Early voting begins Feb. 18 and ends Feb. 28, and election day is March 3. Find polling locations here.
*indicates incumbent
Garnet Coleman*
Website: www.garnetcoleman.com
Occupation/experience: business consultant, State Representative for Texas House District 147 since 1991-present
How will your professional or personal experience prepare you for this position?
I have over 28 years of experience in the Legislature, and have the knowledge of how to pass laws. As a former budget conferee, I understand the budget and I'm able to ensure that people who need government services, District 147, Houston, and Texas are properly taken care of in the budget. Having been through multiple rounds of redistricting, I believe my experience can help ensure that communities are fairly represented when the maps are redrawn next session. I also understand the rules and know how to work behind the scenes to make sure important issues get addressed or kill bad legislation.
What will be your top priority if elected?
My top priorities will be to continue my efforts to increase the accessibility and affordability of high-quality healthcare to all Texans, continue to fight for criminal justice reform, improve on the gains made to our public education system, and ensure that our community and the people of Texas are fairly and equally represented through redistricting.
How can you represent the diverse needs of this district?
As a Black man, I personally know the challenges that people of color face. I have spent my 28 years in the legislature fighting for people of color. I represent a Voting Rights Act district and this community is my home. I will continue to work on solving the problems in our community from increasing affordable housing; bringing in more community resources like health clinics, grocery stores, and public transportation; improving our public schools for our children, and making sure we have affordable and great Universities and colleges.
Colin Ross
Website: www.thetexasliberal.com
Occupation/experience: grease recycling
How will your professional or personal experience prepare you for this position?
I own a small grease recycling company. Everyday presents different challenges.
What will be your top priority if elected?
Pension reform and ending victimless crimes. Winding down the drug war would save billion and bring in billions of new revenue.
How can you represent the diverse needs of this district?
By remembering the proper role and place of government. As diverse as we are we all face similar problems: Will my kids get a good education? Will the money I save for retirement still be there when I need it? Will I be locked up in a cage even if my actions haven't hurt anyone through force or fraud.
