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Gary Taylor, Regina Vanburg and Kristin Hook will appear on the ballot in the March Democratic primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives District 21 seat.
Why it matters
The winner will run against the winner of the Republican primary in November to determine who will represent the district.
At the polls
A candidate must receive over 50% of the votes to win; if this doesn’t happen, a runoff election will be held in May.
Learn more
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, respond to the questions provided, and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Retired math teacher, musician, student of history, father, grandfather, and widower.
Why are you running for office?
I am running because I am concerned about the future for my children and grandchildren, and for all of us. I want to do everything I can to give us all a better future to look forward to, and I have some ideas on how to do that.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
The theme of my campaign is “An Economy for All: A More Perfect Union”. Making the economy work for those who are struggling from paycheck to paycheck is a top priority, as is working to end the extreme division in the country, and working to end any kind of oppression.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
I believe the greatest challenges for the district are the same as for the country – making the economy work for everyone including making our healthcare system more affordable for everyone, and saving and improving Social Security. More specific to our district is water conservation and supporting our public schools.
What projects are most important for the Legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
As a member of the U.S. House, I will work to protect the rights of all people, particularly those in marginal groups, and work to see that people who wish to come here to live are treated with respect and dignity and human decency.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I plan to be in frequent contact with my constituents, and to be available to listen to their concerns. I will have an inbox dedicated specifically for constituents. I also plan to hold frequent town hall-style meetings throughout the district.
VA-trained trauma psychologist, small business owner, public servant, and a first-generation American.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because I want a public servant fighting for our families and our neighbors, not just another politician. TX-21 deserves a Congresswoman with a battle plan - someone who will stand up for us and confront the real threat: the steady erosion of our democracy to make rich people richer.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are protecting our money, our water, and our vote. That means fighting for fair wages, closing tax loopholes, and investing in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It also means defending elections and protecting our water, land, housing, and utilities from unchecked corporate exploitation.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
TX-21 faces rising costs, water scarcity, rapid growth, and declining government trust. Many residents lack access to essentials like healthcare and education, while gerrymandering weakens representation. I will address these challenges by protecting public resources, expanding access to essentials, increasing transparency, and building coalitions across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
What projects are most important for the Legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
Scientist and technology expert in the federal government, former middle school teacher, and reproductive biologist.
Why are you running for office?
Texans are being crushed by rising costs, and it's time to put working people in charge. As a former federal scientist, I know how to make government work for us. I was the last Democratic nominee and am ready to finish the job to give our district representation it deserves.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My priorities are fighting for affordability, expanding opportunity, and demanding accountability for working people. I’ll lower everyday costs, strengthen the social safety net, defend our democracy, hold corporations and politicians accountable, and protect healthcare, education, and human rights so everyone can thrive with dignity.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Far too many people are doing everything right and still can’t afford housing, healthcare, groceries, childcare, or a secure retirement. I want our economy to work for every generation of Texan, especially our middle class, and will support legislation to address rising costs and expand Social Security and Medicare.
What projects are most important for the Legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
To build a brighter future, Texas needs policies that lower costs, tax the wealthy, expand access to healthcare and childcare, strengthen the electric grid and water systems, boost public education and workforce training, protect voting rights, restore reproductive rights, and build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system.
Texas must invest in sustainable infrastructure, water conservation, public education, and accessible healthcare. The legislature should also strengthen consumer protections and oversight to ensure corporations are not profiting at the expense of Texans’ land, water, housing, and energy costs.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I will involve residents through regular town halls, transparent communication, and fully staffed, responsive district offices. Good policy comes from listening to many voices. I will prioritize accessible constituent services, community engagement, and accountability so residents understand how decisions are made and how to participate.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
If elected, I will create regular opportunities for input – including surveys, town halls, and advisory councils – to ensure federal policies improve lives in our district. My office will actively listen, document community concerns, and ensure transparency to keep residents fully involved in the legislative decision-making process.