District 126 covers parts of Harris County, including Cypress, Spring, Fairbanks and Jersey Village, according to a map of the district.
Early voting begins Feb. 17, and election day is March 3.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 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.
Kelly Peterson
Occupation & Experience:
Executive Assistant to the president of J Alan Kent Development; District Director HD 126
Candidate Website:
www.kellypetersonfortexas.com
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because our community deserves experienced, accessible leadership that understands how state decisions affect families, homeowners, and local businesses. I have spent years working directly with constituents and navigating the legislative process, and I want to bring that practical, common-sense experience, accountability, and transparency.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities include delivering responsive constituent services, protecting homeowners from rising property taxes, supporting responsible growth and infrastructure, bolstering public safety, and strengthening workforce development by creating clearer pipelines between CTE programs, higher education, and local business and industry.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 126?
The district’s biggest challenges include rising property taxes, housing affordability, infrastructure strain from rapid growth, addressing increases in crime, and ensuring residents can efficiently access government services and economic opportunities.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
I will prioritize meaningful property tax relief, oppose unfunded mandates that increase the burden on homeowners, and support responsible development policies that maintain affordability and neighborhood stability.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
I will work proactively with state agencies, local officials, and emergency management partners to ensure clear communication, timely response, and hands-on assistance so constituents can access disaster relief resources quickly and effectively. I will also work with local stakeholders to regularly communicate preparedness and response plans ahead of major weather ...
Polly Looper
Occupation & Experience:
Private investigator, process server, owner; Election judge, Cy-Champ PUD Director, home school mom
Candidate Website:
www.PollyLooperforTexas.com
Why are you running for office?
This is personal for every resident. Who remembers FM 1960 as the place to be? We stopped being involved and let others lead. It’s time to refocus on our communities, our future, and the work we leave for the next generation. Let’s make it count.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
When elected, I will strengthen public safety by supporting first responders, improving emergency response, and enhancing community policing. I will address growth along FM 1960, cut red tape in housing, expand infrastructure-ready development, protect property rights, and continue removing barriers that stall progress in District 126.
What are the biggest challenges facing District 126?
I will continue my current work while addressing District 126’s biggest challenges: safety and security, job growth, and attainable housing. FM 1960 and the surrounding areas need infrastructure improvements to support growth. I will prioritize public safety, economic opportunity, and responsible, infrastructure-ready development for our community.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Protecting property rights and keeping homeownership attainable goes beyond taxes. It requires cutting red tape in permitting, building, and development. I support responsible, infrastructure-ready growth so families can live, work, and worship locally, and I will remove barriers that unnecessarily stall housing within my statutory abilities.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
Developing an understanding of existing emergency operations and maintaining strong relationships with local and state agencies will ensure swift, coordinated action when disasters occur. I will review current protocols, implement updated best practices, and expand secondary response capabilities.
Stan Stanart
Occupation & Experience:
Semi-Retired Engineer; Harris County Clerk (2010-2018), HCRP Vice-Chair of Election Integrity
Candidate Website:
www.StanStanart.com
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to ensure HD-126 remains a conservative Republican district for years to come. I’ve fought for decades as a Republican Precinct Chair, Republican club president, elected County Clerk, and Vice-Chair of Harris County Republican Party for Election Integrity. I want to represent HD-126’s conservative Texas values in Austin.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
SLASH PROPERTY TAXES – Property taxes are out of control. CONTROL FLOODING – Our community needs long-term flooding control. PROTECT OUR CITIZENS – Criminals must be held fully accountable. ENSURE ELECTION INTEGRITY – I ran Harris County Elections for eight years. CONTROL GOVERNMENT SPENDING – To lower taxes, we must cut wasteful government spending.
What are the biggest challenges facing House District 126?
PROPERTY TAXES – Homeowners still want more relief. CONTROL FLOODING – Our citizens need long-term relief. PROTECT OUR CITIZENS – Criminals must be prevented from repeatedly terrorizing our citizens. ELECTION INTEGRITY – State election laws need specific fixes, and my experience and knowledge are needed in the Texas House.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
SLASH or ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAXES – The top issue I hear from voters is the need to significantly reduce or eliminate property taxes. Homeowners say property taxes and insurance bills are like a second mortgage. To reduce taxes and improve housing affordability, we must reduce state and local government spending.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
As Harris County Clerk and Chief Election Official for eight years, I also served as an ex officio member of Commissioners Court. I know how Harris County government works, and I have strong relationships with state officials, county elected officials, and emergency management leaders. I’m ready to serve HD-126!
Elizabeth Lotterhos
Occupation & Experience:
Veteran and Mom; Long-time resident of District 126, Activist
Candidate Website:
http://elizabethforprogress.com/
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.
Stefanie Bord
Occupation & Experience:
Homemaker; Former Klein teacher, current homeschooler, Former environmental consultant, Moms Demand Action volunteer
Candidate Website:
https://www.stefaniebordfortexas.com/
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.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
We must have in-person, knowledgeable liaisons between communities and FEMA. There’s $505 million in federal funds for disaster protection after Hurricane Harvey that hasn’t been spent and could prevent damage during hurricanes or other natural disasters. Responsibly spending this money will protect life and property in our flood-prone District.
