Candidates were asked to fill out questions and answers from Community Impact. They 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 on the election, visit the Texas Secretary of State website.
*Indicates incumbent
Joan Huffman*
Experience:
prosecutor, criminal district court judge, Senate Finance Committee chair
Occupation:
State senator/attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.joanhuffman.com
Contact Information:
713-304-7868
Why did you choose to rerun for the position?
At this time in our country, it is critical to elect conservatives that have a proven record of success and fight for our sacred Texas values. I have represented you with all my heart and been a leader passing meaningful legislation on public safety, economic development and property tax relief.
What is your top priority if elected?
Public and school safety is, and has always been, a top priority. I look to secure our border, provide protection and services for victims, keep the most violent and repeat criminal offenders in jail to protect our communities and continue to be a pioneer in the war on human trafficking.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
Texans need to feel safe in their own communities. The Legislature must take a larger role to preserve public safety and I will lead those efforts. I will prioritize bail reform to keep violent offenders behind bars, increase funding for school safety and security, and support our law enforcement needs.
What should the state prioritize in the next legislative session?
Last session, we had the largest increase in public education funding in history, made investments in mental health care and passed historic property tax relief. I will once again look to pass a balanced budget that protects the future financial strength of Texas while meeting the needs of our growing…
Kathy Cheng
Experience:
My willingness to listen and passion to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Occupation:
Attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.chengforchange2024.com
Contact Information:
832-788-8840
Why did you choose to run for the position?
The needs of the constituents of SD 17 are not being addressed and/or met. SD 17 should be a thriving region with the resources to which voters of SD17 region deserve.
What is your top priority if elected?
Upon being elected, I would immediately address issues of the lack of accessibility in education, health care and sustainable energy sources.
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it?
All issues to which the local residents are dealing with are pressing issues, thus no one issue is more important than another as they are all pressing issues requiring addressing by the elected official.
What should the state prioritize in the next legislative session?
The next legislative session should deal with infrastructure improvement, i.e. finding a solution for the ongoing energy crisis, health care accessibility crisis and last but for least, education crisis.