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Editor's note: The article has been updated to include responses from Gary Gates, which were sent after it published Jan. 24.
Two Republican candidates are running for a position in the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 28 in the upcoming March primary election.
Incumbent Rep. Gary Gates is running for re-election against Dan Mathews.
The district covers most of Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land and Fulshear.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. We asked candidates to keep their experience response under 15 words. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more information about voting in Fort Bend County, visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov.
*indicates incumbent
What is your top priority if elected?
My top priority is to secure the border. There is a crisis at the southern border. I will fight to increase funding for border security to keep our communities safe. Another priority is to protect our elections so that the voices of Texans are accurately reflected in elections.
How do you plan to address pressing infrastructure needs specific to Fort Bend County while considering sustainability and future growth?
Fort Bend County has been rapidly growing in the last decade and traffic has become unbearable. I will fight to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects, especially areas that are expanding such as Fulshear and other parts of west Houston where the infrastructure has not kept up with population growth.
Can you share your strategy for managing state finances to ensure maximum benefit for the district?
I will fight to uphold the will of my constituents in TX House District 28. I will prioritize the needs of the district and make sure there is an allocation to fund infrastructure, education and other essential services. Together, we will reduce waste in spending and improve efficiency in our state government.
What will be your main challenge if you're elected, and how will you address it?
A challenge for any state representative is ensuring that many different viewpoints are heard and represented in the state house. To address this issue, I will hold town hall meetings whereby constituents can make their voices heard and their issues will be prioritized.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I chose to run in this election because our state has been taken over by liberal Republicans who are in the pockets of lobbyists and special interest groups. This was shown in the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton that wasted $4 million of taxpayers' money.
What is your top priority if elected?
Border security is an ongoing issue for this state and nation, and with Washington’s failure to act, we must do all we can to ensure our borders are secure and Texans are safe. It has been and will remain a top priority.
How do you plan to address pressing infrastructure needs specific to Fort Bend County while considering sustainability and future growth?
As the fastest growing county in the nation, Fort Bend faces unique challenges. As a legislator serving on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to prioritize our county's needs when balancing the state budget.
Can you share your strategy for managing state finances to ensure maximum benefit for the district?
Once again, serving on the Appropriations Committee is a great honor that few have the opportunity to experience. Collaborating with my colleagues, each session we work tirelessly to balance the state's budget and provide much-needed services, without raising taxes!
What will be your main challenge if you're elected, and how will you address it?
Border security is a tremendous challenge but is worth fighting for every legislative session. A great deal of my attention is and will continue to be focused on that initiative. Moreover, utilizing the talent of our youth and offering opportunities to enter the workforce in a myriad of much-needed employment opportunities.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
As a Christian, I believe with the bounty of blessings bestowed on my family and I, it was a calling and challenge on which I could not turn my back. Service to this state, is an honor I do not take lightly, as few are afforded the opportunity. Conservative values.
