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Voters will choose between incumbent Gary Gates and Sandy Ibáñez for Texas House, District 28 in the Nov. 3 election.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been minimally edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Founder and President of Gatesco, Inc, a family-run property management company
Why are you running for this position?
After spending my career building a successful family business, I feel a sense of duty to serve my community
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priority is to expand workforce education in Texas high schools, so that graduates are ready to begin a great career without needing to take out any debt.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Fort Bend County is one of the fastest growing places in the county. It is an exciting place to be, but we need to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace with growth.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I have personally knocked on over 17,000 doors in order to connect with the constituents of District 28. There is no better way to involve constituents than to hear their concerns and opinions directly.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
The legislature needs to focus on tackling issues that arise from Texas’ fantastic growth, particularly in encouraging the development of housing supply to make the American Dream more affordable.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas/the Houston area in the next five years?
The greatest challenge the Houston area faces is in reckoning with immigration. Our city has benefited greatly from attracting hardworking people in search of the American Dream. Secure borders are important, but immigration has been a powerful source of economic benefit in Houston and we should not shut that off.
Public school teacher; commercial & residential real estate professional; former Fintech Executive; community volunteer; board member
Why are you running for this position?
I am running because, as an educator and lifelong Fort Bend County resident, I have seen how state policies affect classrooms, families and communities. District 28 deserves leadership that listens, is present, invests in education and opportunity, and brings people together to find practical solutions.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My priorities are fully funding public education, expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, improving affordability, supporting small businesses and workforce development, and investing in transportation, water and infrastructure. I will focus on practical, fiscally responsible solutions that help students, families, seniors and businesses thrive.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Rapid growth, affordability, transportation, infrastructure and access to quality public services are major challenges. Fort Bend County is expected to surpass one million residents by the end of 2026. We must ensure schools, roads, water systems and other infrastructure keep pace while protecting affordability and quality of life.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I will maintain an open-door approach through community meetings, listening sessions, constituent outreach and regular communication. I want to hear directly from parents, educators, students, business owners, seniors and residents across the district. Representation should not stop when the legislative session begins; residents deserve a voice throughout the process.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
Texas should prioritize reliable water supplies, grid reliability, public education, transportation and workforce development. We must plan infrastructure ahead of growth, strengthen our schools and workforce, and ensure communities have the resources needed to support economic development. These investments will help Texas remain competitive while protecting quality of life.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Texas/the Houston area in the next five years?
Managing rapid growth while maintaining affordability and reliable infrastructure will be among Texas' greatest challenges. That means planning for transportation, water, electricity, drainage and public services. We must invest ahead of growth while supporting strong schools, a skilled workforce and an economy where families can afford to live and work.
