tax relief.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
Key legislature projects for Texas’ future include property tax elimination, infrastructure improvement of traffic and water systems, education reform via school choice, spending restraint, and ending corporate welfare.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next five years?
The “affordability” crisis: surging housing costs, property taxes, and living expenses from tech influx, AI grid strain, and H-1B foreign labor.
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
Why are you running for office?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What are your qualifications for why you’d be a strong candidate in this role?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district and how do you plan to address these issues?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next five years?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
