Why are you running for this position and what are your top priorities?
Continuing record cuts to school property taxes in Texas; SB 2, top-down guidelines for grid resiliency and utility performance; preventing squatters from using other people’s homes and apartments and quickly removing them from the property; reintroducing and passing Senate bills to fund special education, expand virtual education, and reinstate civil truancy proceedings.
How can we ensure that residents are prepared and protected in the face of natural disasters?
CenterPoint LLC must be held accountable for the lack of grid resiliency of the transmission and distribution systems in its service area. During the recent Category 1 hurricane in Florida, Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light restored 90% of customer service within 24-36 hours. …
What is the biggest challenge facing your state’s public education system and how would you address it if elected?
In 2021, I passed Senate Bill 1365, which reinstated Texas’ AF public accountability system. Unfortunately, dozens of ISDs have filed lawsuits in Travis County to block the TEA from releasing their results. It is critical for our public school system to have a transparent accountability system.
How will you work to build productive relationships across constituency and party lines?
Every major property tax bill I have passed since 2021 has had dozens of co-authors from both political parties. In the Texas Senate, bills passed unanimously include expanding the home tax exemption for 5.72 million Texas homeowners, easing the property tax “freeze” for those over 65 and disabled, and reducing ISD property tax rates.
How will you engage with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I have an active social media presence on X, Facebook and Instagram and respond to comments whenever time allows. I also give talks, blog, do radio and TV interviews and publish a newsletter.


Why are you running for this position and what are your top priorities?
I have lived in this district for over 20 years and have noticed that Austin’s elected officials have not enacted legislation that is inclusive of our diverse community (Senate District 7) – education and school vouchers, economic development, health care, affordable housing.
How can we ensure that residents are prepared and protected in the face of natural disasters?
I will introduce bills to make it easier for residents to receive funds after disasters. Small business owners will be required to complete paperwork before a storm. Public utilities will automatically loan funds. Curfews will help police protect businesses and homes from looters.
What is the biggest challenge facing your state’s public education system and how would you address it if elected?
The biggest challenges in our public education system are funding and school safety. Article VII of the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to support and maintain our public free schools. I will change Texas school finance laws to increase the base per student allotment.
How will you work to build productive relationships across constituency and party lines?
I will use my training and skills as a mediator – listening to both sides and staying open to new ideas – to craft policies for the future of all Texans.
How will you engage with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I will be holding meetings within the community to hear their opinions, and I will be sending out informational newsletters to let the district know what I will be voting on.