State Representative Candidates
Districts 51-100
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
District 51 Maria Luisa "Lulu" Flores (IN) Unopposed
Attorney Lulu Flores is a longtime champion of equality and social justice. She rose through the grassroots ranks to serve as President and CEO of the National Women’s Political Caucus, the longest serving institution committed to increasing women’s participation throughout the political process. Likewise, Lulu’s leadership can be seen at all levels, from being elected a National Delegate for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, to Chairing the Austin Arts Commission, to serving as Chief of Staff to the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas House. University of Texas, where she also graduated from law school. She began her career in the state legislature working for Rep. Irma Rangel, a pioneer who rose to serve as Chair of the Higher Education Committee. Lulu continued her career in public service working as Director of Legislative Programs for the State Bar of Texas, and Assistant Director for Alternative Fuels Policy and Legislation/Governmental Affairs at the Texas Railroad Commission, before joining her husband, Scott, as partner in their law firm, Hendler Flores Law, PLLC. Recognized for both her work as a lawyer and an agent for social change, Lulu was named “National Latina Lawyer of the Year” in 2010 by the Hispanic National Bar Association and was included in the City of Austin Women’s Hall of Fame for her leadership, advocacy, and mentoring. Most recently, she was named the 2020 Distinguished Lawyer of the Year by the Austin Bar Association. An active volunteer, Lulu continues to support a variety of causes, including serving as a member of the Advisory Committee of the University of Texas Center for Women and Gender Studies.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=51
Jurisdiction: Travis (16%)
District 52 Jennie Birkholz
Healthcare Consultant, Birkholz earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 2002. Her career experience includes working as a healthcare consultant. As of 2024, Birkholz was affiliated with Access Education RRISD. An expert in trauma-informed systems of care, integrated care, and rural health, Jennie spent a decade working in local community behavioral health before starting a national healthcare consulting firm that develops and implements creative solutions to address mental health, the opioid crisis, and social determinants of health to improve the lives of others. In addition to consulting with foundations, governments, faith-based organizations, and other non-profits on their roles in improving public health in their local area, Jennie has served on two White House Commissions on behavioral health and the opioid crisis.
Source: https://www.birkholzfortexas.com
Jurisdiction: Williamson (33%)
District 52
Jurisdiction: Williamson (33%)
District 53 Joe P. Herrera
Senior Customer Sales Lead, has a Bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2001 and a Master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2005. Herrera's career experience includes working as a key account manager for the Ferrara Candy Candy Company and as a sales representative for Hershey Chocolate. Herrera has been affiliated with the Medina County Democrats.
Source: https://joepherrera.com
Jurisdiction: Bandera (100%), Crockett (100%), Edwards(100%), Kerr (100%), Kimble (100%), Llano (100%), Mason (100%), Medina (100%), Menard (100%), Real (100%), Schleicher (100%), and Sutton (100%)
District 53
Jurisdiction: Bandera (100%), Crockett (100%), Edwards(100%), Kerr (100%), Kimble (100%), Llano (100%), Mason (100%), Medina (100%), Menard (100%), Real (100%), Schleicher (100%), and Sutton (100%)
District 54 Dawn Richardson
retired educator with 39 years of service, the last 27 years being right here in Texas. With experience in both private and public schools, she has seen all sides of the Texas school system. It is because of her long commitment to public education and the successes that she has accomplished, that Dawn is ready to get in the fight for public education.
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FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION
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I WILL VOTE NO ON VOUCHERS!
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WOMEN'S RIGHTS
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A woman should not have to leave this great state to seek healthcare!
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AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
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More reasonable & affordable choices for healthcare!
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PROTECTING VETERAN BENEFITS
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Actions speak louder than words, we must honor our Veterans with more than words. We must keep our promise!
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Source: https://www.dawnrichardson2024.org/
Jurisdiction: Bell (50%) and Lampasas (100%)
District 54
Jurisdiction: Bell (50%) and Lampasas (100%)
District 55
Jurisdiction: Bell (50%)
District 56 Erin Shank
Attorney, earned a bachelor's degree from Trinity University in 1979, a J.D. from the Texas Tech University School of Law, and a graduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 1983. Her career experience includes working as a lawyer and owner at Erin B. Shank, P.C. Shank has been a precinct chair, ballot board member, and election judge for the McLennan County Democratic Party. Erin is a former teacher, wife of a veteran, a mom of three, a disability advocate, and a small business owner. After finishing law school, she became a bankruptcy attorney and has helped more than 6,000 Central Texans over the past 40 years during some of the most difficult times in their lives. She knows how to listen to folks, understand their issues, and then fight for them in Court.
As of 2024, Shank was affiliated with the following organizations:
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National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
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Waco Historic Preservation Commission (chairwoman)
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Lakeshore Baptist Church
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Erin_Shank; https://www.erinshankfortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: McLennan (71%)
District 56
Jurisdiction: McLennan (71%)
District 57 Collin Johnson
businessman, he earned a graduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 2024. His career experience includes working as a businessman. My main priorities are protecting public education & libraries and promoting business & commerce.
Jurisdiction: Angelina (100%), Houston (100%), Leon (100%), Madison (100%), San Augustine (100%), and Trinity (100%)
District 57
Jurisdiction: Angelina (100%), Houston (100%), Leon (100%), Madison (100%), San Augustine (100%), and Trinity (100%)
District 58 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Bosque (100%), and Johnson (100%)
District 59 Hannah Bohm
Vice President at Texas Democratic Women of Hood County
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahisradicalfortexas/
Jurisdiction: Comanche (100%), Coryell (100%), Erath (100%), Hamilton (100%), McCulloch (100%), Mills (100%), San Saba (100%), and Somervell (100%)
District 59
Jurisdiction: Comanche (100%), Coryell (100%), Erath (100%), Hamilton (100%), McCulloch (100%), Mills (100%), San Saba (100%), and Somervell (100%)
District 60 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Brown (100%), Callahan (100%), Coleman (100%), Eastland (100%), Hood (100%), Palo Pinto (100%), Shackelford (100%), and Stephens (100%)
District 61 Tony Adams
earned a graduate degree from the University of North Texas in 1998. His career experience includes working as a entrepreneur and in the technology, insurance, banking and mortgage, and energy industries. Adams has also been a small business owner in real estate. University of North Texas in Denton, obtaining an MBA in 1998. A large portion of my career was in corporate America building leaders and great teams while also creating jobs. I have a wide breadth of expertise in technology, banking and finance, auto and home insurance, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and mortgage industries. I've also built several small businesses in real estate and technology.
Source:https://tonyadamsforpeople.godaddysites.com/
Jurisdiction: Parker (100%), and Wise (100%)
District 61
Jurisdiction: Parker (100%), and Wise (100%)
District 62 Tiffany Drake
RN, Tiffany Drake's career experience includes working as a nurse. She has been affiliated with Powered by People. She went on to Grayson College, where she earned a degree in nursing, sparking her passion for healthcare and improving the lives of others. She has been in several roles as a nurse over the years, including ICU Nurse, Rehabilitation, and Case Management. As a Chickasaw tribal member, Tiffany appreciates the diverse tapestry of culture and will work hard to represent all people of District 62 regardless of background, identity, income, or any other factor.
Jurisdiction: Delta (100%), Fannin (100%), and Grayson (100%)
District 62
Jurisdiction: Delta (100%), Fannin (100%), and Grayson (100%)
District 63 Michelle Beckley
Small Business owner, She earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University in 1992. Beckley's career experience includes owning Kookaburra Pet Shop. Beckley (Democratic Party) was a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 65. She assumed office on January 8, 2019. She left office on January 10, 2023 due to gerrymandering. Her Committee Assignments were:
2021-2022
Beckley was assigned to the following committees:
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Elections Committee
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International Relations & Economic Development Committee
2019-2020
Beckley was assigned to the following committees:
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Agriculture and Livestock Committee
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Business & Industry Committee
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Michelle_Beckley
Jurisdiction: Denton (25%)
District 63
Jurisdiction: Denton (25%)
District 64 Angela Brewer
University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in political science 1997 and a master’s degree in communication in 2007, and Concordia University with a master’s degree in education in 2014. currently a professor of communication studies at UNT and Collin College. “It is time for a new generation of leadership. We are facing extraordinary growth in north Denton County, and as we look at other communities who have grown like we are growing, we know this can be done in a way that preserves our unique identity, protects our natural spaces, and preserves the qualities that make our towns the lure they are. Well-managed growth that keeps our community the place we want it to be takes leadership and vision for the future. It’s time we elect a leader who embraces innovative problem-solving, critical thinking, and is ready to fight for House District 64 in the statehouse. I am eager to engage the citizens of Denton, Corinth, Krum, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, and Shady Shores in conversations about the future of our growing communities and to develop plans for the ways the statehouse can support north Denton County in meeting that future with success for all of us."
Jurisdiction: Denton (22%)
District 64
Jurisdiction: Denton (22%)
District 65 Detrick Deburr
software engineer. As of 2024, Deburr had served as a planning and zoning commissioner for over 18 years.
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Age: 54
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Occupation: Software Engineer
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Family: Father of 2 Sons, 1 Daughter (3 Grandchildren)
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Community Service:
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Currently serves as a P/Z Commissioner in The Colony, Texas.
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Served as a P/Z Commissioner in Cedar Hill, Texas (1999 - 2007)
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Served on the Board of St. Philips School and Community Center
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Proud and active member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
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Hobbies: Writing
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Author of Building Gamified Websites published 2013
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Author of Deal Us In! How Black America Can Play and Win in the Digital Economy” published in 2001
Jurisdiction: Collin (18%)
District 65
Jurisdiction: Denton (22%)
District 66 David W. Carstens
is a dynamic and passionate young Texan poised to make a significant impact on the political landscape of the Lone Star State. Born and raised in Texas, David has always been deeply connected to the cultural and social fabric of his home state. A talented writer and filmmaker, he brings a unique perspective and creative approach to the realm of politics. After pursuing his education and honing his skills in the world of arts and literature, David has decided to return to his roots and contribute to the betterment of Texas. His journey into politics is fueled by a sincere commitment to ending divisiveness and fostering a sense of unity among the people of Texas. Recognizing the need for compassion and intellect in the political arena, David is determined to inject fresh ideas and innovative solutions into the heart of Texas State House District 66.
Jurisdiction: Collin (18%)
District 66
Jurisdiction: Collin (18%)
District 67 Makala L. Washington
a dedicated Texan, mother of three, and former military wife. As a small business owner and substitute teacher deeply rooted in our community since 2014, I bring firsthand experience and a strong commitment to making a difference. With a tenacious spirit and a mindset reminiscent of a bear protecting its cubs, I aim to be the new voice for the working class. My mission is to fight for what's fair and right, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live comfortably in a safe place to call home. Together, let's build a stronger, more inclusive future for our community.
Source: https://www.makala4texas.com/
Jurisdiction: Collin (20%)
District 67
Jurisdiction: Collin (20%)
District 68 Stacey Swann
bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a graduate degree from Texas State University. Her career experience includes working as a writer. Stacey and her extended family moved to Lampasas County in 2016 where her father and brother-in-law raise Santa Gertrudis cattle. She spent the past twenty years as a teacher and editor before transitioning to a full-time writer with the publication of her debut novel Olympus, Texas (Doubleday) in 2021. Stacey was raised in Sealy, a small town near the Texas Gulf Coast, and is a proud graduate of the rural public school system there. She received her BA in English from UT Austin and her MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State University.
source:https://www.staceyfortexas68.com/
Jurisdiction: Childress (100%), Collingsworth (100%), Cooke (100%), Cottle (100%), Crosby (100%), Dickens (100%), Fisher (100%), Floyd (100%), Garza (100%), Hall (100%), Hardeman (100%), Haskell (100%), Jack (100%), Kent (100%), King (100%), Montague (100%), Motley (100%), Stonewall (100%), Throckmorton (100%), Wheeler (100%), Wilbarger (100%), and Young (100%)
District 68
Jurisdiction: Childress (100%), Collingsworth (100%), Cooke (100%), Cottle (100%), Crosby (100%), Dickens (100%), Fisher (100%), Floyd (100%), Garza (100%), Hall (100%), Hardeman (100%), Haskell (100%), Jack (100%), Kent (100%), King (100%), Montague (100%), Motley (100%), Stonewall (100%), Throckmorton (100%), Wheeler (100%), Wilbarger (100%), and Young (100%)
District 69 Walter Coppage
Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from Midwestern State University.. After working for several years, I became a Certified Public Accountant in 1981 and opened my CPA office that same year. I have been a CPA for over forty years in addition to owning and operating other ventures. He volunteer with Interfaith Outreach Services, serving on their Board of Directors and also serving as Treasurer. Interfaith Outreach Services provides assistance to households in Wichita and Archer Counties.
Source: https://www.waltercoppagefortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: Archer (100%), Baylor (100%). Clay (100%), Foard(100%), Knox (100%), Wichita (100%)
District 69
Jurisdiction: Archer (100%), Baylor (100%). Clay (100%), Foard(100%), Knox (100%), Wichita (100%)
District 70 Rep. Mihaela Plesa (IN)
She earned a Bachelor's degree from University of North Texas in 2006. She earned a graduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 2012. Plesa's career experience includes working as a legislative director with the Texas House of Representatives. She has been affiliated with the Young National Organization for Women (Young NOW) and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law (NORML).Representative Plesa is proud to be the first democratic woman elected to represent Collin County in the Texas Legislature, and the first Romanian-American elected in the great state of Texas.
Bills Authored/Sponsored 88th Legislature:
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Authored (including Joint)88(1) 88(2)
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Co-Authored 88(1)88(2)
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Sponsored (including Joint)88(1) 88(2)
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Co-Sponsored88(1)88(2)
Committees:
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International Relations & Economic Development
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Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
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Resolutions Calendars
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Mihaela_Plesa#cite_note-bio-1; https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=70
Jurisdiction: Collin (27%)
District 70
Jurisdiction: Collin (27%)
District 71 Linda Goolsbee
Business Experience
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Central Airlines Stewardess
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Dub King Advertising - project assistant
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Gatesville High School - Latin, English, American History teacher
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General Tire & Rubber Manufacturing - accounting clerk
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Secretary [In the old days, women started here before moving up.]
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Scarbroughs Department Store - clerk, personnel secretary, sales training director
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Word Books & Records - advertising, copywriter, project coordinator
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Pacific Bell - manager, large business customer sales and installation, corporate course design, Certified Trainer for inhouse and customer training, Speakers Bureau, Emergency Preparedness Seminar Leader
Education
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Texas Christian University (attended) summer 1962
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Baylor university, BA (Political Science) 1963
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University of Texas, Austin (postgraduate courses) 1967
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University of Southern California, MA (Drama) 1974
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University of Southern California, MA (Communications) 1992
Democratic Party
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President of Big Country Chapter, Texas Democratic Women
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Taylor County Executive Committee
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State Democratic Executive Committeewoman
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2012 Texas Delegate, Democratic National Convention
Abilene Boards and Organizations
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Abilene Community Theatre
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Abilene Interfaith Council
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Abilene Reporter News Community Advisory Board
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Abilene Woman's Club
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American Association of University Women
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Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest
Source: http://lindagoolsbee.com/?fbclid=IwAR2S70G-KHW1NmgMmRZvFn0kW3mA3Ww6P4XfN1u4MZl5g_On_OMo-bqumzQ#Home
Jurisdiction: Jones (100%), Nolan (100%), and Taylor (100%)
District 71
Jurisdiction: Jones (100%), Nolan (100%), and Taylor (100%)
District 72 Unopposed
Jurisdiction: Coke (100%), Concho (100%), Glasscock (100%), Howard (100%), Irion (100%), Reagan (100%), Runnels (100%), Sterling (100%), and Tom Green (100%)
District 73 Sally Duval
Texas McCombs School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance, Bilingual citizen of France and USA with experience in banking, corporate finance, accounting and IT service management. Sole provider of support for users of the Confluence wiki from its pilot phase to its termination phase. Wrote user guides and documentation. As administrator, I created & deleted wiki spaces, monitored system performance and worked with the L3 technical people when needed.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-duval-8413b27a/
Jurisdiction: Comal (100%), Gillespie (100%), and Kendall (100%)
District 73
Jurisdiction: Comal (100%), Gillespie (100%), and Kendall (100%)
District 74 Rep. Eddie Morales Jr (IN)
Attorney with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a double minor in Business and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin graduating in 1997. He then attended St. Mary’s University School of Law, graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 2000, and in that same year he passed the State Bar exam. His career experience includes working as an attorney and owning a business. Morales has served as president of the Maverick County Bar Association, as a member of St. Mary's Law Alumni Board, and as a member of the Texas State Bar Grievance Committee. District 74 is the largest and most unique district in Texas. The District is made up of 11 counties extending from his hometown in Eagle Pass, Maverick County to the north east portion of El Paso County and includes over 770 border miles with Mexico. In addition to serving as State Representative, Morales is also a partner and member of the management board at Langley and Banack, Inc., Attorneys at Law, and currently supervises their satellite office in Eagle Pass. He was past President of the Maverick County Bar Association and now sits on the St. Mary's Law Alumni Association as a Board Member. He is a City Attorney for Eagle Pass and Brackettville, and he is an avid real estate investor, as well as a commercial and residential builder. He is also the owner of the family’s tortilla factory business, called “The Piedras Negras Tortilla Factory”, which is a staple of the Eagle Pass food culture which recently celebrated its 34th anniversary of being in business. Representative Morales has served with focus and integrity throughout his career as an attorney, a businessman, and an investor. With over 22 years of experience, and a commitment to strengthening the community, he has brought the same transparency and responsibility to District 74 since 2020. Under his leadership as a Representative, he and his team passed more than 30 legislative bills during his freshman year at the Capitol. By listening and considering the views of every constituent, District 74 has been well represented on issues such as border security, healthcare, job creation, transportation infrastructure, education, school safety, mental health, and protecting the environment, among others.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=74
Jurisdiction: Brewster (100%), Culberson (100%), Hudspeth (100%), Jeff Davis (100%), Kinney (100%), Loving (100%), Maverick (100%), Pecos (100%), Presidio (100%), Reeves (100%), Terrell (100%), and Val Verde (100%)
District 74
Jurisdiction: Brewster (100%), Culberson (100%), Hudspeth (100%), Jeff Davis (100%), Kinney (100%), Loving (100%), Maverick (100%), Pecos (100%), Presidio (100%), Reeves (100%), Terrell (100%), and Val Verde (100%)
District 75 Rep. Mary Gonzalez (IN) Unopposed
Bachelor's Degree from the UT and Master's Degree from St. Edward's University, and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction- Cultural Studies in Education at UT. Previously, she has worked at the National Hispanic Institute, the University of Texas at Austin, and as the Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs at Southwestern University. Mary currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Allgo, Texas' state-wide Queer People of Color organization. As a result of her accomplishments, she was named "Freshman of the Year" by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, a "Champion of Equality" by Equality Texas two sessions in a row, and the 2015 "Advocate of the Year" by the same organization. In 2015, she was the youngest inductee into the El Paso Women's Hall of Fame. She also received the Progressive Movement Leadership Award from the Young Elected Officials Network at their 2017 National Convening and as a "Leader of Promise" by the YWCA of Greater Austin in Honor of her commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. In 2017, González was nominated for the national Victory Fund Award, an award created to honor state LGBTQ elected officials. Most recently, Rep. Mary González was awarded the “Champion for Children” title by the Equity Center, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that strives to create a more equitable public school finance system. Mary has been recognized by Latino Leaders Magazine for her leadership in education, was recognized as one of ten "Next Generation Latinas" by Latina Magazine, and as one of the 10 newly-elected politicians to watch in the nation by NBC Latino.
Source: https://www.house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=75
Jurisdiction: El Paso (26%)
District 76 Suleman Lanai (IN)
Medical Doctor, Dr. Lalani completed his fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine and has attended courses at Harvard Medical School and Columbia University College of Physicians. He has been triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and he has also been certified by the American Medical Directors Association. Dr. Lalani is among an elite group of physicians nationwide with this qualification. He is also recognized by the National Register of Who’s Who for Excellence in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Lalani has been serving in various leadership roles in both professional organizations and medical institutions. He is a Board member and also has served as Ambassador to US Congress for the Alzheimer’s Association Dr. Lalani’s interest in caring for his patients - especially the elderly - continues to lead him towards researching solutions to the common problems that elder members of the community face. Dr. Lalani believes strongly in philanthropy and volunteer service. He has formerly served as the Chairman for the Regional Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation USA for four years. The Aga Khan Foundation operates under the mandate to alleviate global poverty and improve the quality of life for all. He is also involved with raising awareness and funds for the National MS Society and Alzheimer's Association. Locally he serves on the Ft Bend Rainbow Room, a resource room stocked with emergency and transitional supplies to meet the critical needs of Fort Bend County's abused and neglected children and adults. Dr. Lanani's also serves on the board to the Exchange Club Exchange of Fort Bend, America's premier service club, working to make our communities better places to live.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=76
Jurisdiction: Ft. Bend (17%)