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Editor's note: Three answers were mistakenly cut off and have been updated to meet Community Impact's standards for questionnaires.
State Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Houston, will face Republican candidate Lea Simmons in the Nov. 5 election for the Texas House District 76 seat.
The details
This district mainly encompasses a portion of Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land. Lalani has served in this role since January 2023.
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.
What residents should know
Early voting will take place Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
For more election coverage from Community Impact, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
*indicates incumbent
Why are you running for election to District 76?
I am running for Texas House District 76, because I am a current concerned constituent. I am a former Republican precinct chair that has stepped down from my elected office in Precinct 3131 to better represent more constituents by implementing a grassroots community outreach, that is also including Democrat voters.
What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing District 76, and how do you plan on addressing it?
I believe that there is too much division in the redistricting process. I plan to talk to my future constituents in their communities to get a better idea of how they feel about the constant changes and to make it my goal to solve the daily issues that they face.
What other issues would you focus on, if elected?
I want to create accessible health care because hospitals need a better health care system. I also want to focus on school choice in a way that makes all schools, for all ages, focus on attendance and good grades. Another issue I would like to also focus on is lowering all taxes.
How would you prioritize federal spending to benefit District 76?
I would create a team of experts that know how to budget federal spending because that would benefit District 76 by lowering taxes, increasing income, pensions and social security benefits. I want to increase hourly pay [and] create vacation time and sick days that revolve around the holidays.
Why do you believe that you are the best candidate for this position?
I am always concerned about the same issues that upset all constituents in District 76. Nothing has truly changed these past two years. In fact, things have gotten only worse. Visible change will happen with me in office. I love my district, and the people deserve change and prosperity.
Why are you running for election to District 76?
For years I felt frustration seeing our health care system fail people throughout their lives. In my practice, geriatric medicine, I saw people riddled with ailments that would have been prevented with continuously regular health care. Because of this experience I’ve dedicated my life to not just ailing patients but ailing policies.
What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing District 76, and how do you plan to address it?
Fully funding our public schools is the most urgent. My colleagues and I worked hard to stop Gov. [Greg] Abbott's … voucher … [program] that would've left less funding for Texas public schools. I co-authored a bill to use budget surplus funds to substantially increase public school funding and raise teacher pay.
What other issues would you focus on if elected?
Access to health care will be another focus of mine next session. I will reintroduce legislation to expand Medicaid in Texas under the Affordable Care Act as 40 other states have done. Last session, I passed into law a bill that expanded postpartum Medicaid benefits for new mothers to 12 months.
How would you prioritize federal spending to benefit District 76?
Any opportunity to access federal funding for House District 76 should be taken. It’s important that we not leave funding on the table for other states and cities to utilize. Funding for health care access, local infrastructure, transportation and housing can all be allocated locally if [Grand Old Party] opposition lessens.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position?
My life has been dedicated to helping others as a physician and active board member of several nonprofit organizations. In my first term as state representative, I passed 36 bills and added multiple key amendments. I’ve had success reaching across the aisle to get bills passed without compromising my values.