The primary will be held March 1 with early voting taking place Feb. 14-25. The winner in the March primaries will be on the ballot in the general election Nov. 8.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.
Bianca Gracia
Experience: president of Latinos for Trump; executive director of Latinos for America First; master's of political science and strategic leadershipOccupation: homeschool mom; grassroots conservative activist
Website: www.biancafortexas.com
Contact Information: 361-389-3486
What qualifications do you bring to this role?
My qualifications include my role as a grassroots activist and community organizer. I am the president of the Latinos for Trump organization (nonprofit) and the executive director of Latinos for America First (political action committee). Graduated: magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary's University and studied master of political science at University of Houston and Master of Science in strategic leadership at Mountainview University. Visit www.biancafortexas.com for more information.
If you’re elected, what are your top priorities?
When I’m elected, I will call for enforcement of current immigration laws. The goal is to drastically minimize the influx of illegal border crossings. Public Safety is a top priority and illegal immigration directly impacts all communities, including our district. I will advocate for lowering property taxes; hurricane preparedness, decreased homelessness, infrastructure and flood mitigation. I want election integrity restored to our election process. I’ll support bills that promote secure and fair elections.
District 11 is so diverse in terms of its demographics and geography, how will you approach representing constituents in the district considering how different their needs could be?
Communication is key in ensuring that my constituents receive the proper representation they elect me to conduct. I plan to provide a monthly e-newsletter and interactive social media platforms so my constituents can communicate with me. I will conduct quarterly visits to the district through various party affiliated organizations (bipartisan), including townhalls. Additionally, my plan includes developing relationships with the various First Responders, Emergency Management and Law Enforcement agencies, and municipal and county governments.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing district 11?
Flooding and public safety.
What do you think needs to be the future for district 11?
Improved infrastructure and evacuation routes. More diverse government representation at the local, state and federal level.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
My organization's outreach and engagement with minority communities (particularly blue districts) was instrumental in growing the Hispanic conservative movement reflected in Hispanic voter turnout during the 2020 general election. Our legislative affairs team has been present and testified at our state capitol during regular and special sessions. We understand the frustration that conservative voters are experiencing due to inadequate or poor leadership. I will continue to fight for Texas and the #AmericaFirst Agenda.
Bob Mitchell
Experience: worked in economic development for over 20 years; worked to create opportunities and protect jobs.Occupation: President of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Website: www.bobmitchell4txsenate.com
Contact: 832-481-4109
What qualifications do you bring to this role?
I’ve worked in this district on economic development for over 20 years, helping bring cutting-edge companies and quality jobs to the region. As president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, I work every day with local, state, and federal leaders and employers across the district to build a skills pipeline, create opportunities, and protect jobs. I have also worked to help our Gulf Coast prepare for, respond to, and recover from storms.
If you’re elected, what are your top priorities?
My priorities are bringing quality jobs to the region, building a coastal barrier system to protect the citizens and the economy of the upper Texas Gulf Coast, securing our border, fighting for limited government and accountable public schools, cutting taxes, parental rights, local control, and the sanctity of life.
District 11 is so diverse in terms of its demographics and geography, how will you approach representing constituents in the district considering how different their needs could be?
I’ve lived in District 11 my entire life and have deep knowledge about the district’s people and companies. I’ve worked the kinds of jobs that the people in this district work – from the docks at the Port of Houston to management-level positions in the manufacturing sector. I have been endorsed by mayors all across the district who know my work ethic and my values and believe I am the best candidate to represent our diverse district.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing district 11?
With our strategic position and indispensable resources, District 11 is crucial to the economic strength of both the state and the nation. Unless steps are taken, a storm surge could shut down the nation’s busiest port and shutter its largest petrochemical complex, which supplies 40% of the nation’s specialty chemical feedstock, 27% of our gasoline, and 60% of our jet aviation fuel. District 11’s safety and security must be assured.
What do you think needs to be the future for district 11?
We need to protect the region from the worst damage that storms can do, and Gov. [Greg] Abbott appointed me to a workgroup that is doing that. But we also need to continue creating an economic climate that attracts the jobs of the future and nurtures the educational institutions that prepare well-educated and well-qualified candidates to fill those jobs. Further, we need reliable transportation and energy systems that are vital for our economic growth.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
As a father and grandfather, keeping our community safe is a top priority. From the Little League field to the boardroom, I have dedicated my career to making District 11 the best place to live, work, and raise a family. My work in economic development helped me establish strong relationships with leadership in Austin and Washington. As State Senator, I will honestly and fairly represent every constituent with a focus on the protection and continued growth of this amazing district.
Robin Armstrong
Experience: lived in the district for 48 years; served in ministry; vice chair of Republican Party of TexasOccupation: physician, owner of Armstrong Medical Group
Website: www.robinarmstrongfortexas.com
Contact: 409-203-3164
What qualifications do you bring to this role?
I have a record of conservatism that is unmatched. I have lived in the district for 48 years and have served in ministry, in politics as vice chair of the Republican Party of Texas, and as a business owner and physician caring for thousands of patients in the district, including being a frontline doctor during the pandemic. I started my practice at the hospital where I was born and currently live in Friendswood.
If you’re elected, what are your top priorities?
Property tax relief and reform are essential – no one should have to rent their home from the government. I desire to address this in my first session. We must be aggressive in securing our border now. We must support our police and fight crime.
District 11 is so diverse in terms of its demographics and geography, how will you approach representing constituents in the district considering how different their needs could be?
I have very strong relationships in the Black community as my father served on the school board in La Marque ISD for many years and my mother taught school in Galveston for 34 years. I have relationships with Black and Hispanic evangelical pastors and leaders as well through many years of service. I will fight the Democrat narrative about conservative Republicans and educate all communities the value of working together to solve our problems.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing district 11?
Property taxes, coastal flooding and hurricane preparedness. The coastal spine is extremely important to protecting our local and our national interest. Protecting the vitality of our Galveston port.
What do you think needs to be the future for district 11?
Senate District 11 should lead in the largest engineering project in American history (Coastal spine) and see it to its completion. We can lead on reforming property taxes and we can be a district that raises the standard of living for every resident in our district.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
I commit to serving the residents of this district and will always serve their interest and not my own interest. I have a recent graduate of Friendswood High School, and a current Junior at Friendswood High School. I have two younger sons at Bay Area Christian School. Married to Martha for 24 years and raised our four sons here. I would be honored to serve you as your next State Senator.
Mayes Middleton
Experience: served two terms as representative for House District 23; ranked within 10 most conservative members; endorsed by President Donald TrumpOccupation: CEO of Middleton Oil Co.
Website: http://mayesmiddleton.com
Contact: 409-443-7713
What qualifications do you bring to this role?
For two terms, I’ve served as the State Representative for House District 23, and I’ve been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most conservative members. Recently, Young Conservatives of Texas ranked me No. 1 most conservative. I'm proud to have earned the endorsement of President Trump because of my conservative voting record. I have also been fighting for issues important to the Gulf Coast, including stopping windstorm insurance rate increases.
If you’re elected, what are your top priorities?
My top priority is stopping Joe Biden’s dangerous policies and unconstitutional mandates that are hurting Texans. Increasing border security and banning taxpayer-funded lobbying (the practice of your tax dollars being spent on Austin lobbyists that then lobby for higher taxes) are other top priorities of mine.
District 11 is so diverse in terms of its demographics and geography, how will you approach representing constituents in the district considering how different their needs could be?
Senate District 11 belongs to each and every voter and taxpayer—not politicians with gold pins and titles. I will continue to earn every vote and knock on doors to best represent everyone. I have represented a Gulf Coast district in the Texas House of Representative for two terms, and I have the grit and hard work ethic required to fight for Senate District 11 in Austin.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing district 11?
The biggest issue facing Senate District 11 is Biden’s plan to eliminate jobs in our area with destructive policies, ranging from vaccine mandates, to critical race theory, to getting rid of the oil and gas industry, to the out of control inflation. It is up to us and the Texas Legislature to fight back to protect Texans from these harmful policies.
What do you think needs to be the future for district 11?
Senate District 11 needs more educational opportunities, so that the next generation has more tools to succeed in life. Part of this requires money to follow each child to the school of their choice, so that they can have an education to prepare them for high-paying careers to provide for their families and to succeed in the community.
Anything else you want potential constituents to know?
My wife Macy and I are blessed with four young children, three sons and a baby daughter. Our children serve as a daily reminder of what we are fighting for. I am proud to be 100% pro-life and to have authored the Texas Heartbeat Bill.
