Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates running to represent US Congressional District 10

What experiences and qualifications do you believe make you well-suited for this role?

Navigating a district with 23% Democrat primary turnout. I have mediation training, to help form coalition with Republicans and independents to win a general election. I bring experience in broadcast media, messaging and sales to help Democrats sell through the importance of specific legislation and combat divisive right-wing messaging.

What is the top issue you believe is most critical for your constituents, and how do you plan to address it?

We must confront authoritarianism. The loss of Roe and Show Me Your Papers are elements of a coordinated effort to roll back civil rights; we must reassert. I will immediately submit a bill to decriminalize reproductive care and end legal attacks on women and doctors, travel bans and pregnancy checkpoints.

What specific initiatives do you propose to stimulate economic growth and job creation within your district?

I will advocate immediate investments in distributed solar and wind, rain catchment and energy efficient HVAC, bolstering our grid and reducing household costs, while providing good manufacturing jobs. I will advocate federal investment to create jobs in emerging computing technology and support stimulating tax policy, like the Child Tax Credit.

How do you plan to address the education needs of the district and support local schools and teachers?

At the university level, financial aid reform is needed. I intend to advocate for FAFSA reform, the continuation of Pell Grants and loan forgiveness. For early-education, we must be unwavering in our support for federal programs like Head Start, that allow children to reach their potential and support local schools.

How do you plan to stay connected with the concerns and priorities of the residents of your district, and what avenues will you provide for community input?

I will be a regular broadcaster to keep constituents educated about issues and processes. My office will focus on receiving the concerns of the district and filtering those up. I intend regular appearances within the district and to use evolving technology to improve our ability to communicate and respond.

What experiences and qualifications do you believe make you well-suited for this role?

My skills learned as a teacher and in the family business, including the art of negotiation, striving to make transactions a win-win while working with a broad spectrum of students and clients from varying socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures will prove invaluable.

What is the top issue you believe is most critical for your constituents, and how do you plan to address it?

Mother Nature doesn't care if you’re a Republican or Democrat, extreme weather should not be a political issue. The United States and Texas have the knowledge and capability for solutions to extreme weather. We need tax credits for solar use, wind, hydrogen production, energy storage and equitable access to clean water.

What specific initiatives do you propose to stimulate economic growth and job creation within your district?

Texas and District 10 would benefit from more manufacturing facilities for solar, wind, hydrogen production and energy storage. These solutions to extreme weather would stimulate good paying jobs in the region, protect agriculture and ensure that Central Texas is livable and thriving for years to come.

How do you plan to address the education needs of the district and support local schools and teachers?