Q&A: Meet the candidates running for the Texas House District 112 seat

Why are you running for this position?

It is quite an honor to serve my community. My vision is to do even more to make Texas the best place to live and grow.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top priorities are ensuring the health of the Texas economy so Texans can earn family sustaining wages, making sure young Texans are set on a path to success with access to quality childcare and a good education, and keeping our communities safe.

What are your priorities for the future of Texas education?

We should strive to meet market demands both in soft skills and technical training. That requires a continuing focus on basic learning in primary education, then flexibility in pathways, etc. in our secondary schools.

What will you do to support small businesses and promote economic growth in Texas?

As Chair of the Trade, Workforce and Economic Development Committee, I will continue to advance career training and apprenticeship programs, reduce the regulatory and tax burdens, and welcome economic growth necessary to keep overall taxes low. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) endorses my re-election.

Why are you running for this position?

I've spent my career serving — as a Marine officer, and now as a trial attorney fighting for injured Texans against powerful interests. District 112 deserves a representative who answers to neighbors, not lobbyists. I'm running for accountability, fully-funded schools and to fix the affordability crisis.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Public education: fully fund neighborhood schools and pay teachers competitively. Property taxes: relief that lowers bills, not accounting shifts. Healthcare access and lower costs. And a Legislature focused on individual Texans rather than on fights that don't help anyone in District 112.

What are your priorities for the future of Texas education?

Fund public schools first. Raise the basic allotment, base it on enrollment and tie it to inflation so our school districts don't have to cut staff. Pay and retain teachers. Reduce high-stakes testing pressure. Keep public dollars in public classrooms, with real accountability for how every dollar is spent.

What will you do to support small businesses and promote economic growth in Texas?

I run a small business, so I know the costs of payroll, rent and insurance. Cut red tape and permitting delays. Expand affordable healthcare options so owners can cover employees. Invest in workforce training with community colleges. Prioritize small businesses over giant and out-of-state corporations.