The winner of this contest will meet the victor of the Republican Party primary, where three-term incumbent state Rep. Steve Allison is being challenged by medical professional Michael Champion and attorney Marc Lahood ahead of the November general election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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.
Community Impact is only publishing Q&As for contested races.
Shekhar Sinha
Experience:
Worked in information technology management and technical positions for several companies for 32-plus years
Occupation:
Volunteer precinct coordinator for Bexar County Democratic Party
Candidate Website:
https://www.sinhafortexas.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What makes you qualified to represent the local Democratic Party and voters in the November general election and race for District 121 state representative?
My strong educational background and varied work experience will help me quickly find solutions to problems needing legislation in Texas. I have dual master’s degrees in math and computer science besides a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in global supply chain management. I have solved critical ...
Briefly, what are the three top issues your campaign is focusing on?
Protect women’s reproductive rights by codifying Roe v. Wade. Protect children from firearm injuries by implementing common sense gun safety reforms. Invest in public schools and teachers, oppose vouchers, and leverage federal programs to expand health insurance coverage.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
In 2020, I realized while still working full-time that there was a lot at stake in elections that year. So, I started volunteering for many Democratic candidates, including Biden-Harris, doing text and phone banking. I have been serving as a precinct coordinator for one year, building relationship with voters.
Laurel Jordan Swift
Experience:
Business management, surgical specialist, sales manager, other health care sales positions
Occupation:
Hospital surgical specialist/acute care business manager for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Candidate Website:
https://www.laurelfortexas.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
What makes you qualified to represent the local Democratic Party and voters in the November general election and race for District 121 state representative?
I am a lifelong resident of House District 121, and a proud graduate of MacArthur High School and The University of Texas at San Antonio. Over the past 30 years, I have developed a successful career in medical sales, cared for family members who suffer from mental illness and raised five amazing kids.
Briefly, what are the three top issues your campaign is focusing on?
We need to fully fund our public schools and put an end to the discussion of vouchers. I will fight for women’s reproductive rights, and I believe Texas must expand Medicaid.
In terms of what constituents see as the issue most important to them, what is your experience or approach to that issue that distinguishes you from your opponents?
My Democratic opponent and I agree on most issues, but having been in sales for more than 20 years, I have the optimism, tenacity and enthusiasm to get these things done.
