What you need to know
Incumbent Harold V. Dutton Jr. will face opponents James Joseph and Danyahel “Danny” Norris on March 3. District 142 includes portions of the Atascocita, Fall Creek and Summerwood areas.
The winner of the Democratic primary will run against Republican candidate Heidi Hall in the Nov. 5 general election. Hall is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Diving deeper
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.
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*Indicates incumbent
James Joseph
Occupation & Experience:
State representative candidate; state director of civic engagement and community affairs; public policy professional; fundraiser and advocate; nonprofit director
Candidate Website:
https://jamesjosephfortexas.com
Contact Information:
832-918-8208
Why are you running for office?
I am running to uplift our community, expand access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, and ensure every voice in Texas House District 142 is heard, valued, and represented with integrity, vision, and commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more equitable future for all residents.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are improving healthcare access, creating jobs, supporting education, addressing environmental risks, and strengthening community safety and equity in District 142. I will focus on policies that empower residents, support Black-owned businesses, and ensure every neighborhood thrives with opportunity, resources, and fair representation.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will prioritize resilient infrastructure, strengthen drainage systems, support emergency preparedness programs, and secure funding for flood mitigation. Partnering with local agencies, I’ll ensure timely communication, community education, and rapid response plans so District 142 is better protected against extreme weather and flooding, keeping residents safe and neighborhoods secure.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next five years?
I see climate change and extreme weather, including flooding and heat events, as Texas’ greatest challenge. These issues threaten communities, infrastructure, and public health. Addressing them requires proactive policies on disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and sustainable development to safeguard residents, especially in vulnerable and underserved areas.
Danyahel "Danny" Norris
Occupation & Experience:
Danny Norris is an attorney and currently works in the City Attorney’s Office as the Prop A attorney
Candidate Website:
https://dannynorris4tx.com
Contact Information:
832-739-2031
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because [District] 142 families have been left behind for 40 years—20% poverty, underfunded schools, no healthcare access. As a Houston-raised attorney, former education trustee, and voter-rights plaintiff, I’ll deliver universal healthcare, fully funded schools, living wages, and justice with integrity and grassroots power.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Top priorities: universal healthcare to cover the uninsured; fully funded public schools with local control; living wages and green jobs to lift poverty; climate resilience against flooding; criminal justice reform and expanded voting rights to empower our majority Black and Latino community.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I'll secure state funding for resilient infrastructure—elevated homes, restored bayous, green stormwater systems—in flood-prone Fifth Ward, Sheldon, and Atascocita. Partner with Harris County for buyouts and early-warning systems, prioritizing low-income areas hit hardest, while holding polluters accountable for prevention.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next five years?
Texas's greatest challenge is inequality—poverty, underfunded schools, healthcare gaps, and climate threats disproportionately hitting working families. We'll overcome it by investing in people: equitable education, living wages, universal care, and sustainable infrastructure to build a stronger, fairer state for all.
Harold V. Dutton*
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
Why are you running for office?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
How will you ensure your district is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas in the next five years?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.
