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Republican Mark Teixeira and Democrat Kristin Hook are running for the U.S. House of Representatives District 21 seat.
Teixeira advanced from a crowded Republican primary field, while Hook beat two other contenders in the Democratic primary.
Early voting for the general election starts Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 30, and Election Day is Nov. 3. For more information on voting procedures, visit your county's website. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
What you need to know
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.
Former federal employee, congressional oversight, science and technology policy expert, middle school teacher, research scientist
What will you do to bring down the cost of living for Texas residents?
I grew up living paycheck to paycheck and started working at 14. I'm committed to an economy that works for everyone. I support raising the minimum wage and lowering the cost of housing, groceries, and healthcare. I'll work to lower taxes and make billionaires and corporations pay their share.
How will you ensure your constituents receive the appropriate aid after<br>natural disasters?
Last summer's floods devastated our district. Too many Texans lost their homes, businesses, and lives. As a former federal scientist, I know how to cut the red tape of government bureaucracy, get relief to survivors fast, and invest in the infrastructure that makes our community more resilient to climate-driven disasters.
What will you do to support small businesses and promote economic growth<br>in Texas?
Our economy should work for everyone, not just the big corporations posting record profits. I’ll cut red tape and expand access to capital for our small business owners and entrepreneurs so they can thrive. And I'll invest in the infrastructure our fast-growing district needs to create jobs.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large<br>projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
I've held Big Tech accountable before, and I'll do it again. Data centers privatize profits while making the public pay. I favor a moratorium to stop them from guzzling water, polluting our air, and spiking electric bills. As a scientist, I'll fight to protect our water and environment for families.
Christian, Husband, Father; Former MLB All Star; Businessman & Investor; Education Advocate; Mark Teixeira Charitable Foundation
What will you do to bring down the cost of living for Texas residents?
First, we must cap federal spending and reduce the national debt. Next, we must eliminate red tape on small businesses, pass tax cuts for working families, eliminate healthcare fraud, and promote energy independence to bring down the cost of everyday goods. It all starts by getting federal spending under control.
How will you ensure your constituents receive the appropriate aid after<br>natural disasters?
The devastating floods have highlighted the need for exceptional constituent services. My office will always be prepared to connect constituents with every available federal resource, and I will be relentless in pushing for federal emergency funding and disaster declarations to speed up response times.
What will you do to support small businesses and promote economic growth in Texas?
Cut red tape and regulations that make it harder to start and sustain small businesses. Promote a fair regulatory environment and pro-growth tax policies that allow them to create jobs and strengthen our local economy. Our role is to support smart policy then get out of their way.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
I support Governor Abbott’s decision to pause data center development. Before we even consider building additional data [centers] in Texas, they must demonstrate the ability to work with local elected officials and stakeholders, protect neighborhoods and private property, and use their own water and electricity.
