Meet Your Candidates
Menu

Issues

Only candidates running for offices that can act on an issue are listed. We do not include a candidate just because they have an opinion about it.

Cost of living, wages, taxes, and housing3 candidates

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress sets federal taxes, tariffs, the minimum wage, housing aid, and many rules for businesses. A senator can propose and vote on those laws. A senator cannot set Texas property taxes or lower prices alone.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports higher pay, more family tax credits, and higher taxes on wealthy people and large companies

Talarico supports a $15 federal minimum wage and larger Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Tax Credits. He wants higher taxes on billionaires and large companies. He would end the Trump tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods. For housing, he supports more federal tax credits for affordable apartments and a ban on Wall Street firms buying homes. In the Texas House, he helped pass a 2025 law that lets cities approve certain smaller apartment buildings under strict fire-safety rules. The goal was to make more lots available for housing.

Sources: Talarico cost-of-living plan, Texas housing law and Talarico's role.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports tax breaks for medical costs, homebuyers, and families

Paxton would let people subtract up to $25,000 in medical costs from their taxable income. He also proposes deductions for some homebuyers and certain health and fitness costs. These deductions would give larger tax savings to people in higher tax brackets. People who owe little or no federal income tax could receive little or no benefit. He would also double the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 to $4,400 per child. He has not said how much of the larger credit families could receive as a refund if they owe little or no federal income tax.

Sources: Paxton economic plan, Analysis of who would benefit, IRS explanation of refundable child tax credits.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Would end federal income and payroll taxes and make large cuts to federal programs

Brown wants to abolish the IRS and end federal income, capital-gains, estate, and Social Security payroll taxes. He says the income tax should be replaced with nothing. Ending those taxes would leave workers and businesses with more of their income. It would also remove much of the money used for Social Security and other federal programs. Brown says the federal government should close many agencies and make large spending cuts. He would also end the Trump tariffs. Brown has no government voting record.

Sources: Brown campaign platform.

Climate, power bills, and extreme weather46 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress can set national pollution and energy rules, fund grid and weather projects, shape clean-energy tax policy, and fund FEMA. It does not run Denton utilities or local drainage.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

Supports cleaner energy and connecting Texas to the national grid

Pearce supports connecting the Texas grid to the national grid and making energy cleaner. He also calls for stronger protection of air and water. He has not held office and gives no specific federal pollution limit or FEMA prevention plan.

Sources: Pearce campaign, Pearce science and grid questionnaire.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Opposes clean-energy tax credits; supports more oil and gas

Fallon voted for the 2025 law that ended the home clean-energy tax credit and shortened tax help for new wind and solar projects. He also filed a bill to deny an investment tax credit to offshore wind. He has asked federal officials to review threats to the electric grid.

Sources: U.S. House vote on the 2025 budget law, Congressional Research Service on 2025 energy-tax changes, Fallon energy record, Fallon grid-resilience letter.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Supports environmental funding and water restoration

Nair would increase federal funding for parks, natural resources, and environmental science. He also wants to restore aquifers. His campaign gives no national pollution target or plan for grid weatherproofing and FEMA prevention aid.

Sources: Nair Earth Day plan, Nair platform.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Opposes clean-energy tax credits; supports more oil and gas

Jackson voted for the 2025 law that ended the home clean-energy tax credit and shortened tax help for new wind and solar projects. He also proposed more federal oil and gas leasing and the reversal of several federal climate actions. He gives no plan to cut heat-trapping pollution or increase FEMA prevention aid.

Sources: U.S. House vote on the 2025 budget law, Congressional Research Service on 2025 energy-tax changes, Jackson American Energy Independence Act.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Opposes clean-energy tax credits and pollution rules

Gill voted for the 2025 law that ended the home clean-energy tax credit and shortened tax help for new wind and solar projects. He also calls for more U.S. energy production and fewer federal rules. His campaign gives no plan to cut heat-trapping pollution or increase FEMA prevention aid.

Sources: U.S. House vote on the 2025 budget law, Congressional Research Service on 2025 energy-tax changes, Gill statement on the 2025 federal budget law.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

No clear climate or grid plan found

Gray has not published a clear plan for federal pollution rules, clean energy, grid weatherproofing, or FEMA prevention aid.

Sources: Gray voter guide.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports low-carbon power and grid weatherproofing

Shook supports more electric transmission, storage, renewable power, and other low-carbon energy. He also supports federal money for grid repairs and weatherproofing. His campaign gives no national pollution target.

Sources: Shook campaign platform.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress sets national pollution and energy rules. It can fund grid repairs, home weatherproofing, and FEMA help before disasters. It also decides which energy projects get federal tax help. The Senate approves top federal regulators.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports clean energy, grid weatherproofing, and FEMA prevention aid

Talarico wants federal money to weatherproof the Texas grid, update old equipment, and help families weatherproof their homes. He would restore federal tax credits for clean energy and increase FEMA aid before disasters. He would make data centers pay their own grid costs. In the Texas House, he filed the 2021 Texas Climate Action Act. It called for state pollution limits and a plan to protect Texas from climate damage, but the bill did not pass.

Sources: Talarico energy and environment plan, Texas Climate Action Act.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Opposes federal methane limits and clean-energy tax credits

As attorney general, Paxton sued to stop a federal rule that required oil and gas companies to find and fix methane leaks. He also praised the 2025 law that ended or shortened several clean-energy tax credits. For the grid, he says data centers should pay their own costs. His campaign gives no plan to weatherproof the Texas grid or increase FEMA aid before disasters.

Sources: Paxton lawsuit against EPA methane rule, Texas Tribune U.S. Senate candidate guide.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes energy rules and subsidies; supports nuclear power

Brown says climate change is happening. He opposes government rules that favor or limit an energy source, and he opposes taxpayer help for energy companies. He supports fossil fuels, wind, solar, and nuclear power competing without subsidies. For the grid, he suggests small nuclear reactors that could keep data centers off the main system. He gives no plan to weatherproof the Texas grid or increase FEMA aid before disasters.

Sources: 2024 League of Women Voters guide, Brown 2026 science and grid questionnaire, Brown campaign platform.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor signs or vetoes Texas laws about energy, water, buildings, and disasters. The governor appoints officials who oversee the power grid, pollution, and state water programs. The Legislature controls state spending.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports more gas power; no statewide pollution-cut target

Abbott backed another $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, which mainly finances power plants that can run on demand, including gas plants. He also points to state funding for water projects and proposed help to strengthen roofs before severe weather. He has not set a statewide target for cutting heat-trapping pollution.

Sources: Abbott energy and water record, Abbott gas-plant announcement, Abbott roof-fortification proposal.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports conservation incentives instead of mandates

Dixon supports water prices that pay for infrastructure and reward conservation. He also supports water reuse, brush removal for fire safety, and study of floodwater diversion. He favors market incentives and gives no statewide pollution-cut target.

Sources: Dixon science and environment questionnaire, Dixon campaign.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which energy, water, pollution, and disaster bills reach the Texas Senate and appoints its committees. The office cannot enact a bill alone.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Supports more gas and nuclear power; backed added costs for wind and solar

Patrick helped make another $5 billion for mostly gas-fired power a Senate priority in 2025. He also backed $350 million for nuclear development. The Senate passed added rules and costs for wind and solar, but the House did not pass them.

Sources: Texas Tribune review of 2025 energy laws, Patrick campaign.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

Supports a 75% pollution cut and more renewable power

McCormick says Texas should cut greenhouse-gas pollution by 75%, expand renewable power, and electrify transportation. His public plan does not give a starting year, deadline, or list of bills for reaching that goal.

Sources: Community Impact lieutenant-governor questionnaire.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Supports renewable power, less gas flaring, and water conservation

Goodwin filed a 2025 bill to end routine natural-gas flaring, but it did not pass. She also supports more renewable power and energy efficiency. Her water plan calls for less waste, more reuse, and stronger drought planning.

Sources: Goodwin 2025 legislation, Goodwin clean-water plan.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can file and vote on Texas grid, pollution, water, flood, building, and disaster laws. Cities, counties, and state agencies carry out many of those laws.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

Supports equal treatment of energy sources and public grid reports

Hamilton says Texas should not favor one energy source over another. He wants public reports on grid threats, subsidies, costs, and results. His campaign gives no statewide pollution target or plan for home weatherproofing.

Sources: Hamilton power-grid plan.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear climate or grid plan found

Stith has not published a clear plan for Texas pollution, electricity, water, or protection from extreme weather.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Opposed 2025 rules making large power users help with grid costs

Hayes voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large power users help pay grid-connection costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He gives no separate plan for grid reliability, pollution, or extreme weather.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6, Hayes campaign issues.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Opposed 2025 rules making large power users help with grid costs

Bumgarner voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large power users help pay grid-connection costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He gives no separate plan for grid reliability, pollution, or extreme weather.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6, Bumgarner House biography.

Denise Wooten

Democratic · District 63

Supports climate action and more renewable energy

Wooten says Texas should address climate change and use more renewable energy. She has not held legislative office and gives no specific pollution target or grid bill.

Sources: Wooten campaign issues.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Opposed 2025 rules making large power users help with grid costs

Hopper voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large power users help pay grid-connection costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He gives no separate plan for grid reliability, pollution, or extreme weather.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6, Hopper House biography.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

Supports more wind and solar with statewide energy planning

Evans supports using every energy source while expanding wind and solar power. She also calls for statewide energy and water planning. She has not held legislative office and gives no specific pollution target or grid bill.

Sources: Evans candidate profile, Evans candidate questionnaire.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

No clear climate or grid plan found

DeBurr has not published a clear plan for Texas pollution, electricity, water, or protection from extreme weather.

Sources: DeBurr campaign.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Opposed 2025 grid-cost rules; supports nuclear and fossil power first

Little voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large power users help pay grid-connection costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He says Texas should put nuclear power first, followed by fossil fuels.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6, Little candidate questionnaire.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Supported 2025 grid-cost rules and more gas and nuclear power

Patterson voted for SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large power users help pay grid-connection costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He also backed another $5 billion for mostly gas-fired power and a state nuclear office.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6, Patterson 2025 legislative update.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

No clear climate or grid plan found

Mayes has not published a clear plan for Texas pollution, electricity, water, or protection from extreme weather.

Sources: Mayes campaign.

Attorney General

3 candidates

The attorney general can sue to block or defend federal and state environmental rules. The office does not write pollution limits, run the electric grid, or set local drainage policy.

Mayes Middleton

Republican · Statewide

Supported added state fees and permits for wind and solar

Middleton voted for a 2025 bill that would have added state permits and fees for new wind and solar projects. The bill did not pass the House. His attorney-general campaign gives no plan for lawsuits over federal pollution or climate rules.

Sources: Texas Senate vote on SB 819, Middleton campaign.

Nathan Johnson

Democratic · Statewide

Opposed added state fees and permits for wind and solar

Johnson voted against a 2025 bill that would have added state permits and fees for new wind and solar projects. The bill did not pass the House. His attorney-general campaign gives no plan for lawsuits over federal pollution or climate rules.

Sources: Texas Senate vote on SB 819, Johnson campaign.

Tom Oxford

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear climate or pollution position found

Oxford has not published a clear position on attorney-general lawsuits over federal climate, energy, or pollution rules.

Sources: Libertarian Party candidate profile.

Railroad Commissioner

3 candidates

The Railroad Commission regulates oil and gas wells, pipelines, gas utilities, abandoned-well cleanup, and critical gas systems. Another state agency issues most Texas air-pollution permits.

Arthur DiBianca

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear oil, gas, or grid plan found

DiBianca has not published a clear plan for methane, gas flaring, oilfield cleanup, abandoned wells, or gas-system weatherproofing.

Sources: DiBianca campaign.

Bo French

Republican · Statewide

Supports more oil and gas production with fewer rules

French calls oil and gas the base of a reliable Texas grid. He would speed permits and roll back parts of new oilfield environmental rules. He also supports more state work to plug abandoned wells.

Sources: French candidate questionnaire, French on oilfield environmental rules.

Jon Rosenthal

Democratic · Statewide

Supports stronger methane rules and gas-grid enforcement

Rosenthal would end routine gas flaring and venting, require continuous pollution monitoring, and raise cleanup bonds. He also supports deadlines, outside audits, public reports, and fines for gas-system weatherproofing. The Railroad Commission can regulate gas infrastructure but not electric power plants.

Sources: Rosenthal candidate questionnaire, Texas Observer Railroad Commission interview.

Commissioner of the General Land Office

3 candidates

The land commissioner controls leases and mineral development on state land and helps run disaster recovery. The office does not regulate Denton electric service or local floodplain development.

Benjamin Flores

Democratic · Statewide

Supports oil, gas, and renewable energy on state land

Flores would expand both traditional and renewable energy work on state land while protecting natural resources. He also supports stronger disaster recovery and seeking available FEMA money. He gives no target for pollution from state mineral leases.

Sources: Flores campaign, Texas Tribune land-commissioner guide.

Dawn Buckingham

Republican · Statewide

Supports more oil and gas development on state land

Buckingham has expanded oil and gas development on state land and also promotes carbon capture. Her office is working on coastal flood projects and disaster recovery, which do not directly prevent Denton County floods or grid failures. She gives no target for pollution from state mineral leases.

Sources: Buckingham land and energy record, Buckingham coastal record, GLO Texas Engine initiative.

Neill Snider

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear state-land energy or disaster plan found

Snider has not published a clear plan for energy leases, pollution, conservation, or disaster recovery through the General Land Office.

Sources: Snider candidate profile.

Commissioner of Agriculture

3 candidates

The agriculture commissioner can shape state farm, soil, drought, water-conservation, and rural programs. The office does not regulate the power grid or set statewide air limits.

Austin R. Kelly

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports voluntary land and water conservation

Kelly supports land restoration, planned burns, and research on how brush removal affects water supplies. He favors voluntary programs and private-property rights over state mandates. The agriculture commissioner does not control the electric grid or local flood rules.

Sources: Kelly campaign, Kelly background.

Clayton Tucker

Democratic · Statewide

Supports water-saving farming and drought planning

Tucker supports drought-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and farming methods that protect soil and water. He also says water-heavy projects should go to areas with enough water. The agriculture commissioner cannot repair Denton city pipes or regulate the electric grid.

Sources: Agriculture candidates on water, Tucker campaign.

Nate Sheets

Republican · Statewide

Supports water conservation; gives no specific farm plan

Sheets says agriculture should have a formal role in state water planning and supports water conservation. His campaign gives no specific plan for drought-resistant farming, farm pollution, or soil protection.

Sources: Agriculture candidates on water, Sheets issue page.

County Judge

2 candidates

The Commissioners Court oversees county floodplain rules, drainage and roads in unincorporated areas, county buildings, and emergency planning. Texas counties have little general zoning power and cannot set statewide energy or pollution rules.

County Commissioner

4 candidates

The Commissioners Court oversees county floodplain rules, drainage and roads in unincorporated areas, county buildings, and emergency planning. Texas counties have little general zoning power and cannot set statewide energy or pollution rules.

Candace Valenzuela

Democratic · Precinct 2

Supports infrastructure that keeps pace with growth

Valenzuela says county roads and other services should keep pace with development. Her campaign gives no specific drainage, flood, heat, or emergency project. A commissioner can vote on these services in unincorporated parts of the county.

Sources: Valenzuela issues, Denton County floodplain program, Denton County hazard mitigation plan.

Stephanie Draper

Democratic · Precinct 4

Supports drainage work and emergency services

Draper supports county spending and coordination for emergency services. She also calls for investment in drainage and basic infrastructure. Her campaign gives no specific project or flood-reduction goal.

Sources: Draper campaign, Draper voter guide, Denton County floodplain program.

County budget and property taxes2 candidates

County Judge

2 candidates

The County Judge leads Commissioners Court and has one of its five votes on the county budget, tax rate, staffing, debt, and major purchases. The office does not set property values or control city and school tax rates.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

Backs a low tax rate while funding growth

Eads has made a low county property-tax rate a central promise. The Commissioners Court he leads adopted a $452.2 million budget for 2025–26 and reduced the rate from $0.187869 to $0.185938 per $100 of taxable value. A lower rate does not guarantee a lower bill when taxable value rises. His campaign says he would keep the rate low while funding public safety and county services, but it gives no tax-rate target or list of programs he would cut.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Denton County 2025–26 budget and tax rate, Eads on the 2027 budget, Eads campaign.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

Would expand services and publish more financial records

Pappas would increase funding for emergency planning, public and mental health, courts, and infrastructure. He says he would review contracts and administrative offices for waste, post budgets and contracts, finish audits within six months, and keep reporting federal funds until they are spent. He also proposes a county hospital and says no one earning under $100,000 would pay more in new taxes. His plan gives no hospital cost and does not explain what county tax tool would separate taxpayers by income.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Pappas priorities, Pappas VOTE411 answers.

Roads, growth, drainage, and rural services2 candidates

County Judge

2 candidates

Commissioners Court votes on county roads and bridges, rights-of-way, long-range plans, subdivision plats, drainage, rural wastewater, and rural fire and ambulance contracts. Cities and the state control many other roads and land-use decisions. Texas counties have little general zoning power.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

Led the road-bond effort and backs countywide rural fire planning

Eads helped lead the 2022 road-bond proposal. Voters approved up to $650 million for more than 119 projects, including county roads and partnerships on city and state routes. During his term, Commissioners Court also adopted a countywide Fire and EMS plan for unincorporated areas and bought the Ponder fire station to support round-the-clock staffing. His campaign highlights mobility and growth, but it gives no countywide target for traffic delay, drainage, or project overruns.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Denton County 2022 transportation bond, Denton County Fire and EMS plan, Eads campaign.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

Would publish road-funding rules and project contracts

Pappas says county road projects should finish on time and on budget with the numbers made public. He would publish one rule for how much the county pays toward roads inside cities and post each professional-services contract before work begins. He also calls for work on drainage, mobility gaps, and rural emergency services. His plan names no first project, total cost, or completion date.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Pappas priorities.

Emergency response and disaster recovery2 candidates

County Judge

2 candidates

The County Judge is the county's emergency management director. The judge can declare a local disaster, activate the emergency plan, coordinate agencies, and seek outside help. Commissioners Court must approve many longer-term plans and expenses.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

Has used the office's disaster powers

Eads declared a local disaster after severe storms caused flooding, debris, power loss, and safety problems in May 2024. In August 2026, he issued another disaster declaration and burn ban during drought and wildfire danger. Commissioners Court adopted a countywide Fire and EMS plan during his term, but that plan and its funding required votes from the full court.

Sources: Texas emergency-management law, May 2024 Denton County disaster declaration, August 2026 burn ban and disaster declaration, Denton County Fire and EMS plan.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

Would increase disaster planning and first-responder support

Pappas calls for stronger emergency plans, more first-responder training, stable funding, and better coordination among agencies. He also links drainage and transportation gaps to emergency readiness. He has not held county office, and his published plan gives no funding amount, response-time target, or standard for when he would declare a disaster.

Sources: Texas emergency-management law, Pappas priorities, Pappas VOTE411 answers.

Jail, courts, and mental health2 candidates

County Judge

2 candidates

Commissioners Court funds the jail, sheriff, courts, prosecutors, appointed lawyers, public health, and some mental-health programs. The County Judge cannot direct arrests, prosecutions, or another judge's rulings.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

Backs jail, law-enforcement, and mental-health spending

The 2025–26 budget adopted by the court Eads leads includes about $36.5 million for the jail, $6.3 million for jail health, and $1.2 million for the Sheriff's Mental Health Unit. In 2023, the court approved two mental-health navigators to connect residents with care. In January 2026, Eads seconded the motion approving an optional ICE task-force agreement for the Sheriff's Office. These were Commissioners Court actions, not decisions he made alone.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Denton County 2025–26 adopted budget, Denton County mental-health navigators, January 2026 Commissioners Court minutes.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

Would build a county hospital and expand jail alternatives

Pappas proposes a public county hospital with mental-health and addiction treatment. He would publish the daily cost of holding one person, report results from jail mental-health screenings, create a personal-bond office, and fund reentry programs. He would also end county funding for the optional ICE task-force agreement while keeping the jail agreement required by state law. His plan gives no hospital construction cost, operating budget, or opening date.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Pappas priorities, Pappas VOTE411 answers.

County contracts, tax breaks, and development2 candidates

County Judge

2 candidates

Commissioners Court approves county contracts, purchases, construction, and some tax-abatement agreements. The County Judge has one vote. Cities and the state make separate zoning, permit, and incentive decisions.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

Backs selected tax abatements tied to jobs and investment

Eads says attracting high-quality jobs is a priority. In 2024, the court approved a seven-year property-tax abatement for an Embraer aircraft center projected to create 250 jobs at an average salary of about $66,954. In 2026, Eads praised a Wistron agreement offering up to $5 million in abatements over eight years for a projected $687 million investment and 888 jobs. His campaign does not publish a general test for when he would reject a tax break or how the county reports whether promised jobs remain after approval.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Denton County Embraer tax-abatement agreement, Denton County Wistron tax-abatement agreement, Eads campaign.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

Would publish contracts; gives no general tax-abatement test

Pappas promises to post every county contract, its price, and supporting records before work begins. He also calls for public agendas, minutes, and financial reports for county boards and says existing contracts should be checked for duplication or poor performance. His campaign does not state a general rule for approving company tax abatements or set minimum job, wage, and repayment terms for those deals.

Sources: Denton County Commissioners Court duties, Pappas priorities, Pappas VOTE411 answers.

Health coverage and costs28 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress sets rules and funding for Medicare, Medicaid, ACA plans, and many private health plans. It can expand or cut coverage, change help with premiums, and lower some drug costs.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

Supports expanding Medicare and lowering drug prices

Pearce says he would expand Medicare, lower prescription prices, end surprise medical bills, and make childbirth care free. His public page does not give a cost or a bill for those plans.

Sources: Pearce campaign, BallotReady candidate profile.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Supported new Medicaid activity-reporting rules

Fallon voted for the final version of H.R. 1 in 2025. The law requires some adult Medicaid applicants and members to document 80 hours a month of work, school, training, or community service starting in 2027. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, CMS explanation of the Medicaid work rule, Fallon congressional office.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Supports Medicare for All and clearer medical prices

Nair says he would work toward Medicare for All, require clearer medical prices, and support rural health care. His platform does not give a timeline or funding plan.

Sources: Nair campaign.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Supported new Medicaid activity-reporting rules

Jackson voted for the final version of H.R. 1 in 2025. The law requires some adult Medicaid applicants and members to document 80 hours a month of work, school, training, or community service starting in 2027. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, CMS explanation of the Medicaid work rule, Jackson congressional office.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supported new Medicaid activity-reporting rules

Gill voted for the final version of H.R. 1 in 2025. The law requires some adult Medicaid applicants and members to document 80 hours a month of work, school, training, or community service starting in 2027. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, CMS explanation of the Medicaid work rule, Gill congressional office.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Branch voter guide.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports universal coverage and wider drug-price talks

Shook proposes moving step by step toward universal coverage, expanding Medicare drug-price talks to all plans, limiting out-of-pocket drug costs, protecting people with prior conditions, and funding rural hospitals and mental health care.

Sources: Shook campaign.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress sets rules and funding for Medicare, Medicaid, ACA plans, and many private health plans. It can expand or cut coverage, change help with premiums, and lower some drug costs. A senator can propose and vote on those laws but cannot change them alone.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports expanding health coverage and lowering drug costs

Talarico helped pass a 2021 Texas law that caps what many insured patients pay for a 30-day insulin prescription at $25. He wrote a 2023 law creating a state program to import lower-cost drugs from Canada, but it needs federal approval before imports can begin. For the Senate, he would let people of any age choose a Medicare-based public plan, increase help with ACA premiums, and reverse federal Medicaid cuts.

Sources: Talarico health care plan, 2021 insulin law, 2023 prescription-drug law.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Fought to end the ACA; supports tax deductions for medical costs

As attorney general, Paxton led a lawsuit asking courts to end the ACA. The Supreme Court dismissed the case because the states lacked legal standing, so the law stayed in place. If the lawsuit had won, the ACA's coverage rules and help with premiums would have ended. For the Senate, Paxton proposes tax deductions of up to $25,000 per person and dependent for insurance premiums and other medical costs. The deductions could lower taxes for people who owe federal income tax. They would not lower the prices charged by doctors or insurers.

Sources: Paxton’s ACA lawsuit, Supreme Court decision, Paxton’s current tax proposal.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes government-run health care; supports private insurance

Brown says health care is a service, not a right. He would reduce the government's role and rely on private insurance. He supports health savings accounts, tax deductions for medical costs, and insurance sold across state lines. He also supports lower-cost plans that mainly cover major medical bills. People with those plans would pay more routine costs themselves.

Sources: Brown health care plan.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor signs or vetoes Texas health laws and appoints the insurance commissioner. The Legislature decides Medicaid eligibility, state coverage programs, and spending.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Supports Medicaid expansion and broader health coverage

Hinojosa voted in 2025 to direct the state health agency to seek Medicaid expansion. Her campaign says she would cover every Texas child, stop bad-faith insurance claim denials, and support rural hospitals.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote, Hinojosa health care statement.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Has not expanded Medicaid; supports employer plans with fewer required benefits

Texas has not expanded Medicaid during Abbott's time as governor, and he has not proposed doing so. His 2026 plan would let employers offer lower-premium health plans that leave out some benefits now required by state law.

Sources: Abbott health cost plan, State Medicaid expansion status.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Dixon campaign.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which health bills reach the Texas Senate. That includes bills about Medicaid, insurance rules, and state health spending.

Anthony Cristo

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Cristo campaign.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Opposes Medicaid expansion; gives no plan to increase coverage

Patrick has opposed ACA Medicaid expansion. In 2025 he made reducing barriers to health insurance a Senate priority, but Medicaid expansion did not reach a vote. No 2026 plan with a coverage goal or date was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas Tribune on Texas Medicaid expansion, Texas Public Radio on the 2025 session.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

No clear health-coverage plan found

McCormick supports spending on preventive primary care and public health. He gives no plan to expand Medicaid, change insurance coverage, or lower medical prices.

Sources: Branch voter guide.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Supports Medicaid expansion and a state health plan open to all Texans

Goodwin voted in 2025 to direct the state health agency to seek Medicaid expansion. Her Texas Cares plan would expand Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level, add state coverage above that line, and offer a state-run plan open to all Texans.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote, Goodwin Texas Cares plan.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can file and vote on Medicaid eligibility, the state health budget, and insurance rules that Texas controls.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Hamilton campaign.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Opposed directing Texas to seek Medicaid expansion

Hayes opposed this effort to expand Medicaid. He voted against directing Texas to seek federal approval for the expansion.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Opposed directing Texas to seek Medicaid expansion

Ben Bumgarner voted no in 2025 on a budget amendment that would have directed the state health agency to seek federal approval for the broadest Medicaid expansion allowed by federal law. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote.

Denise Wooten

Democratic · District 63

No clear health-coverage or medical-cost plan found

Wooten has not published a specific proposal to expand Medicaid, change insurance coverage, or lower medical prices.

Sources: Wooten campaign.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Opposed directing Texas to seek Medicaid expansion

Andy Hopper voted no in 2025 on a budget amendment that would have directed the state health agency to seek federal approval for the broadest Medicaid expansion allowed by federal law. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

Supports ACA coverage and lower drug prices

Evans says she would protect ACA coverage, lower drug prices, and extend federal premium tax credits. A Texas representative cannot extend a federal tax credit alone. No specific state Medicaid or insurance bill was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Evans campaign, BallotReady candidate profile.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

Supports Medicaid expansion

DeBurr lists Medicaid expansion as a campaign priority. In a 2024 mental health voter guide, he said expansion was the fastest way to improve access and equal coverage for mental health care.

Sources: DeBurr campaign, NAMI Texas 2024 voter guide.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Opposed directing Texas to seek Medicaid expansion

Mitch Little voted no in 2025 on a budget amendment that would have directed the state health agency to seek federal approval for the broadest Medicaid expansion allowed by federal law. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Opposed directing Texas to seek Medicaid expansion

Jared Patterson voted no in 2025 on a budget amendment that would have directed the state health agency to seek federal approval for the broadest Medicaid expansion allowed by federal law. No separate 2026 plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House Medicaid expansion vote.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan to lower Texas's uninsured rate or reduce health insurance and medical costs was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Mayes campaign.

Social Security and retirement3 candidates

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress sets Social Security taxes, benefits, and the retirement age. The retirement fund is projected to pay full scheduled benefits through late 2032. If Congress does nothing, incoming money would cover about 78% of scheduled retirement benefits after that. One senator cannot change benefits alone.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Would keep benefits and collect more Social Security tax from high earners

Talarico opposes reducing Social Security benefits. He wants wages above $400,000 to be subject to the Social Security payroll tax. That money would help extend the program's ability to pay full benefits. He also supports tax incentives for employers that offer pensions.

Sources: 2026 Social Security Trustees report, Talarico retirement plan.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Opposes benefit cuts and privatization; has not given a funding plan

Paxton's campaign says he would protect Social Security benefits and opposes turning the program over to private investment accounts. His campaign says it would fight waste, fraud, and abuse. It has not explained what taxes, benefit changes, or other funding it would support to prevent the projected reduction after 2032. Keeping all scheduled benefits requires Congress to add revenue, reduce future costs, or do both.

Sources: 2026 Social Security Trustees report, Paxton campaign statement on Social Security.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Would end the tax that funds most Social Security benefits

Brown wants to end the Social Security payroll tax. That tax supplies most of the program's income. His campaign does not say whether current benefits would be ended, reduced, or paid from another source after the tax is gone. This is a central missing part of his tax plan because he promises to end the program's main source of money.

Sources: 2026 Social Security Trustees report, Brown tax platform.

Abortion rights62 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. Congress can protect abortion access nationwide or pass national limits. Courts decide whether a federal law is constitutional. One representative cannot change the law alone.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Supports federal legal protection from fertilization

Fallon co-sponsored H.R. 722 in 2025. It would give embryos and fetuses constitutional legal protection from fertilization. The bill says the pregnant patient could not be prosecuted, but it names no exception for rape, incest, a fatal fetal diagnosis, or danger to the patient's life or health. It did not receive a House vote.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, H.R. 722, Life at Conception Act.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Supports federal legal protection from fertilization

Jackson co-sponsored H.R. 722 in 2025. It would give embryos and fetuses constitutional legal protection from fertilization. The bill says the pregnant patient could not be prosecuted, but it names no exception for rape, incest, a fatal fetal diagnosis, or danger to the patient's life or health. It did not receive a House vote.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, H.R. 722, Life at Conception Act.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supports federal legal protection from fertilization

Gill co-sponsored H.R. 722 in 2025. It would give embryos and fetuses constitutional legal protection from fertilization. The bill says the pregnant patient could not be prosecuted, but it names no exception for rape, incest, a fatal fetal diagnosis, or danger to the patient's life or health. It did not receive a House vote.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, H.R. 722, Life at Conception Act.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. Congress can protect abortion access nationwide or pass national limits. The Senate also confirms federal judges who rule on abortion laws. One senator cannot change the law alone.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports a federal right for the woman and doctor to decide before viability

Talarico wants Congress to protect abortion nationwide before fetal viability. Viability is when a fetus may be able to survive outside the uterus, usually around 23 or 24 weeks. Before then, the woman and her doctor would decide. After viability, government could ban abortion, but it would have to allow an exception to protect the woman's life or health. In 2025, he voted to clarify Texas's medical exception and against barring Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Talarico abortion position, Congress's explanation of Roe and Casey, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports state government banning abortion in nearly all cases

Paxton supports giving Texas state government the power to decide when abortion is allowed. Under the law he has defended, a woman and her doctor may obtain an abortion only when a doctor believes continuing the pregnancy risks death or serious harm to a major body function. Texas has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. As attorney general, he sued to block federal protection for emergency abortion care and pursued providers in other states who mailed abortion pills into Texas. He has not said what federal abortion law he would support as a senator.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas Tribune on the Senate candidates' abortion records, Paxton lawsuit against federal emergency-care guidance, Paxton action against an out-of-state abortion provider.

Governor

3 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The governor signs or vetoes changes to Texas abortion law. The Legislature must pass a bill before the governor can change the ban or its exceptions.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Supports giving the patient and doctor more control

Hinojosa says Texas should end its abortion ban and let the patient make the decision with a doctor. As a state representative in 2025, she voted to clarify the medical exception and against barring Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Hinojosa abortion position, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports government limits that ban nearly all abortions

Abbott signed the 2021 law that now bans nearly all abortions in Texas. The law has a medical exception but no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. In 2025, he signed a law clarifying that doctors may act before a medical risk becomes immediate. He also signed a law barring Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Abbott on the 2021 abortion laws, Abbott signs the 2025 medical-exception law, Texas SB 33.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The lieutenant governor decides which abortion bills reach the Texas Senate and appoints the committees that hear them. The office cannot change the law alone.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Supports government limits that ban nearly all abortions

Patrick made Texas's 2021 trigger ban a Senate priority and helped move it through the chamber. The law now bans nearly all abortions and has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. In 2025, he backed a bill clarifying that doctors may act before a medical risk becomes immediate.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Patrick statement on the 2021 abortion bills, Patrick statement on the 2025 medical-exception bill.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Supports giving the patient and doctor more control

Goodwin filed a proposed Texas constitutional amendment protecting personal decisions about abortion and other reproductive care. It did not receive a vote. She voted against Texas's 2021 early-pregnancy ban. In 2025, she voted to clarify the medical exception and against barring Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Goodwin reproductive-care amendment, Texas House Research Organization record on SB 8, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33.

State Representative

11 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. A state representative can file and vote on bills that expand abortion access, restrict it, or change the exceptions. One representative cannot change the law alone.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

Supports repealing an early-pregnancy abortion limit

Hamilton says Texas should repeal its 2021 law that allows private lawsuits over abortions after early cardiac activity is detected. He has not held legislative office, so he has no voting record. His public answer does not state what later-pregnancy limits or exceptions he would support.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Hamilton voter-guide answers.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Supports blocking government help for out-of-state abortion

Hayes voted in 2025 to bar Texas state and local governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. Hayes also voted to clarify that doctors do not have to wait until a medical threat is immediate before acting under Texas's exception. That bill did not add exceptions for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes, Texas SB 33.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Supports blocking government help for out-of-state abortion

Bumgarner voted in 2025 to bar Texas state and local governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. Bumgarner also voted to clarify that doctors do not have to wait until a medical threat is immediate before acting under Texas's exception. That bill did not add exceptions for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes, Texas SB 33.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Opposed broader medical wording in Texas's abortion ban

Hopper voted against the 2025 bill that says doctors do not have to wait until a medical threat is immediate before acting. He wrote that its wording could allow more abortions. He also voted to bar Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. He has not named any exception he would add to the current ban.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes, Texas SB 33.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Supports blocking government help for out-of-state abortion

Little voted in 2025 to bar Texas state and local governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. Little also voted to clarify that doctors do not have to wait until a medical threat is immediate before acting under Texas's exception. That bill did not add exceptions for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes, Texas SB 33.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Supports government limits that ban nearly all abortions

Patterson co-authored the 2021 trigger law that now bans nearly all abortions in Texas. In 2025, he voted to clarify the medical exception and to bar Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Authors of the Texas trigger law, Texas 2021 trigger law, Texas House votes on SB 31 and SB 33.

Attorney General

3 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The attorney general enforces the ban, defends it in court, and may ask courts to stop care that the office says is illegal. The attorney general cannot rewrite the ban or its exceptions.

Mayes Middleton

Republican · Statewide

Supports enforcing government limits that ban nearly all abortions

Middleton co-authored the 2021 trigger law that now bans nearly all abortions in Texas. In 2025, he supported SB 33, which bars Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. He also voted to clarify when doctors may act under the medical exception. As attorney general, he could enforce these laws but could not change the exceptions himself.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Authors of the Texas trigger law, Texas 2021 trigger law, Texas Senate vote on SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes.

Nathan Johnson

Democratic · Statewide

Opposed Texas abortion bans

Johnson voted against Texas's 2021 early-pregnancy ban. In 2025, he voted to clarify the medical exception and against barring Texas governments from helping someone obtain a legal abortion outside Texas. As attorney general, he would have to follow laws that remain in force, but he would decide how the office defends and enforces them.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas House Research Organization record on SB 8, Texas Senate vote on SB 33, Texas SB 31 medical-exception changes.

Criminal District Attorney

1 candidate

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The Denton County district attorney decides whether to bring local felony charges against a person accused of performing a prohibited abortion. Texas law does not allow criminal charges against the pregnant patient for her own abortion. The district attorney cannot rewrite the law.

Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court

2 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The Texas Supreme Court is the final Texas court for civil cases about the ban and its medical exception. Justices do not write the law. They decide what Texas law and the Texas Constitution mean in cases before them.

Jimmy Blacklock

Republican · Statewide

Joined rulings that kept Texas's ban in place

Blacklock joined the unanimous court that reversed an order allowing Kate Cox to obtain an abortion in Texas. The court said her doctor had not shown that the medical exception applied. In 2024, he joined another unanimous ruling that removed a broader lower-court order but said doctors do not have to wait until a threat is immediate before acting.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas Supreme Court ruling in the Kate Cox case, Texas Supreme Court ruling on the medical exception.

Justice, Texas Supreme Court

6 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The Texas Supreme Court is the final Texas court for civil cases about the ban and its medical exception. Justices do not write the law. They decide what Texas law and the Texas Constitution mean in cases before them.

Chari Kelly

Democratic · Place 2, Unexpired Term

Joined a ruling that allowed an abortion-law challenge to continue

Kelly joined a unanimous 2026 ruling that allowed clinics, abortion funds, and doctors to keep challenging the private-lawsuit system in Texas's 2021 early-pregnancy ban. The court decided that they had the legal right to bring the case. It did not decide whether the ban is constitutional.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas Right to Life v. Van Stean.

Brett Busby

Republican · Place 8

Joined rulings that kept Texas's ban in place

Busby joined the unanimous court that reversed an order allowing Kate Cox to obtain an abortion in Texas. The court said her doctor had not shown that the medical exception applied. In 2024, he joined another unanimous ruling that removed a broader lower-court order but said doctors do not have to wait until a threat is immediate before acting.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas Supreme Court ruling in the Kate Cox case, Texas Supreme Court ruling on the medical exception.

Gisela D. Triana

Democratic · Place 8

Joined a ruling that allowed an abortion-law challenge to continue

Triana joined a unanimous 2026 ruling that allowed clinics, abortion funds, and doctors to keep challenging the private-lawsuit system in Texas's 2021 early-pregnancy ban. The court decided that they had the legal right to bring the case. It did not decide whether the ban is constitutional.

Sources: Current Texas abortion law, Texas State Law Library explanation, Texas Right to Life v. Van Stean.

Chief Justice, 15th Court of Appeals

2 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The 15th Court hears certain civil appeals involving Texas or state officials. It may review an abortion case brought by or against a state official. The Texas Supreme Court can review its decisions.

Justice, 15th Court of Appeals

4 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The 15th Court hears certain civil appeals involving Texas or state officials. It may review an abortion case brought by or against a state official. The Texas Supreme Court can review its decisions.

Justice, 2nd Court of Appeals

2 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The 2nd Court hears civil and criminal appeals from Denton County. It could review an abortion case if one reaches the court. Higher Texas courts have the final say.

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals

7 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. The Court of Criminal Appeals is the final Texas court for criminal cases. It could decide how criminal parts of Texas abortion law apply. It does not decide civil lawsuits over the ban.

District Judge

7 candidates

Texas law bans nearly all abortions. It allows one only when a doctor believes the pregnancy risks the patient's life or could cause serious harm to a major body function. The law has no separate exception for rape, incest, or a fatal fetal diagnosis. A district judge may hear a civil challenge to an abortion law or a felony case accusing someone of performing a prohibited abortion. The judge applies the law to that case. An appeals court may review the decision.

Guns, school shootings, and public safety3 candidates

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress can change federal background-check rules, gun-sale age limits, firearm restrictions, gun-trafficking laws, and school-safety funding. Texas controls many rules about carrying guns. The Senate also confirms federal judges who rule on gun laws.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports more federal gun-safety rules

Talarico supports background checks for all gun sales, safe storage around children, and stronger prosecution of gun traffickers. He would raise the purchase age for certain semiautomatic rifles with military-style features and high-capacity magazines. In the Texas House, he voted against the law that allows most adults to carry a handgun without a license or training. In 2025, he voted to raise the purchase and transfer age for semiautomatic rifles to 21. That proposal failed, 57-85.

Sources: Talarico public-safety plan, Official 2025 Texas House vote, Texas permitless-carry vote.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Opposes new federal gun restrictions

Paxton attacked Senator John Cornyn for helping pass the federal gun law enacted after the Uvalde school shooting. That law funded school security and mental-health services, strengthened gun-trafficking laws, and added checks for buyers under 21. As attorney general, Paxton sued to stop federal rules requiring registration of certain pistols with stabilizing braces. He also fought a rule that would have required more people who regularly sell guns to register as dealers and conduct background checks.

Sources: Paxton's criticism of the post-Uvalde law, Paxton lawsuit over pistol braces, Paxton lawsuit over private gun sales.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Would repeal federal gun restrictions

Brown says he would repeal existing federal gun-control laws. He opposes red-flag laws, limits on gun ownership, and gun-free zones. He supports carrying concealed guns. Brown has no government voting record.

Sources: Brown gun platform.

Public schools, teacher pay, and vouchers35 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress decides how much federal money goes to public schools, special education, and teacher training. It can also create tax breaks that help pay for private-school scholarships. Texas controls its voucher program, most school funding, and teacher pay.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

No clear federal K–12 education plan found

Pearce has no congressional voting record. His campaign has not published a clear plan for federal public-school funding, special education, teacher training, or private-school tax credits.

Sources: Pearce campaign.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Supported a federal tax credit for private-school scholarships

Fallon supported federal tax help for private-school scholarships. He voted for the 2025 law that created the credit. It is worth up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship groups. Those scholarships may pay private-school tuition and some public-school expenses. His campaign gives no separate plan for federal public-school or special-education funding.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, IRS education tax-credit rules, Fallon congressional office.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

No clear federal K–12 education plan found

Nair's education plan focuses on college costs, research, and rural internet access. It gives no clear plan for federal K–12 funding, teacher training, or private-school tax credits. He has no congressional voting record.

Sources: Nair education platform.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Supported a federal tax credit for private-school scholarships

Jackson voted for the 2025 law that created a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship groups. Those scholarships may pay private-school tuition and some public-school expenses. His campaign gives no separate plan for federal public-school or special-education funding.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, IRS education tax-credit rules, Jackson congressional office.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supported a federal tax credit for private-school scholarships

Gill voted for the 2025 law that created a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship groups. Those scholarships may pay private-school tuition and some public-school expenses. His campaign gives no separate plan for federal public-school or special-education funding.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, IRS education tax-credit rules, Gill campaign issues.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

Opposes vouchers and private-school tax credits

Gray opposes vouchers and tax-credit programs for private-school scholarships. He says private schools could absorb the aid by raising tuition. He has no congressional voting record and gives no federal public-school funding plan.

Sources: Gray candidate questionnaire.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports public-school funding; opposes unaccountable vouchers

Shook says he would protect federal money for public schools and oppose voucher programs without public oversight. He also supports shifting more school funding away from local property taxes. He has no congressional voting record.

Sources: Shook candidate profile.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress decides how much federal money goes to public schools, special education, and teacher training. It can also create tax breaks that help pay for private-school scholarships. Texas controls its voucher program, most school funding, and teacher pay.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports public-school funding; opposes vouchers

Talarico voted against Texas's 2025 voucher law. He voted for a separate law that added $8.5 billion for public schools, including more than $4 billion for teacher and staff pay. In 2023, he filed a bill for a $15,000 teacher raise, but it did not pass. For the U.S. Senate, he says he would oppose federal voucher plans and support more federal help for special education and teacher training.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, Texas HB 2 summary, Talarico teacher-raise bill, Talarico public-education plan.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports Texas school vouchers

As attorney general, Paxton issued a 2023 legal opinion saying Texas could create a voucher program that families use at private and religious schools. His Senate campaign lists no proposal for federal public-school funding, teacher pay, or the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources: Paxton opinion on school vouchers, Paxton campaign issues.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes a federal role in schools; supports private-school tax credits

Brown would abolish the U.S. Department of Education. He supports tax credits to help families pay private-school tuition. He opposes direct vouchers because he says they could give the government control over private schools. He also supports charter schools and homeschooling.

Sources: Brown education plan.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor signs or vetoes state school budgets and voucher laws and appoints the education commissioner. The Legislature must pass and fund the changes.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes vouchers; supports more public-school funding and teacher pay

Hinojosa voted against the 2025 voucher law and for the law that added $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. As governor, she says she would end vouchers, replace STAAR, and increase teacher pay. The Legislature would have to approve those changes.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, Hinojosa public-school plan.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports Texas vouchers and more public-school funding

Abbott made vouchers a top goal and signed the 2025 law that put $1 billion into private-school and homeschool accounts. He also signed a separate law adding $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. In the voucher program's first year, 70% of students had already been in private school or homeschool.

Sources: Abbott on the 2025 school laws, AP on Abbott's voucher campaign, Texas SB 2 summary, Texas HB 2 summary, TEA teacher-pay guidance, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports larger private-school accounts and fewer state tests

Dixon would expand the Texas voucher program into an equal scholarship for each child that could be used at any school. He would also remove state testing rules. He has not held state office and gives no separate teacher-pay proposal.

Sources: Dixon education plan.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which school bills reach the Texas Senate and appoints its committees. The office can advance or block a bill, but cannot enact it alone.

Anthony Cristo

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports more public-school funding; gives no voucher position

Cristo says Texas should use part of its budget surplus to fund public schools without raising taxes. He is a high-school teacher and has no legislative voting record. His campaign gives no position on the current voucher program.

Sources: Cristo campaign.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Supports Texas vouchers and more public-school funding

Patrick used his control of the Texas Senate to advance voucher bills for years before the 2025 program passed. He backed its first $1 billion budget. He also supported the separate law that added $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay.

Sources: Patrick on passage of school choice, Texas SB 2 summary, Texas HB 2 summary, TEA teacher-pay guidance, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

No clear school-funding, teacher-pay, or voucher plan found

McCormick is a former teacher but has not published a clear plan for Texas vouchers, the basic school allotment, or teacher pay.

Sources: McCormick voter guide.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes vouchers; supports more public-school funding and teacher pay

Goodwin voted against the 2025 voucher law and for the law that added $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. Her bills to raise the basic school allotment and link it to inflation did not pass. As lieutenant governor, she says she would bring similar funding plans to a vote.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, Goodwin public-education plan.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can file and vote on public-school funding, teacher-pay formulas, and vouchers. Local districts still set their salary schedules within state law and funding.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

No clear school-funding, teacher-pay, or voucher plan found

Hamilton has no legislative voting record. His campaign calls for lower spending and public audits but gives no position on vouchers, the basic school allotment, or teacher pay.

Sources: Hamilton issue page.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear school-funding, teacher-pay, or voucher plan found

Stith has no legislative voting record and has not published a clear plan for vouchers, the basic school allotment, or teacher pay.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Supported Texas vouchers and more public-school funding

Hayes voted for the 2025 voucher law, which put $1 billion into private-school and homeschool accounts. He also voted for a separate law adding $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. He gives no plan to change either law.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, Texas SB 2 summary, Texas HB 2 summary, TEA teacher-pay guidance, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request, Hayes campaign issues.

Denise Wooten

Democratic · District 63

Opposes vouchers; supports more school funding and teacher pay

Wooten opposes vouchers and says public schools need more money for students and teacher pay. She has not held legislative office. Her campaign gives no specific funding or pay proposal.

Sources: Wooten candidate profile.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Supported Texas vouchers and public-school funding; tried to abolish TEA

Hopper voted for the 2025 voucher law and for a separate law adding $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. He also wrote a bill to abolish the Texas Education Agency and move many of its duties to other state offices. That bill died in committee.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, HB 2657 history and authors, HB 2657 text, TEA teacher-pay guidance, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

Opposes vouchers; supports more school funding and teacher pay

Evans says she would end the voucher program, fully fund public schools, and raise teacher pay. She has worked in Denton ISD schools but has no legislative voting record. Her campaign gives no specific funding or pay proposal.

Sources: Evans candidate profile.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

Opposes using public money for private schools

DeBurr filed a public comment against the 2025 voucher bill before it passed. He says public schools keep many fixed costs when students leave, so public money should not pay for private education. He has not held legislative office.

Sources: DeBurr comment on the voucher bill, DeBurr candidate interview.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Supported Texas vouchers and more public-school funding

Patterson helped write and voted for the 2025 voucher law. He also helped write and voted for a separate law adding $8.5 billion for public schools and teacher and staff pay. He says that funding sends about $107.9 million a year to schools in his House district.

Sources: Texas House votes on SB 2 and HB 2, Patterson education record, TEA teacher-pay guidance, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

Opposes vouchers; supports a public-school endowment

Mayes opposes using public money for private schools. He proposes a permanent state endowment to provide more money for public education without a tax increase. He has not held legislative office and does not say how the endowment would receive its starting money.

Sources: Mayes education plan.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

4 candidates

The comptroller runs and audits the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program and prepares budget estimates. The Legislature decides its funding and main eligibility rules.

Don Huffines

Republican · Statewide

Runs the Texas voucher program and supports expanding it

Huffines became comptroller in August 2026 and now runs the Texas voucher program. His office requested more than $2.2 billion for its next two-year budget, about twice its current base funding. Lawmakers decide the program's budget and main rules.

Sources: Huffines on the voucher program, First-year voucher enrollment and budget request.

Sarah Eckhardt

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes Texas vouchers; supports stronger program audits

As a state senator, Eckhardt voted against the 2025 voucher law. As a candidate for comptroller, she says she would audit who receives voucher money and how it is spent. The comptroller can expose waste or rule violations but cannot repeal the program.

Sources: Eckhardt statement on SB 2, Eckhardt voucher-audit plan, Texas SB 2 summary.

Shehla Faizi

Green · Statewide

Supports keeping the voucher program and publishing spending records

Faizi says she would administer the voucher program without favoring one group and would publish more spending information. She has no state voting record and gives no specific change to voucher eligibility or audits. The comptroller cannot rewrite the voucher law alone.

Sources: Faizi campaign pledges, Texas SB 2 summary.

V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear plan for running or auditing Texas vouchers found

Echavarria-Garza has not published a clear plan for running or auditing the Texas voucher program. The comptroller does not set public-school funding or teacher pay.

Sources: Libertarian Party of Texas candidates.

Commissioner of the General Land Office

3 candidates

The land commissioner manages state school lands and their leases and royalties. That revenue supports the Permanent School Fund, but this office does not set teacher pay or voucher law.

Dawn Buckingham

Republican · Statewide

Supports using state-land revenue for the school fund

Buckingham is the current land commissioner. Her campaign says state land leases and royalties under her leadership have produced more than $6 billion for the Permanent School Fund. Her campaign does not explain the time period behind that number, and the land commissioner cannot set teacher pay or voucher policy.

Sources: Buckingham school-land record, Texas law on public school land, Texas Permanent School Fund distributions.

Civil rights, marriage, and transgender policy3 candidates

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress can protect people from discrimination, protect federal recognition of marriages, and set rules for federal programs and funding. States control many school, sports, and medical-licensing rules. The Senate confirms judges who decide whether those laws are allowed.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports same-sex marriage and LGBTQ civil rights, with limits on surgery and school sports

Talarico supports federal protection for same-sex marriage and laws protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. In September 2026, he said he would support a national ban on gender-transition surgery for minors. He also said he opposes transgender girls competing in girls' sports when it creates a safety or fairness problem. He has said local school and sports officials should make many eligibility decisions. His earlier Texas House record was different. He voted against state restrictions on transgender medical care and school sports, saying those bills were too broad. His current campaign position is more restrictive than those earlier votes.

Sources: Talarico civil-rights plan, Current surgery position, Current sports position and earlier record.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports government restrictions on transgender medical care and school rules

Paxton supports Texas laws banning puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and transition surgery for transgender minors. As attorney general, he issued a legal opinion saying that some of this care could be treated as child abuse. He defended the state ban and investigated groups and medical providers suspected of helping minors receive the prohibited care. Paxton also fought federal rules that barred discrimination based on gender identity in some federally funded programs. After the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal nationwide, he issued an opinion saying some county clerks could seek a religious accommodation from issuing marriage licenses.

Sources: Paxton opinion on medical care for transgender minors, Paxton investigation involving the Texas care ban, Paxton same-sex marriage opinion.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports same-sex marriage and less government control of private adult relationships

Brown says adults should be free to live as they choose as long as they do not violate another person's rights. His campaign points to the Libertarian Party's early support for same-sex marriage. No specific Brown position was found on transgender medical care for minors or transgender students in school sports. Brown has no government voting record.

Sources: Brown campaign platform.

Voting rules, election power, and government ethics3 candidates

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress can set national voting protections, campaign-finance rules, and ethics rules for federal officials. States run elections, but federal law can limit what states do. The Senate confirms federal judges and can investigate federal officials.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports easier voting and stronger limits on political money

Talarico supports federal voting protections, independent commissions to draw political districts, a ban on congressional stock trading, and stronger Supreme Court ethics rules. He also wants to ban corporate PACs and super PACs. In the Texas House, he filed bills to create an independent redistricting commission. They did not pass. He also joined two walkouts intended to delay voting and redistricting bills. He helped require Texas counties to post election information online.

Sources: Talarico democracy plan, Talarico redistricting bills.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to vote

Paxton supports a federal law requiring people to show proof of citizenship when registering and photo identification when voting. As attorney general, he defended Texas rules requiring mail voters to provide an identification number that matches state records. In 2020, Paxton filed a Supreme Court case challenging the presidential election results in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Court dismissed the case because Texas did not have legal standing to bring it. In 2023, the Republican-led Texas House voted 121-23 to impeach Paxton over allegations that he misused his office to help a donor. The Texas Senate acquitted him. Federal prosecutors later closed a related investigation without filing charges.

Sources: Paxton's federal voter-ID position, Mail-ballot ID case, 2020 election lawsuit, Impeachment and closed federal investigation.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports less presidential power; no specific voting plan was found

Brown wants every presidential executive order and emergency declaration to require approval from Congress before taking effect. He also supports automatic end dates for emergency powers. His platform gives no specific position on voter registration, voter ID, district maps, or campaign-finance rules. Brown has no government voting record.

Sources: Brown campaign platform.

Curriculum and graduation2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The State Board sets Texas curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The Legislature can require subjects or courses, and local districts decide how to teach the standards.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports teacher-led standards and honest history; has no detailed graduation plan

Taylor wants classroom teachers, researchers, and subject experts to shape the standards. She supports teaching slavery and racism directly and wants less reliance on high-stakes tests. She has not named a graduation course or credit rule she would change. She has no State Board voting record.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

Supports basic skills, conservative values, and less test preparation; has no detailed plan

Bumgarner says schools should focus on reading, writing, math, practical skills, faith, family, and pride in the country. She says STAAR preparation takes too much classroom time. She has not named a curriculum standard or graduation rule she would change. She has no State Board voting record.

Textbooks, religion, and book access2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The State Board reviews textbooks and full lesson programs for quality, accuracy, state standards, and age level. Approval can make materials eligible for extra state money. Local districts still choose what they use.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports nonreligious materials and broad book access

Taylor wants rigorous materials that can be adjusted for different students and do not teach religion as fact. She is skeptical of the state-created Bluebonnet lessons and wants evidence that they work. She says parents may limit books for their own child, but one parent or group should not decide what every student may read.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

Supports parent review and curriculum based on faith and conservative values

Bumgarner wants parents to see and challenge school materials. She says curriculum should reflect faith, family, freedom, and pride in the country. Her public campaign pages do not say whether she supports Bluebonnet Learning, religious content in required lessons, or removing a book from access for every student.

Dyslexia and special education2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The State Board sets some Texas rules and standards for dyslexia, special education, and accessible learning materials. TEA and local districts carry out many services and enforce federal and state law.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports accessible and differentiated materials; has no specific dyslexia plan

Taylor says state-approved lessons should include supports for students with disabilities and students learning English. She wants lessons teachers can adjust for different needs. Her public campaign pages do not give a specific plan for dyslexia screening, the state dyslexia handbook, or enforcement when a school does not provide required services.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

Cites experience with 504 plans; has no state policy proposal

Bumgarner says she has helped develop 504 plans, but her campaign does not say where she did that or what her role was. Her public pages do not give a plan for dyslexia screening, accessible materials, special-education standards, or enforcement.

Charter school approvals2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The education commissioner proposes new charter schools. The State Board can veto a proposed charter within 90 days. The board has much less power over later charter expansions.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports stricter charter review and more board authority

Taylor wants the board to keep its veto power over new charters and gain power to review charter expansions. She says applicants should show financial accountability, public transparency, and a need in the community. Giving the board power over expansions would require a change in state law.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

Supports charter schools; does not say when she would veto one

Bumgarner says charter schools and school choice can improve education through competition. Her public campaign pages do not say what financial, academic, management, or community-need findings would cause her to vote against a proposed charter.

Teacher certification and conduct2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The State Board for Educator Certification proposes rules for teacher training, certification, ethics, and discipline. The State Board of Education can reject a rule with a two-thirds vote, but it cannot rewrite the rule.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports stronger certification and continued board review

Taylor supports keeping the State Board's review power. She wants more formal teacher training, classroom experience, and mentoring, with fewer uncertified teachers in core subjects. She has not named a specific certification or conduct rule she would reject first.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

No clear certification or educator-conduct position found

Bumgarner says teachers need tools and freedom to teach. Her public campaign pages do not say what she would do about teacher certification, alternative certification, educator preparation, misconduct rules, or the State Board's power to reject proposed rules.

Permanent School Fund2 candidates

Member, State Board of Education

2 candidates

The State Board oversees part of the Permanent School Fund and the school bond guarantee program. It reviews investments and helps decide how much money can be sent to public schools while protecting the fund for future students.

Amy Taylor

Democratic · District 14

Supports using public money for public-school students; has no investment plan

Taylor says public money should support public-school students and lists the Permanent School Fund as a State Board duty. Her public campaign pages do not give a plan for investments, distributions, fees, conflicts of interest, or limits on political goals in investing.

Mindy Bumgarner

Republican · District 14

No Permanent School Fund position found

Bumgarner's public campaign pages do not discuss the Permanent School Fund. We do not know how she would vote on investments, distributions, fees, conflicts of interest, or protecting the fund for future students.

Immigration and border policy31 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress writes immigration and asylum law, funds ICE, Border Patrol, and immigration courts, and can set detention standards. The president directs federal enforcement under those laws.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

Supports legal status for longtime immigrants and limits on ICE

Pearce supports a path to citizenship for longtime workers. He says ICE agents should identify themselves, use marked vehicles, and stop arresting people at immigration hearings. He has not held congressional office.

Sources: Pearce campaign, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Supported a $45 billion expansion of federal immigration detention

Fallon voted for the 2025 law that provides $45 billion through 2029 for immigration detention and family residential centers. It also provides almost $30 billion for ICE enforcement and deportation work. His campaign gives no plan for faster legal immigration or more immigration judges.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, 2025 federal immigration funding law, Fallon immigration page, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Supports a path to citizenship and an end to for-profit detention

Nair supports citizenship for law-abiding families, permanent protection for Dreamers, and work visas tied to farm and industry needs. He would end for-profit immigration detention. He has not held congressional office.

Sources: Nair immigration plan, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Supported a $45 billion expansion of federal immigration detention

Jackson voted for the 2025 law that provides $45 billion through 2029 for immigration detention and family residential centers. It also provides almost $30 billion for ICE enforcement and deportation work. He separately proposed federal grants to repay border communities for security costs.

Sources: U.S. House vote on H.R. 1, 2025 federal immigration funding law, Jackson border-community bill, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supports mass deportation and faster removal after violent crimes

Gill voted for the 2025 law that expanded immigration detention and ICE enforcement. He called it funding for the largest mass-deportation operation in U.S. history. He also proposed faster removal for people convicted of violent crimes and a 25-year stop on most immigration from Somalia.

Sources: Gill statement on the 2025 federal budget law, Gill expedited-removal bill, 2025 federal immigration funding law, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

Supports easier legal entry after a background check and fee

Gray would let immigrants enter and work after a background check, payment of an entry fee, and agreement to give up federal benefits. He has not held congressional office. His plan does not set the fee or explain how people who cannot pay would be treated.

Sources: Gray candidate profile, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports border enforcement, due process, and legal immigration paths

Shook supports border security with legal immigration paths and due process. His campaign gives no specific proposal for immigration judges, enforcement staffing, detention, or case wait times. He has not held congressional office.

Sources: Shook immigration plan, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress writes immigration and asylum laws. It funds Border Patrol, ICE, immigration courts, and detention. It can make legal immigration easier or harder and change who may be deported. The Senate also approves top immigration officials and federal judges.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports more border enforcement and legal status for some undocumented immigrants

Talarico would hire more Border Patrol agents and immigration judges. He supports more screening technology at ports of entry and barriers where officials show they are needed. He would give some longtime undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship and some recent arrivals temporary work permits. He says ICE should focus deportations on people who pose serious threats. In the Texas House, he voted against a 2023 law meant to let Texas police arrest people for crossing the border illegally and let state judges order them out of the country.

Sources: Talarico immigration and border plan, Texas House vote on 2023 SB 4.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports a border wall and more deportations

Paxton says he would help finish the border wall and deport undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. As attorney general, his office signed an agreement allowing its investigators to help ICE. His office then detained 50 undocumented immigrants in Houston-area raids and turned them over for deportation proceedings. He also won a lawsuit requiring the federal government to use money Congress had already set aside for the border wall.

Sources: Paxton immigration platform, Paxton office immigration raids, Paxton border-wall lawsuit result.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports easier immigration; opposes ICE and detention

Brown would let people enter through any U.S. port after a criminal-record and health check. He would let them work right away. He would abolish ICE, end inland immigration raids and checkpoints, and keep Border Patrol at borders and ports of entry. He opposes a border wall and would close existing immigration detention centers.

Sources: Brown immigration platform.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor directs Texas DPS and the Texas National Guard, signs state border laws and budgets, and decides how Texas helps federal enforcement. The governor cannot change federal visa or asylum law or order the federal Dilley center to close.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes required local ICE agreements and family detention

Hinojosa voted against Texas SB 8, which requires most sheriffs who run jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. She also called for the release of a five-year-old held at Dilley and supports federal legislation to end family detention. A Texas governor cannot change federal visa or asylum law.

Sources: Texas House final vote on SB 8, Hinojosa statement on Dilley and family detention, Hinojosa plan for Texas cooperation with ICE, ICE protected-areas policy.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports state border enforcement and more immigration detention

Abbott launched Operation Lone Star and deployed Texas National Guard members and state police at the border. He signed SB 8, which requires most sheriffs who run jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. He also ordered state agencies to find land and facilities that could be used for federal immigration detention.

Sources: Abbott Operation Lone Star, Abbott signing Texas SB 8, Abbott detention-space order, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

Supports Texas cooperation with lawful federal immigration enforcement

Dixon says immigration is mainly a federal responsibility and Texas should cooperate with lawful federal enforcement. He also says lower border crossings do not justify killing or harassing people. His campaign does not say which Texas border programs he would keep or end.

Sources: Dixon candidate profile, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which border and immigration bills reach the Texas Senate and helps shape the state budget. The office cannot change federal immigration law or direct ICE.

Anthony Cristo

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Cristo campaign.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: McCormick campaign.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes state deportation powers and required local ICE agreements

Goodwin voted against Texas SB 8 and against the 2023 law that lets Texas police arrest people for illegal border crossings and lets state judges order them out of the country. She also tried to stop state immigration arrests at colleges and universities, but the amendment failed.

Sources: Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas House vote on 2023 SB 4, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can vote on Texas border spending, state immigration crimes, and local cooperation with ICE. The office cannot change federal visa or asylum law or run the federal Dilley center.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Hamilton campaign.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Evans campaign.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: DeBurr campaign.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Mayes campaign.

Attorney General

3 candidates

The attorney general defends or challenges state and federal actions in court and enforces Texas law. The office cannot rewrite federal immigration law or direct ICE and the Dilley center.

Mayes Middleton

Republican · Statewide

Supports local ICE agreements and the president's deportation agenda

Middleton voted for Texas SB 8, which requires most sheriffs who run jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. As a candidate for attorney general, he says he would sue cities that limit cooperation with ICE and seek deportation of dangerous people who entered unlawfully.

Sources: Texas Senate vote on SB 8, Middleton immigration platform, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Nathan Johnson

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes required local ICE agreements; supports legal challenges to federal abuses

Johnson voted against Texas SB 8, which requires most sheriffs who run jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. He says Texas should help with lawful federal enforcement but challenge actions that violate the Constitution or state authority. He also called for local review when an ICE agent uses deadly force.

Sources: Texas Senate vote on SB 8, Johnson border and state-power plan, Johnson statement on ICE shooting review, Dilley detention and court record, ICE protected-areas policy.

Tom Oxford

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan was found for immigration, border enforcement, deportation, or detention.

Sources: Libertarian Party profile.

Dilley family detention center31 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. Congress can fund Dilley or block money for it, set care rules, investigate conditions, and limit family detention. ICE and the president control the contract and can close the center. One representative cannot close it alone.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

Supports more ICE oversight; no Dilley position found

Pearce says ICE agents should identify themselves, use marked vehicles, and stop arresting people at immigration hearings. He has not said whether Dilley should stay open or whether families should be detained there.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Pearce campaign.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Opposes Dilley's for-profit operating model

Nair says the federal government should end for-profit immigration detention. CoreCivic runs Dilley for profit, so his plan would end the center's current operating model. He has not said whether Dilley should close or be run directly by the government.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Nair immigration plan.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supported federal funding that can pay for Dilley

Gill voted for the 2025 law that provided $45 billion through 2029 for immigration detention and family residential centers. That money can be used for Dilley. Gill called the law funding for the largest mass-deportation operation in U.S. history. No statement from him on Dilley's conditions was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Gill statement on the 2025 law, 2025 federal immigration funding law.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. Congress can fund Dilley or block money for it, set care rules, investigate conditions, and limit family detention. ICE and the president control the contract and can close the center. One senator cannot close it alone.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes detaining mothers and children who pose no threat

Talarico says ICE should focus on criminals, gang members, and human traffickers, not mothers and babies. No statement from him calling for Dilley to close was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Talarico immigration plan.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supported Texas licensing of Dilley

Paxton supported a Texas rule that allowed Dilley to be licensed as a child-care facility. As attorney general, he fought in court to keep that rule. His office said licensing would allow state safety inspections. Under the federal rules then in effect, a state license could also allow children to be held there longer.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Paxton defense of the Dilley licensing rule, Texas Supreme Court record.

Governor

3 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. The governor cannot close or run Dilley. The governor can decide whether Texas agencies provide land, facilities, officers, or other help for federal detention.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports providing Texas resources for federal detention

Abbott ordered Texas agencies to identify state land, facilities, and other resources for federal immigration detention. He has not called for Dilley to close or addressed its documented conditions. As governor, he cannot direct ICE or end the Dilley contract.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Abbott detention-space order.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. The lieutenant governor cannot close or run Dilley. The office controls which Texas cooperation bills reach the Senate and helps shape state spending that supports federal immigration enforcement.

State Representative

11 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. A state representative cannot close or run Dilley. The office can vote on Texas spending and laws that provide state or local help for federal immigration enforcement.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Supported requiring most county jails to help ICE

Hayes voted for Texas SB 8. It requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when ICE offers one. That vote supports state and local help for federal immigration enforcement, but it does not give Hayes control over Dilley. No statement from Hayes on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas SB 8.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Supported requiring most county jails to help ICE

Bumgarner voted for Texas SB 8. It requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when ICE offers one. That vote supports state and local help for federal immigration enforcement, but it does not give Bumgarner control over Dilley. No statement from Bumgarner on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas SB 8.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Supported requiring most county jails to help ICE

Hopper voted for Texas SB 8. It requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when ICE offers one. That vote supports state and local help for federal immigration enforcement, but it does not give Hopper control over Dilley. No statement from Hopper on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas SB 8.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

Opposes using local police for federal immigration enforcement

Evans says local police time and local money should not be used for federal immigration enforcement. That could reduce Texas help for ICE, but a state representative cannot close or run Dilley. No statement from Evans on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Evans candidate interview.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Supported requiring most county jails to help ICE

Little voted for Texas SB 8. It requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when ICE offers one. That vote supports state and local help for federal immigration enforcement, but it does not give Little control over Dilley. No statement from Little on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas SB 8.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Supported requiring most county jails to help ICE

Patterson voted for Texas SB 8. It requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when ICE offers one. That vote supports state and local help for federal immigration enforcement, but it does not give Patterson control over Dilley. No statement from Patterson on family detention there was found.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas House final vote on SB 8, Texas SB 8.

Attorney General

3 candidates

Dilley is an ICE detention center that holds parents and children together. Sworn statements from families describe rotting food, water they could not drink, and medical needs that were not treated. Federal data show that more than half of about 3,000 children held there during its first year after reopening stayed longer than the 20-day court limit. The attorney general cannot close or run Dilley. The office can defend or challenge state cooperation rules and related federal actions in court.

Mayes Middleton

Republican · Statewide

Supports using the attorney general's office to help federal deportations

Middleton voted for Texas SB 8, which requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. He says he would sue cities that limit cooperation with ICE. He has not said whether Dilley should close or whether he would challenge its conditions. The attorney general cannot direct ICE.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas Senate vote on SB 8, Middleton immigration platform.

Nathan Johnson

Democratic · Statewide

Opposed required county help for ICE; no Dilley position found

Johnson voted against Texas SB 8, which requires most county jails to join an ICE enforcement program when offered. He says the attorney general should challenge federal actions that violate the Constitution or state authority. He has not said whether Dilley's conditions meet that test. The attorney general cannot close the center.

Sources: Dilley conditions and detention records, Texas Senate vote on SB 8, Johnson border and state-power plan.

Gaza, Israel, and campaign money10 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress votes on U.S. foreign aid, weapons funding, sanctions, and conditions placed on that money.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

Opposes U.S. military support that harms Gaza civilians

Pearce says he opposes U.S. military support that fuels humanitarian crises, including the crisis in Gaza. He says he will not take AIPAC money. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC.

Sources: Pearce campaign, FEC record.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Opposes withholding weapons from Israel

Fallon has argued against withholding U.S. weapons from Israel. He also asked for tighter checks to keep civilian aid from Hamas. AIPAC PAC gave his campaign $5,000 for the 2026 primary; the campaign returned a separate $5,000 contribution for the general election.

Sources: Fallon on weapons for Israel, Aid oversight letter, House vote 159, FEC record.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

No clear position on Gaza or Israel found

Nair has not published a clear position on Gaza, Israel, U.S. military aid, or the genocide claim. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC.

Sources: Nair campaign, FEC record.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Rejects the genocide claim and supports U.S.–Israel defense work

Jackson called the genocide accusation against Israel false in a 2024 resolution. He co-chairs the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and filed a bill to expand U.S.–Israel defense technology work. AIPAC PAC gave his campaign $5,000 for the 2026 primary.

Sources: Jackson resolution on the genocide case, Israel Allies Caucus, House vote 159, FEC record.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

Supported an antisemitism resolution; gives no clear Gaza aid position

Gill voted for a 2025 House resolution condemning violent antisemitic attacks. He has not published a clear position on U.S. military aid to Israel, a Gaza ceasefire, or the genocide claim. AIPAC PAC gave his campaign $5,000 for the 2026 primary.

Sources: House vote 159, San Antonio Express-News, FEC record.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

Questions Israel's treatment of Palestinians; gives no aid position

Gray said the U.S.–Israel alliance does not give Israel the right to subjugate other people. He has not published a clear position on U.S. aid, a Gaza ceasefire, or the genocide claim. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC.

Sources: Branch voter guide, FEC record.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports human-rights limits; gives no clear Gaza plan

Shook says U.S. policy should follow human-rights law and protect civilians. He has not published a Gaza-specific position on a ceasefire, military aid, or the genocide claim. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC.

Sources: Shook campaign, FEC record.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress votes on U.S. aid and weapons for other countries. It can place limits on that money or stop it. The Senate also approves treaties and ambassadors.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Opposes offensive U.S. weapons for Israel; supports defensive aid

Talarico says Israel may defend its people, but its government should not bomb civilians, block aid, or punish Gaza's whole population. He would stop U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Israel but keep support for Iron Dome and other defensive systems. He supports a two-state agreement that disarms Hamas and stops new Israeli settlements. He says he will not take AIPAC money. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC or the Republican Jewish Coalition PAC.

Sources: Talarico foreign-policy plan, San Antonio Express-News, FEC record.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Questions U.S. aid to Israel; supports Iron Dome

Paxton has questioned sending billions of dollars to Israel and other countries. He says the U.S. should still help fund defensive systems such as Iron Dome. Paxton supported keeping some private companies from getting state contracts if they boycotted Israel. As attorney general, he fought in court to keep that law in place. His 2025–26 FEC file shows a $5,000 contribution from the Republican Jewish Coalition PAC for the general election.

Sources: San Antonio Express-News, Paxton defense of Texas anti-boycott law, FEC record.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes all U.S. aid and military support for Israel

Brown says U.S. money helped finance Israel's destruction of Gaza. He would end all U.S. foreign aid, including aid to Israel, and end U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. His 2025–26 FEC file shows no direct contribution from AIPAC PAC or the Republican Jewish Coalition PAC.

Sources: Brown campaign, FEC record.

Advanced AI rules31 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress can write national AI rules, fund safety work, oversee federal agencies, and control chip exports.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Pearce campaign.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

Supports faster military AI use and tighter foreign supply rules

Fallon has proposed faster Defense Department use of commercial AI and tighter supply-chain rules aimed at foreign adversaries. He has warned that AI can speed up cyberattacks. No proposal for independent frontier-model tests or release limits was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Fallon FAST Act, Fallon SAFE Supply Chains Act.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Supports pausing government AI use until safeguards are set

Nair says government should pause its own AI rollout until constitutional safeguards are in place. He proposes a public, nonpartisan AI agency, privacy rules, limits on surveillance, and notice when AI affects major decisions. His platform does not state a rule for independent biological, cyber, or loss-of-control tests before release.

Sources: Nair campaign.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

Supports military AI development; no release-testing plan

Jackson introduced a bill to create a military AI institute and has backed faster defense use of AI. No proposal for independent frontier-model tests or release limits was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Jackson GUARD Act.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Gill congressional office.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Branch voter guide.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Shook campaign.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress can require safety tests and public reports before powerful AI systems are released. It can set national rules for privacy, workers, children, and exports of advanced computer chips.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports some AI rules; no plan for safety tests before release

Talarico would require human review when AI is used for promotions, discipline, or firing. He would limit AI surveillance at work, apply copyright law to AI companies, and tighten controls on advanced chips sent to foreign adversaries. His plan does not require independent safety tests before the most powerful AI systems are released. In the Texas House, he helped write a 2025 law requiring social media sites to remove and investigate reports of sexually explicit deepfakes.

Sources: Talarico AI and tech plan, Texas explicit-deepfake law.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports limits on Chinese technology and unsafe chatbots; no release-testing plan

Paxton would ban Chinese technology from U.S. data centers and allow criminal charges when a data center powers an AI chatbot that breaks child-safety laws. As attorney general, he opened investigations into Meta and Character.AI chatbots marketed as mental-health tools for children. Opening an investigation is not a finding that a law was broken. He also investigated the Chinese AI company DeepSeek over privacy and security concerns. His Senate plan does not require independent safety tests before powerful AI systems are released.

Sources: Texas Tribune on Paxton's plan, Paxton investigation of Meta and Character.AI, Paxton investigation of DeepSeek.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

No published plan for advanced AI safety

Brown's campaign platform gives no position on required safety tests, public incident reports, or release limits for powerful AI systems.

Sources: Brown campaign platform.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor signs or vetoes Texas AI bills and directs state agencies within powers set by law.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Supported Texas's 2025 AI law; no release-testing plan

As a state representative, Hinojosa voted for the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. No separate campaign plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Hinojosa campaign.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Signed Texas's 2025 AI law; no release-testing rule

Abbott signed HB 149 in 2025. The law covers disclosures, some harmful or discriminatory uses, biometrics, state use, and enforcement. It does not require independent tests before a powerful general-purpose model is released. No separate Abbott plan for biological, cyber, or loss-of-control testing was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: HB 149 history, Texas HB 149.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear plan for testing powerful AI systems found

Dixon has published a plan about the cost and resource use of AI data centers. No clear plan for testing or releasing powerful AI models was found in the campaign pages reviewed.

Sources: Dixon on AI data centers.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which AI bills reach the Texas Senate and appoints its committees.

Anthony Cristo

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Cristo campaign.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Supports state study of AI; no release-testing plan

Patrick has directed Senate committees to study AI's effects on workers, schools, privacy, and state rules. No plan for independent safety tests or release limits for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas Senate interim charges.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: McCormick campaign.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Supported Texas's 2025 AI law; no release-testing plan

As a state representative, Goodwin voted for the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. Her campaign has a detailed data center plan, but no separate plan for tests or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Goodwin campaign.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can file and vote on Texas AI laws.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Hamilton campaign.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Supported Texas's 2025 AI law; no release-testing rule

Richard Hayes voted for the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. The law covers disclosures, some harmful or discriminatory uses, biometrics, state use, and attorney-general enforcement. It does not require independent tests before a powerful general-purpose model is released. No broader plan for biological, cyber, or loss-of-control risks was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Texas HB 149.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Supported Texas's 2025 AI law; no release-testing rule

Ben Bumgarner voted for the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. The law covers disclosures, some harmful or discriminatory uses, biometrics, state use, and attorney-general enforcement. It does not require independent tests before a powerful general-purpose model is released. No broader plan for biological, cyber, or loss-of-control risks was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Texas HB 149.

Denise Wooten

Democratic · District 63

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Wooten campaign.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Opposed Texas's 2025 AI law; gives no replacement plan

Andy Hopper voted against the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. No published plan for a different state law on testing or releasing powerful general-purpose AI was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Texas HB 149.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Evans campaign.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: DeBurr campaign.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Opposed Texas's 2025 AI law; gives no replacement plan

Mitch Little voted against the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. No published plan for a different state law on testing or releasing powerful general-purpose AI was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Texas HB 149.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Opposed Texas's 2025 AI law; gives no replacement plan

Jared Patterson voted against the final House version of HB 149 in 2025. No published plan for a different state law on testing or releasing powerful general-purpose AI was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on HB 149, Texas HB 149.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Mayes campaign.

Attorney General

3 candidates

The attorney general enforces Texas's AI law. The office cannot rewrite that law without the Legislature.

Mayes Middleton

Republican · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Middleton campaign.

Nathan Johnson

Democratic · Statewide

Supports an audit of Texas AI law and enforcement powers

Johnson says he would start a 30-day audit of Texas law and the attorney general's powers over AI. His plan focuses on scams, price setting, hiring, privacy, and consumer protection. It does not propose that the attorney general act beyond current law or set model-release rules on his own.

Sources: Johnson AI plan, Texas HB 149.

Tom Oxford

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for independent tests, incident reports, or release rules for powerful general-purpose AI was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Libertarian Party profile.

Data centers38 candidates

U.S. Representative

7 candidates

Congress can set national energy, environmental, tax, and disclosure rules. Texas and local governments still make many siting and water choices.

Jason Pearce

Democratic · District 4

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Pearce campaign.

Pat Fallon

Republican · District 4

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Fallon congressional office.

Mark Nair

Democratic · District 13

Supports pausing data center growth for public review

Nair says unchecked data center growth should stop while the public reviews its water, power, and environmental costs. His broader platform calls for water protection and public oversight of AI infrastructure.

Sources: Nair campaign, Nair voter guide.

Ronny Jackson

Republican · District 13

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Jackson congressional office.

Brandon Gill

Republican · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Gill congressional office.

Phil Gray

Libertarian · District 26

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Branch voter guide.

Steven Shook

Democratic · District 26

Supports making data centers pay for grid upgrades

Shook says large data centers should pay for the grid upgrades they need. He also supports stronger water and utility protections and opposes large tax breaks without a clear public benefit.

Sources: Shook science questionnaire.

U.S. Senator

3 candidates

Congress can set national rules for data center power use, water, pollution, tax breaks, and public reports. Texas and local governments decide most building sites and local water use.

James Talarico

Democratic · Statewide

Supports stronger data center rules; opposes a full pause

Talarico wants national rules for data centers' effects on the grid, water, pollution, and jobs. He would make companies pay grid-connection costs, recycle water, and publish power, water, and tax records. He opposes a full pause on new data centers. In the Texas House, he voted to move a 2025 law with grid-cost and emergency shutoff rules forward. He was absent for the final vote. Ending Texas's tax break and giving Texas counties more control would require state law, not a U.S. Senate vote.

Sources: Texas Tribune on Talarico's plan, Texas House vote moving SB 6 forward, Texas SB 6.

Ken Paxton

Republican · Statewide

Supports off-grid power and a rural ban; now opposes tax breaks

Paxton would let data centers build their own off-grid power systems outside federal utility rules. He supports water-recycling systems, making companies pay infrastructure costs, ending tax breaks, and banning new data centers in rural Texas. In 2013, as a state senator, he voted for the Texas sales-tax break for data centers that he now says should end.

Sources: Texas Tribune on Paxton's plan.

Ted Brown

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes data center subsidies; wants companies to cover power and water

Brown opposes taxpayer subsidies for data centers. He says companies should show where their power and water will come from and prove nearby residents will not be harmed. He supports public reports on local effects. For electricity, he suggests small nuclear reactors that could keep data centers off the main grid.

Sources: Brown science and grid questionnaire.

Governor

3 candidates

The governor signs or vetoes Texas laws, appoints utility and environmental regulators, and can direct state agencies within powers set by law.

Gina Hinojosa

Democratic · Statewide

Supports a pause on new data centers and an end to their state tax break

Hinojosa has called for a pause on new data center approvals until Texas adopts stronger rules. Her plan calls for public notice, water and grid protections, local input, and an end to the state sales-tax break. As a state representative, she voted for SB 6 in 2025.

Sources: Hinojosa data center plan, Texas House vote on SB 6.

Greg Abbott

Republican · Statewide

Supports data center growth with rules for grid, water, and local costs

Abbott first promoted Texas as a major AI and data center hub. In 2026 he directed grid regulators to make data centers pay their connection costs, ordered an audit before new grid connections, and called for water, noise, neighborhood, and tax-incentive rules in the next Legislature.

Sources: Governor's June data center directive, Governor's August audit order.

Pat Dixon

Libertarian · Statewide

Opposes data center subsidies; wants companies to cover their costs

Dixon says Texas should not subsidize AI data centers. He would accept a project only if it pays for its effects or supplies the power and water it needs.

Sources: Dixon data center plan.

Lieutenant Governor

4 candidates

The lieutenant governor controls which data center bills reach the Texas Senate and appoints its committees.

Anthony Cristo

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Cristo campaign.

Dan Patrick

Republican · Statewide

Studying data center rules; gives no final plan

Patrick directed Senate committees to study data center power and water use, community effects, grid rules, and tax incentives before the 2027 session. He has not yet published a final bill or a full set of rules.

Sources: Texas Senate interim charges.

Kevin McCormick

Green · Statewide

Opposes data center tax breaks and priority access to power

McCormick says data centers should not receive tax cuts, priority access to electricity, or water transfers. His campaign also lists stronger water policy as a priority.

Sources: Branch voter guide.

Vikki Goodwin

Democratic · Statewide

Supports a pause and stronger data center rules

Goodwin calls for a pause on new construction until Texas passes stronger rules. Her plan would protect water and the grid, make companies pay their costs, require reports and impact studies, set pollution and noise rules, and give counties more authority. She voted for SB 6 in 2025.

Sources: Goodwin data center pledge, Texas House vote on SB 6.

State Representative

11 candidates

A state representative can file and vote on Texas rules for the grid, water, pollution, taxes, and local authority.

Darren Hamilton

Libertarian · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Hamilton campaign.

Ray Stith

Democratic · District 57

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Stith campaign.

Richard Hayes

Republican · District 57

Opposed making large power users help pay grid costs

Richard Hayes voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large electric users help cover grid-connection costs and creates connection, disclosure, and emergency-curtailment rules. No published plan for a different approach to data center power, water, pollution, noise, or tax incentives was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6.

Ben Bumgarner

Republican · District 63

Opposed making large power users help pay grid costs

Ben Bumgarner voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large electric users help cover grid-connection costs and creates connection, disclosure, and emergency-curtailment rules. No published plan for a different approach to data center power, water, pollution, noise, or tax incentives was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6.

Denise Wooten

Democratic · District 63

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Wooten campaign.

Andy Hopper

Republican · District 64

Opposed making large power users help pay grid costs

Andy Hopper voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large electric users help cover grid-connection costs and creates connection, disclosure, and emergency-curtailment rules. No published plan for a different approach to data center power, water, pollution, noise, or tax incentives was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6.

Julie Evans

Democratic · District 64

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Evans campaign.

Detrick DeBurr

Democratic · District 65

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: DeBurr campaign.

Mitch Little

Republican · District 65

Opposed making large power users help pay grid costs

Mitch Little voted against SB 6 in 2025. The law makes very large electric users help cover grid-connection costs and creates connection, disclosure, and emergency-curtailment rules. No published plan for a different approach to data center power, water, pollution, noise, or tax incentives was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6.

Jared Patterson

Republican · District 106

Supported making large power users help pay grid costs

Jared Patterson supported making very large power users help pay grid costs and follow emergency shutoff rules. He voted for SB 6 in 2025, which created those rules. No broader plan on water, air pollution, noise, or tax incentives was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas House vote on SB 6, Texas SB 6.

Joe Mayes

Democratic · District 106

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Mayes campaign.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

4 candidates

The comptroller certifies data centers for state sales-tax exemptions and checks whether they meet current rules. Lawmakers set those rules.

Don Huffines

Republican · Statewide

Runs the state tax-break program; gives no plan to change it

Huffines became comptroller on August 1, 2026. His office certifies qualifying data centers for the state sales-tax exemption and audits whether they meet the job and investment rules. No separate plan to change how the office handles those duties was found in the public pages reviewed.

Sources: Texas Comptroller, Comptroller data center program.

Sarah Eckhardt

Democratic · Statewide

Supports a pause on new data centers and closer tax-break audits

Eckhardt has backed a pause on new data center development. The comptroller cannot create that pause alone, but can audit current exemptions, publish fiscal information, and ask lawmakers to change the tax rules.

Sources: Texas Tribune, Comptroller data center program.

Shehla Faizi

Green · Statewide

Opposes state tax breaks for data centers

Faizi's campaign says data centers should not receive tax breaks. The comptroller can apply and audit the current exemption, but the Legislature must change or end it.

Sources: Faizi campaign, Comptroller data center program.

V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza

Libertarian · Statewide

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Libertarian Party of Texas.

County Judge

2 candidates

The Commissioners Court can approve county tax abatements and incentive agreements. Texas counties have little general zoning power.

Andy Eads

Republican · Denton County

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Denton County.

Nick Pappas

Democratic · Denton County

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Pappas campaign.

County Commissioner

4 candidates

The Commissioners Court can approve county tax abatements and incentive agreements. Texas counties have little general zoning power.

Candace Valenzuela

Democratic · Precinct 2

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Valenzuela campaign.

Kevin Falconer

Republican · Precinct 2

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Denton County.

David Wylie

Republican · Precinct 4

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Wylie campaign.

Stephanie Draper

Democratic · Precinct 4

No clear public plan found

No clear public plan for data center power, water, pollution, noise, or public subsidies was found in the campaign or public pages reviewed.

Sources: Draper campaign.