As of Sept. 3, seven candidates are in the race for the Texas House District 28 seat—which covers Fulshear, a portion of Katy and a portion of Sugar Land.
Gov. Greg Abbott called for a special election Nov. 5 to let voters find a new representative after Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, announced July 31 that he would step down from the position. Zerwas’ resignation as a state representative is effective Sept. 30—before his term is over.
In an Aug. 1 press release, the University of Texas System announced Zerwas, a physician, had been appointed the executive vice chancellor for health affairs for the UT System effective Oct. 1.
As of Aug. 29, there are five candidates who have either filed for candidacy with the Texas Secretary of State or announced their campaign via press releases:
- Anna Allred is a republican and anesthesiologist. Her platform centers around private sector innovation and less government and one of her priorities is health care, according to an Aug. 29 press release.
- Gary Gates is a republican businessman. His platform’s priorities include protecting taxpayers, securing the border and supporting schools, according to his campaign website.
- Gary J. Hale is a republican business owner who lives in Katy. Community Impact Newspaper was not able to immediately get in touch with Hale to learn more about his campaign.
- Tricia Krenek is running as a republican. She and her husband own a law firm, and she is a former Fulshear council member. Her platform priorities include flood mitigation, property taxes and education, according to an Aug. 5 press release.
- Sarah Laningham is a republican salesperson who resides in Richmond. Her platform priorities include protecting the unborn and churches, ending toll roads, returning budget surpluses to taxpayers, expanding gun rights, securing the border, and providing property tax reform.
- Eliz Markowitz is a democrat and employed as a teacher, corporate trainer, content developer and author. Her campaign focuses on education, health care and flood management.
- Clinton D. Purnell is a republican with a background in logistics. Community Impact Newspaper was not able to immediately get in touch with Purnell to learn more about his campaign.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. Sept. 4 to apply to place their name on the ballot.
