State Representative Candidates
District 1-50
Note to the Voter: Remember that you are the HR person choosing who is best qualified to be a Texas State House Representative. Check out their educational background, their work history, and Community Service. If they are an Incumbents (IN) who Candidates up for re-election what I their voting record. Make sure it matches up with your core beliefs and what they are saying from the campaign trail they support. Which candidate is best qualified over all and lines up best with your beliefs? That is who you should vote for.
About the Office:
The Texas House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Texas State Legislature. Alongside the Texas State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Texas state government and works alongside the governor of Texas to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Texas House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. Members serve two year terms and are not subject to term limits. They assume office at the beginning of the legislative session in January. Look up Incumbents who are current members to see their bills they wrote or cowrote plus their voting record and more by going to: https://house.texas.gov/members/. It is very telling how they voted. See if it lines up with their campaign promises and your personal beliefs. As of the 2020 Census, Texas state representatives represented an average of 194,555 residents.
Qualifications
To be eligible to seek office a candidate must be:
A U.S. citizen
21 years old before the general election
A two-year resident of Texas before the general election
A district resident for 1 year prior to the general election
Salaries
$7,200/year $221/day. Set by the ethics commission.
Pension
The highest a legislature can earn for retirement is $125,000, with an average of $17,526 annually.
Sources: Ballotpedia https://ballotpedia.org/; Texas_House_of_Representatives, https://house.texas.gov/about-us/
Texas House of Representatives Candidates and Members by District
UNOP
District 1
Jurisdiction: Bowie (100%), Cass (100%), Lama (100%), Morris (100%), and Red River (100%)
District 2 Kristen Washington
Minister, most recently served her hometown as Councilwoman for District 3. She became the 2nd Daughter in Ministry at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, in Greenville, Tx. She now leads the church's Faith Evangelism Digital Media Ministry also known as F.E.D Media and serves as Minister of Communications. Kristen has a true servant’s heart and as a member of the Ancient Free Accepted Masons Dallas, Tx Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter Divine Light #32 where she served as Secretary and Associate Matron, and previous member M.W Mount Carmel Grand Lodge of Texas A.F.A.M & Deborah Grand Chapter O.E.S Lily of the Valley Chapter #55 Dallas, Tx. Additionally, she is a member of Zeta Amicae Dallas which is an auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.- Kappa Zeta Chapter, The Corporation for Cultural Diversity Greenville, Tx Inc. and the NAACP Greenville, Tx. She has represented District 3 and all citizens of Greenville by serving on the Greenville Downtown Steering Committee, Transportation Committee, Chair of the Neighborhood and Facilities Development Committee as well as Public Safety and Community Development.
Source: https://kristenwashington.com
Jurisdiction: Hopkins (100%), Hunt (100%), and Van Zandt (100%)
District 2
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Hopkins (100%), Hunt (100%), and Van Zandt (100%)
UNOP
District 3 Unopposed
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Montgomery (27%), and Waller (100%)
District 4 Alex Bar-Sela
Teacher One of the many was the deplorable state of Texas' foster care system and the shameful way our most vulnerable children are being ignored by the body politic in Austin. The ever growing drive to privatize everything has led to kids who are being abused and neglected, being ignored by our state government.
Now I read that a Federal judge has ruled to fine the State of Texas $100,000 a day for their neglect. It is sad to think that the incumbent candidate in our district has not been a driver for protecting our most vulnerable by acting against the willful disregard of our children perpetrated by his party. I vow to take action to protect our kids from the trafficking and abuse that seems to have been prevalent under the "watchful eye" of the current CPS. Don't privatize, prioritize. A society can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Since our society is being micromanaged by Republicans in Austin, it is fair to say they are failing us all by failing our children.
Source:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063668693849
Jurisdiction: Henderson(84%), and Kaufman (100%)
District 4
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Henderson(84%), and Kaufman (100%)
UNOP
District 5 Unopposed
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Camp (100%), Morris (100%), Rains(100%), Smith (24%), Titus (100%), Upshur (100%), and Wood (100%)
District 6 Cody Grace
earned an associate degree from Tyler Junior College in 2004. Grace also attended the University of Texas at Tyler. His career experience includes working as a technology solutions consultant and small business owner. Previously, he worked as an IT technician in public education and an IT director in healthcare. "You and I have lost freedoms because we haven't been fighting for our rights in the State Caiptol. It's time to change that. I'm here to fight for you and your freedoms. I'm not going to waste time. I need your vote and I need your support."
Jurisdiction: : Smith (76%)
District 6
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: : Smith (76%)
District 7 Marlena R. Cooper
Currently serving as the President of High Heels to Hardhats/MP Construction & Dev., Marlena has cultivated a remarkable career in impactful public service. With a focus on strategic scheduling, operations, and branding for construction companies, Marlena's leadership has driven projects totaling over $130 million. Her commitment to community growth was evident in her role as the Director of Operations at Fisher Homes of Texas, where she played a key role in managing projects, refining operational systems, and orchestrating successful marketing campaigns for substantial revenue growth. Beyond her professional achievements, Marlena's dedication to public service shines through her role as a Grant Manager at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Here, she managed federally funded projects, assisting communities in economic development—a testament to her commitment to uplifting those around her. Marlena's devotion to education is another facet of her impactful career. As an Adjunct Professor at Houston Community College System and a US History Educator at Klein Independent School District, she left an indelible mark on the academic growth of over 100 8th-grade students.
Experience
High Heels to Hardhats President Jan 2014 – Current
Houston Community College System Adjunct Professor Aug 2012 – Aug 2014
Pulaski Technical College Adjunct Professor August 2008 – August 2011
Fisher Homes of Texas Director of Operations March 2013 – June 2014
Sudhoff Properties Marketing Dir. & Event Coordinator August 2012 – March 2013
Arkansas Economic Development Commission Grant Manager August 2012 – March 2013
Klein Independent School District U.S. History Educator August 2008 – August 2011
Community Involvement
Longview Planning and Zoning Commission Commissioner
Junior League of Longview Sustainer
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
Gregg County Democrats Member
Minority Coalition for Economic Development Treasurer
Jurisdiction: Gregg (100%), and Upshur (100%)
District 7
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Gregg (100%), and Upshur (100%)
District 8 Carolyn F. Salter
was born in Denver, Colorado. She earned a degree from UT Southwestern Medical School at Dallas in 1981. Her professional experience includes working as a physician. Salter was board certified as an anesthesiologist in 1989. Her experience has also included serving as a general practitioner with a focus on pain control in the private medical practice shared with her husband in Palestine, Texas.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Carolyn_Salter
Jurisdiction: Anderson (100%), Freestone (100%), Hill (100%), and Navarro (100%)
District 8
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Anderson (100%), Freestone (100%), Hill (100%), and Navarro (100%)
UNOP
District 9 Unopposed
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Cass (100%), Harrison (100%), Marion (100%), Panola (100%), and Sabine (100%)
UNOP
District 10 Unopposed
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Ellis (100%), and Henderson (16%)
UNOP
District 11 Unopposed
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Cherokee (100%), Nacogdoches (100%), and Rusk (100%)
District 12 Dee Howard Mullins
Dee's extensive background in federal government service spanning over two decades has equipped her with the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of public service. This wealth of experience has honed Dee's understanding of the intricacies of governance and has provided her with the skills required to address the diverse needs of the community. Additionally, Dee's four years of dedicated service on the city council have given her a firsthand perspective on local issues and a proven track record of delivering tangible results for constituents. During this time, Dee has actively engaged with the community, listened to concerns, and worked collaboratively to implement positive changes.
Source: https://deefortexas12.com/?fbclid=IwAR2XUFHW0sgjXd6NLL5UG_LvwTVkV-e4eXmYT0YI14GMEPbmmQgzE-Fa-Ps
Jurisdiction: : Brazos (16%), Falls (100%), Limestone (100%), McLennan (29%), and Robertson (100%)
District 12
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: : Brazos (16%), Falls (100%), Limestone (100%), McLennan (29%), and Robertson (100%)
District 13 Albert Hunter
Former Part time Indigent Healthcare Coordinator at Bosque County, Texas Studied at Tarleton State University
Jurisdiction: Austin (100%), Burleson (100%), Colorado (100%), Fayette (100%), Grimes (100%), Lavaca (100%), and Washington (100%),
District 13
up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Austin (100%), Burleson (100%), Colorado (100%), Fayette (100%), Grimes (100%), Lavaca (100%), and Washington (100%),
District 14 Fred Medina
Bachelors from Texas A&M "I have been practicing law for 18 years. I began my career in Bexar County in a little office just off of the Riverwalk. And now I offer full service legal work in personal injury estate planning, and on a case by case basis family law and criminal law. I was a former assistant Texas attorney general prosecuting child support cases. So I am no stranger to a huge caseload."
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-medina-24125a211
Jurisdiction: : Brazos (84%)
District 14
Jurisdiction: : Brazos (84%)
UNOP
District 15 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Montgomery (37%)
District 16 Mike Midler
served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned degrees in political science and forensic studies from Indiana University in 1976. He attended the Foreign Policy Institute at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Washington, D.C. and received the Taft Fellowship from the University of Wyoming two times. Midler's career experience includes working as a high school government and economics teacher. He has been affiliated with the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association and has coached golf, softball, and gymnastics.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Midler
Jurisdiction: Montgomery (36%)
District 16
Jurisdiction: Montgomery (36%)
District 17 Desiree Venable-
Associate Degree from Metropolitan Community College, Longview. Venable has been affiliated with BCDP, C.O.D.A, and AFL CIO. I dream that one day our government will prioritize the wants and needs of the people over personal agendas and profits of the wealthy. I dream of our citizens coming together, to take back power and create a country that works for all. Unfortunately, we’ve allowed false narratives and misinformation to divide our nation. Our attention has mistakenly been focused on fighting each other, rather than demanding our elected officials be held accountable for their failures. Year after year, our elected officials stray further away from representing the desires of the constituents who gave them their power. We need a leader who will step up and put the needs of the people above their own self interests. This is where I come in! I want to increase civic engagement, unite our people, and provide equal opportunity, protection, and representation for ALL of us.
Source:https://venablefortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: : Bastrop(100%), Caldwell (100%), Gonzales (100%), Karnes (100%), and Lee (100%)
District 17
Jurisdiction: : Bastrop(100%), Caldwell (100%), Gonzales (100%), Karnes (100%), and Lee (100%)
UNOP
District 18 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: : Liberty (100%), San Jacinto (100%), and Walker (100%)
District 19 Dwain Handley
bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 1982 and a graduate degree from Texas A&M University in 1984. I grew up in a Texas that excelled at things like education and the arts. A Texas where our politics were balanced and not extreme; one that had both a Republican and a Democratic U.S. senator. A Texas that voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and that cast its electoral votes for John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey and Jimmy Carter, rejecting racists like David Duke and George Wallace. A Texas where I received a publicly subsidized university education. A Texas where one offhand, misogynistic comment lost the governor’s race for the Republican candidate who uttered it, ushering in Gov. Ann Richards instead. I can envision a future Texas where that kind of balance is restored for the betterment of us all.
Source: https://handley4texas.com/
Jurisdiction: Hardin (100%), Jasper (100%),Newton (100%), Polk (100%), Tyler (100%)
District 19
Jurisdiction: Hardin (100%), Jasper (100%),Newton (100%), Polk (100%), Tyler (100%)
District 20 Stephen M. Wyman
Studied at Indiana University. Founder/CEO/Owner at Evolving electric motor company.
Jurisdiction: Burnet (100%), Milam (100%), and Williamson (100%)
District 20
Jurisdiction: Burnet (100%), Milam (100%), and Williamson (100%)
UNOP
District 21 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Jefferson (93%), Orange (100%)
District 22 Christian Manuel (IN) Unopposed
has nearly two decades of professional experience in Texas state politics. As a veteran staffer, his role was pivotal in ensuring triumphs for the district. He started working for former State Representative Joseph Deshotel at the age of eighteen. Over time he progressed to Chief of Staff—a position he held for a decade. He gained the ability to maneuver within the complicated Texas political scene of congressmen, lobbyists, and industry experts with a sagacity that only comes with years of hard work and dedication. In his first session as State Representative, he was recognized as Freshman of the Year by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus as he sent six bills to the Governor’s desk. He successfully passed into law HB 3250/ HB 5012, which allows Beaumont to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project. This legislation will boost the local economy by bringing in tourism revenue, increasing local business activity, creating job opportunities for residents, and generating tax revenue. Overall this will contribute to the development and appeal of the district, benefiting the local community while providing economic growth for Southeast Texas. Rep. Manuel has worked diligently to bring home victories for House District 22 and will continue to work tirelessly to help execute legislation for Jefferson County.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=22
Jurisdiction: Jefferson (61%)
District 23 Praveen "Dev" Merugumala, MD
Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine in 2021. He works in AUSTIN, TX and specializes in Pediatrics.3rd Year resident at UTMB health from Texas Tech for academic year 2023-2024.
Source: https://www.utmb.edu/pedi/education/residents/roster
Jurisdiction: Chambers (100%), and Galveston (43%)
District 23
Jurisdiction: Chambers (100%), and Galveston (43%)
UNOP
District 24 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Galveston (57%)
District 25 J Daggett
working for Nationally recognized companies in the medical industry for more than 14 years, Jai made the decision to start his own business to provide a more personal approach to doing business. He currently provides insurance consulting for a wide range of industries with varying employee populations. He has community service with Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board along with several other education, health and child welfare boards including: AlvinISD Zoning Board, Southwest Charter Schools, The Christus Foundation, and Child Advocates. He’s worked with the local Pearland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the aftermath of Hurricane IKE providing Point of Dispense support and resource distribution. Keep Pearland Beautiful Board and Pearland CPAC (Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee) CPAC. Texas Executive Director of national non-profit organization fighting human trafficking, Jai decided to found his own non-profit fighting for marginalized communities to provide options, not handouts. www.TXmpact.org.
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (39%), and Matagorda (100%)
District 25
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (39%), and Matagorda (100%)
District 26 Daniel Lee
Lawyer I'm a licensed Attorney since 2007 and a born and raised Texan, living in House District 26. We are proud to be from the Katy, Richmond, Pecan Grove and Rosenberg areas of Fort Bend County, Texas. Look for me on the ballot March 1, 2022 as your next Rep. As a graduate of The University of Texas, he developed a keen understanding of the Economy. While earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, he worked for various Texas State House Representatives organizing bills and responding to constituents at the Capitol. Daniel advanced his education at Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2007 he began his career as a lawyer and has been fighting for families, children, single mothers, and fathers’ rights for over a decade. He has handled thousands of trials, hearings, and contested matters for many Texans and specifically for his neighbors in the Katy, Richmond, Pecan Grove, and Richmond areas of Fort Bend County, Texas. Daniel Lee decided to run for the Texas House of Representatives to use his experience, education, and legal career to help Texans have a strong and compassionate voice as their Representative. As a proud native Texan, Daniel has been discouraged by the amount of vitriol that has been spewed in both state and national politics. It’s time for a voice that cares about everyone, not just big money donors.
Source: https://votefordaniel.com/about/
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (23%)
District 26
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (23%)
District 27 Rep.Ron Reynolds (IN)
Texas Southern U BS in Public Affairs Magna Cum Laude, JD for Texas Tech U School of Law. First African American Elected State Rep in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction. Ron is currently serving his sixth term in the Texas House. Reynolds was named 2021 87th Session Legislator of the Year by both Fort Bend United and The Young & the Politics. He was voted by his House colleagues as “Freshman Legislator of the Year” and “Public Servant of the Year” by the Houston Minority Contractors Association. He served as the House Minority Whip during the 83rd & 84th Legislative sessions. Reynolds is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and 100 Black Men of America. Currently, Reynolds is the Chair, Texas Progressive Caucus, Vice Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and Vice Chair of the House Caucus on Climate, Environment, and the Energy Industry. He also serves as the Legislative Leader for the Texas State NAACP and the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. Reynolds serves as the ranking member on the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, and serves on the powerful Energy Resources Committee. Prior to being elected State Representative Reynolds was an Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Houston, Past President of the Houston Lawyers Association and Past President of the Missouri City & Vicinity NAACP. He is a recipient of the “Honorary Doctorate of Divinity”.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=27
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (24%)
District 27
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (24%)
District 28 Marty Rocha
Police Officer--Executive Board Member at Cleat Harris County Region Director; Patrol Sergeant at Harris County Sheriff's Office &q