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Democratic incumbent Erin Zwiener will be facing Republican challenger Tennyson Moreno in the race for the Texas House of Representatives District 45 seat.
What you need to know
Zwiener has represented House District 45 since January 2019. This will be Moreno's second time challenging Zwiener for the seat after losing to her in the November 2024 race.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
District 45 encompasses the I-35 corridor of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle and stretches west towards Dripping Springs, according to the Texas House of Representatives.
What else?
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 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.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit your county's website or www.votetexas.gov. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Expand local authority to manage growth, improve water conservation standards, fund our local groundwater districts, increase state funding to public schools, expand Medicaid, protect civil rights for all Texans, address climate change through mitigation and adaptation, increase economic opportunities, decrease maternal mortality, strengthen separation of church and state.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Hays is growing fast, the county needs more local authority to manage growth and protect our natural resources and quality of life. Governor Abbott is starving the public school system of resources, and students are feeling the pinch. Other issues include water conservation, affordability (including healthcare) and civil rights.
How will you ensure Texans have enough water as the state continues to grow?
Ensure fact-based water planning & mindful data center growth, reduce waste & improve conservation. On the Natural Resources Committee, we have invested in new water projects, but we must address waste by repairing old infrastructure, raising building standards to require conservation and giving local districts the tools to protect our water sources.
What will you do to bring down the cost of living for Texas residents?
I’ll fight to expand Medicaid, improving healthcare access and reducing costs. I’ll work to end border shenanigans that have slowed down trade and driven up the cost of groceries. I’ll ensure that industrial developments who want to join the Texas grid pay their own way and don’t increase utility costs.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
I've been fighting to give Hays County more authority over growth, and the influx of data centers into Texas raises the stakes. My priorities are ending tax incentives, establishing strong regulations on water, energy use and noise, and giving counties the authority to say no to industrial developments.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Affordability, infrastructure, and environment & water
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
They are growth without infrastructure, I-35 funneling gang violence, drug & human<br>trafficking to our doorstep and a lack of cohesive leadership. As state representative, I’ll work with leaders from the state, county, cities, and university to make life better for those who live here, and pay taxes here.
How will you ensure Texans have enough water as the state continues to grow?
Continuing the investments and research into desalination and manufactured water; while working with local governments to upgrade water infrastructure to reduce waste and leaks.
What will you do to bring down the cost of living for Texas residents?
Cutting government spending, cutting taxes, reducing insurance costs and eliminating property taxes puts more money in homeowners pockets while making home ownership more accessible. I would push for incentives to build basic homes which can be sold for a reasonable cost, targeted at new families and younger generations like myself.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
I believe in local governments' control of local issues. Each community should dictate what development should fit their needs and interests. From the state’s side—I believe in removing tax breaks and incentives for data centers that use an open loop water system.
