State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston, has held the position since May 2016, according to the Texas House of Representatives website. In March, he will be running in the Democratic primary for Texas Senate District 15, according to information from the Texas secretary of state's office.
This district covers portions of Spring, Cy-Fair and Houston.
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. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Rosalind Caesar
Experience:
Former precinct chair, MUD board, authored/lobbied for bills, educator
Occupation:
Mediator
Candidate Website:
https://www.rosalindcaesarfortexas.com
Contact Information:
832-855-8309
What is your top priority if elected?
Criminal justice reform - TDCJ is broken, and its leaders need to be held accountable for the many lives that have been lost and impacted.
What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how would you address it?
Clean and affordable water. When elected I will work with both Democrats and Republicans to make sure Houstonians and Texans have water free from toxins by eliminating dumping and fight to regulate high water bills.
How important is education funding to you and do you think more needs to be done to prioritize education funding after the 88th Texas legislative session?
I believe that funding of public education is paramount to a successful Texas. As a former educator I have seen first hand the effects of underfunded education. More must be done and I will lead the way.
How will you work to address flooding for the residents of your district?
As a board member for the 304 Municipal Utilities District, I see the importance of fighting illegal dumping and fixing the infrastructure to address flooding. In Austin I can fight for more funding to solve these issues.
What do you plan to do to help the residents and businesses in your district who are suffering due to the prolonged spans of elevated inflation?
We have to understand that continued caps on taxing are antiquated. Inflation is directly tied to this supply-side approach. We need to increase revenue while suppressing unnecessary spending. Promote local businesses will help as well.
Mo Jenkins
Experience:
Committee director-House Corrections Committee, legislative director-(crafted amendment to defeat vouchers), legislative aide
Occupation:
Committee director
Candidate Website:
https://www.mojenkins.com
Contact Information:
832-713-7012
What is your top priority if elected?
Once elected, my top priority is ensuring access to quality and affordable health care. I believe in promoting the well-being of our citizens, fostering a healthier society, and addressing disparities. Prioritizing health care reflects my commitment to the fundamental right of every individual to live a healthy life, enhancing overall community resilience.
What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how would you address it?
Economic opportunity is a critical issue, and I’m dedicated to bringing jobs to our district. By fostering growth across all sectors, we create a robust economy that benefits everyone. My focus is on creating diverse employment opportunities, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing the financial well-being of our community.
How important is education funding to you and do you think more needs to be done to prioritize education funding after the 88th Texas legislative session?
Fully funding public education is crucial. The state Legislature must step up to ensure its fair share, alleviating the burden on local taxpayers. Investing in education is an investment in our future, empowering students and providing them with the tools they need for success while creating a more equitable system.
How will you work to address flooding for the residents of your district?
I am committed to collaborating with local, state, and federal entities to implement robust flood mitigation projects. Additionally, I’ll advocate for responsible urban planning to ensure that new constructions prioritize flood mitigation measures. Together, we can enhance resilience, protect communities, and build a sustainable future.
What do you plan to do to help the residents and businesses in your district who are suffering due to the prolonged spans of elevated inflation?
To address inflation, I’ll collaborate with business partners, securing our supply chain and ensuring material availability. Additionally, I’ll focus on increasing and diversifying our labor force, promoting economic stability. By strengthening these foundations, we can mitigate inflationary pressures and foster a more resilient and prosperous community.
Charlene Ward Johnson
Experience:
I have over 15 years in leadership roles on several community organizations
Occupation:
Manager
Candidate Website:
https://www.electcharlene.com
Contact Information:
346-800-7191
What is your top priority if elected?
One of my top priorities will be to help create better opportunities for the district such as jobs and quality educational opportunities. I will partner with unions, local charities and businesses to help bring in much needed resources.
What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how would you address it?
One issue is making neighborhoods cleaner and safer. I will collaborate with community leaders. I will work to reduce crime, flooding and pollution. I will work with law enforcement to improve safety and the city of Houston to address keeping streets clean.
How important is education funding to you and do you think more needs to be done to prioritize education funding after the 88th Texas legislative session?
Educational funding is a top priority. More funding for public schools, colleges, universities and workforce training
How will you work to address flooding for the residents of your district?
My solution is to provide long-term investments in infrastructure like sidewalks, flood mitigation, proper drainage and maintenance. New construction will have added guidelines to prevent flooding and have better drainage.
What do you plan to do to help the residents and businesses in your district who are suffering due to the prolonged spans of elevated inflation?
My plan is to gain support to increase the minimum wage. My plan is also to support using the budget surplus to offer property tax breaks. Also, expanding Medicaid to reduce the rising cost of medicine.
Angie Thibodeaux
Experience:
Master's in public administration, HBCU VP executive to Bank of America and GMAC national director within nonprofit organization
Occupation:
Entrepreneur, community advocate and author
Candidate Website:
https://www.thibodeaux4texas.com
Contact Information:
832-891-9816
What is your top priority if elected?
Public safety/re-entry initiative
What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how would you address it?
Sustainable housing and neighborhood revitalization. We must address the inflated rent crisis by creating a pathway to homeownership. By working with area builders, we can revitalize homes in the area and create affordable inventory for those who desire ownership.
How important is education funding to you and do you think more needs to be done to prioritize education funding after the 88th Texas legislative session?
As a mother with a school age child, education and ensure additional school funding is essential. Ensuring our kids have the necessary tools to thrive is fundamental. More must be done in the 88th TX legislative session to ensure both teachers and students are a priority.
How will you work to address flooding for the residents of your district?
It is imperative that TX state rep in Dist. 139 work closely with local government leaders to ensure we continue to enhance our current flood protocols but more importantly, get out in the neighborhoods to establish areas with the most needs. From there, create and implement corrective actions.
What do you plan to do to help the residents and businesses in you district who are suffering due to the prolonged spans of elevated inflation?
We need to have a plan to ensure that resources are made available to area residents. At the same time, we need to work closely with our area businesses to become more engaged within the fabric of the community thereby investing in one another. We must invest in each other.
Jerry Ford Sr.
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
What is your top priority if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
What is the biggest issue the district is currently facing and how would you address it?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
How important is education funding to you and do you think more needs to be done to prioritize education funding after the 88th Texas Legislative session?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
How will you work to address flooding for the residents of your district?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
What do you plan to do to help the residents and businesses in your district who are suffering due to the prolonged spans of elevated inflation?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time
