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Voters will choose between Lawrence Brandyburg and Dennis "Goose" Geesaman for Texas House, District 85 in the Nov. 3 election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Voters can visit www.harrisvotes.org in Harris County for more information.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for House District 85 to be a fierce voice for all constituents. Our communities deserve strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and lower property taxes. I will fight daily to protect our values, create good jobs, and ensure our hard-working families finally get the representation they deserve.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are to lower skyrocketing property taxes, fully fund public schools, and fix our state's power grid. I would also fight to secure the border, create high-paying local jobs, and ensure every family in District 85 has access to safe communities and quality, affordable healthcare.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Texas House District 85 faces heavy strain from rapid population growth. Key challenges include fixing overcrowded roads, lowering sky-high property taxes and expanding local access to healthcare. Leaders must also secure funding for overcrowded public schools, address state border immigration impacts and balance expanding suburban housing with protecting vital rural farmland.
What are your priorities for the future of Texas education?
I will prioritize fully funding Texas public schools by boosting state spending per student and raising teacher pay. I will reduce reliance on standardized tests, oppose private school voucher plans that use public tax dollars and expand access to free, universal pre-K programs for all children.
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
I will ensure affordable housing by reducing property taxes so families can keep their homes and property. I will boost state grants for first-time buyers and lower building costs for local contractors. Finally, I will block predatory out-of-state corporate investors from buying up our local housing market.
Why are you running for this position?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
What are your priorities for the future of Texas education?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
How will you ensure your constituents can access affordable housing?
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.
