Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates for Texas House of Representatives District 126

Why are you running for office?

The federal government is taking away our rights and protections. We need new leadership in the Texas Legislature willing to protect all Texans. After the 2024 election, I was going to leave Texas, but I decided to stay and fight. I love Houston, and I have deep roots here.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

To be a butt-in-seat voting "Yes" on Progressive policies. I will also get in where I am needed as a Progressive on any committees. Many people and organizations have already been working hard on major issues in Texas. We just need more legislators willing to vote "Yes."

What are the biggest challenges facing District 126?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.

If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?

Make a law against corporations and hedge funds buying single-family homes. Ban algorithmic rent pricing, and punish landlords for price-fixing. Merge school district taxes into the state property taxes to encourage fair and equal public schools all across Texas. Raise property tax on corporations not paying their fair share.

How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?

We need a state-run, not-for-profit, affordable option for property insurance, at least here, where we have so many natural disasters. Also, any state representative should regularly communicate with their constituents before, during, and after disasters using text, automated calls, email, and social media to inform them of resources and aid.

Why are you running for office?

Time for a change! I want affordable and accessible healthcare and flood control, too. I’m ready to make Texas a safer, smarter, stronger home for all of us!

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Every child deserves a free, fully funded public education. We don’t need more guns in schools; we need licensed professional counselors, free breakfast and lunch. We need tax reform, to increase the minimum wage, Medicaid expansion, and infrastructure built for climate change. We need to be future-focused.

What are the biggest challenges facing District 126?

Hurricane Harvey hurt our district; we must prepare now for flooding that will come again. Our children and families deserve fully-funded, excellent public education. Eleven percent of residents in our district live in poverty and deserve Medicaid expansion; we all deserve affordable and accessible healthcare, increased wages, and job security.

If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?

We must have property taxes, providing for our schools and communities, to have a functioning state. A high sales tax would disproportionately impact people who don’t own homes or are on fixed incomes. Older homes being hastily renovated and flipped, then rented out instead of sold hurts affordability for all.