The primary election will be held on March 1 with early voting taking place Feb. 14-25. The winners for each party in the March primaries will be on the ballot in the November general election.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.
*Indicates incumbent
Lawrence "Skully" Allen Jr
Experience: It has been my honor to serve as an elected official to serve on the Texas State Board of Education for the past 18 years.
Occupation: retired educator
Contact: 832-535-3269
Website: www.lallenjr26.com
Daniel Lee
Experience: I’ve spent the last 14 years protecting families in and out of court. I’m an award-winning family, civil [and] criminal defense attorney [who] has common sense strategies and solutions.
Occupation: family, civil, criminal defense attorney
Contact: 832-632-4639
Website: www.danielleefortexas.com
QUESTIONS
Q: What would be your three priorities if you were elected?
Allen: My highest priority will be the key teacher pay raises and [promoting] a cost of living increase for retirees of the teacher retirement system first and foremost. The expansion of Medicaid and all related services will be a key focus during the 88th legislative session. Addressing the learning loss our students have experienced during this pandemic is critical. Funding the additional supports is necessary for closing the gaps.
Lee: 1. I would change the educational culture and structure. Additionally, also increase pay for teachers funded by taxes from new sources (taxes on out-of-state purchases on property bought in Texas). 2. I want to create clean energy jobs and initiatives as to not get behind, while not obstructing oil and gas industry, not phasing out our current jobs, or creating obstruction to oil and gas infrastructure and employment. 3. Expanding the legalization of marijuana medically and limiting where it can be used and where it can be licensed and sold.
Q: We have a lot of diversity and a lot of development. What will you do to ensure that all of your constituents are represented with Fort Bend County as diverse as it is?
Allen: We may have many ethnicities but we are one community. I will start by hiring a staff that reflects the community. A line of communication with community leaders must be established and maintained throughout the legislative session. I will work with the other state representatives that represent Fort Bend County to bring about meaningful change for our community. (District 27, 28, 76 and 85)
Lee: I will visit each community and have forums or joint events wherein interfaith or cultural differences can be met with food, dance or music. I believe having monthly festivals celebrating each of the diverse cultures helps, but also something similar to a "worlds fair" will further our acceptance of each other in our community.
Q: What do you think will be your biggest challenge if you are elected?
Allen: My biggest challenge will be gaining the confidence of those who did not vote for me. District 26 is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, and I intend to be the best representative for all regardless of gender, race, religion or lifestyle choice.
Lee: The biggest challenge will be working through power grid issues and making sure that all the companies are timely winterized and hopefully ready for any freeze. I think the legislature tried to head in the right direction, but the focus wasn't there. I want to bring the intention and focus to this issue that hurt and damaged so many people's homes.
