Ed Thompson (Republican, incumbent)

Hometown: Pearland 281-485-6565 www.edthompson29.com

What would your top priority be, if elected?

If given the opportunity to represent House District 29 for another term, my top priority will remain the same as what I promised on my first day in office: I will be a voice in the Texas Legislature for my constituents. I am eager to address the big issues our state is facing right now, including foster care reform, school finance reform and making sure that Texans’ tax dollars are being spent responsibly.

What about your experience qualifies you to hold office?

Before I became a state representative, I served in several leadership roles, including Pearland city councilman and mayor pro tem, Pearland ISD school board trustee, chairman of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation.

What are your thoughts on the state’s education funding formula which, although ruled constitutional, is expected to be discussed in the next legislative session?

The main issue with school finance is that property taxes do not adequately fund all school districts. I filed HB 2204 bill last session to address this issue by providing substantial tax relief to people in school districts with high Interest and Sinking rates.

John Davis, Democrat

Hometown: Pearland 713-224-0101 www.floydfortexas.com

What would your top priority be, if elected?

Although Texas is facing many tough issues that will be debated in the next legislative session, my personal top priority is criminal justice reform. From top to bottom, the criminal justice system is in need of modernization and reform that will guarantee people—regardless of race, religion or economic status—are treated fairly and with respect. Far too many remnants of days gone by still lurk in our criminal justice system.

What about your experience qualifies you to hold office?

I am a board-certified criminal defense lawyer and have dedicated my life to fighting for the rights of the accused against the often false allegations of the government. It is this experience that has caused me to question the government and look upon every assertion it makes with a doubting eye.

What are your thoughts on the state’s education funding formula which, although ruled constitutional, is expected to be discussed in the next legislative session?

The state’s current public education funding system is broken, and the Republican-led Legislature has failed to fix it. The Texas Supreme Court has described the system as “undeniably imperfect, with immense room for improvement,” but has also failed to fix it.