Meet the Candidates
This year, many voters across the state will have the chance to elect a State Senator and/or a State House Representative. State senators and representatives make decisions that impact our daily lives.
The Texas State Senate is the upper chamber of the Texas State Legislature. Alongside the Texas House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Texas state government and works with the governor of Texas to enact laws and set the state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Texas State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. A total of 16 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate are up for election in 2026.
The Texas House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Texas State Legislature. Alongside the Texas State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Texas state government and works alongside the governor of Texas to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Texas House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting state spending levels, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. All 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives are up for election in 2026.
Here are some key races that we are watching. Learn more about what they think about jobs, reproductive justice, and gender equity.
Disclaimer:
Responses without an asterisk (*) were collected by Deeds Not Words and reflect our mission and FREE Agenda.
*These responses are an excerpt from Vote411.org and were collected by the League of Women Voters of Texas. This is a non-partisan resource created and paid for by the League of Women Voters of Texas. If you would like to see a full profile and responses to additional questions, along with your sample ballot and voting location, please visit Vote411.org.
TX SD 3
City: Nacogdoches
County: Nacogdoches
Website: https://tillman4texas.com/
Email: Tillmanfortexas@gmail.com
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I bring 40 years of construction experience, 15 years raising cattle, and deep East Texas roots. I know what working families face because I have lived it. I will show up, listen, and work.
Q: What specific steps would you take to make healthcare more affordable for Texans?
I would expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and increase access to primary, mental-health and maternity care. Texas should also address prescription-drug costs and improve price transparency so families know what healthcare will cost. Your ZIP code should not determine whether you can see a doctor, deliver a healthy baby or afford the medicine you need.
❋ Bobby Tillman (D)
City: Nacogdoches
County: Nacogdoches
Website: https://www.trentashby.com/
Email: info@trentashby.com
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I’ve served in the Texas House since 2013, working on property tax relief, education, water, healthcare, infrastructure, and the state budget. I know this district well and have a proven record of del…
(Response cut due to character limit.)
Q: What specific steps would you take to make healthcare more affordable for Texans?
We should focus on lowering costs while improving access, especially in rural and underserved communities. That means strengthening hospitals, expanding the healthcare workforce, improving Medicaid reimbursement, supporting telehealth, and reducing unnecessary administrative costs and regulations that make healthcare more expensive for both patients and providers.
❋ Trent Ashby (R)
TX HD 11
City: Nacogdoches
County: Nacogdoches
Website: https://www.roxanne4texans.com/
Email: N/A
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I grew up in East Texas and know about rural small town life. In 2004, I began my career in education and eventually retired as a principal for Nacogdoches ISD. I love my community and want to help.
Q: What specific steps would you take to make healthcare more affordable for Texans?
I would expand Medicaid, lower prescription drug costs, strengthen rural hospitals and clinics, and increase access to affordable health insurance. Texas should also invest in preventive and mental healthcare, expand telehealth, and reduce medical debt so families do not have to choose between getting care and paying their bills.
❋ Roxanne Lathan (D)
City: Nacogdoches
County: Nacogdoches
Website: https://joannefortexans.com/
Email: joanne@joannefortexans.com
No response.
Joanne Shofner (R)
TX SD 13
City: Houston
County: Harris/Fort Bend
Website: https://borrislmiles.com/
Email: borris.miles@senate.texas.gov
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
A: I was a State Rep from 2007-2016 and I am the current State Center. Most importantly love for my community and determination to always fight for minority and marginalized communities
Q: Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. What steps would you take as a state senator to ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, for Texans who are currently uninsured or underserved?
A: Continue to pursue the expansion of Medicaid and writing bills aim at affordable quality care
❋ Borris Miles (D)
City: N/A
County: N/A
Website: N/A
Email: N/A
No opponent
TX SD 19
Roland Gutierrez (D)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Website: https://www.marcusfortexas.com/
Email: info@marcusfortexas.com
❋ Marcus Cardenas (R)
TX SD 26
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Website: https://josemenendez.net/resources/
Email: menendez4texas@gmail.com
No response.
Jose Menendez (D)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Website: https://www.julianfortxsenate.org/
Email: info@julianfortxsenate.org
Q: Elaborate on your top priority
If elected, my top priority will be to fight for People, the Planet, and Peace above corporate power by supporting dignified housing for all, robust environmental protections including climate policy, and protecting our civil liberties. Selfish corrupt interests control the agenda at the State Capitol and the will of the People gets ignored. To achieve the justice we seek, we must challenge the power of the corporate status quo. We must elect different leaders if we want different results. We don't need more career politicians who have sold out to special interests. We need grassroots leaders who have lived the struggle of ordinary working class people. That is why I am running, to give the people of my district a real choice with real values so that we can build something better together in solidarity and change politics in Texas.
Q: What reproductive justice policies are on your agenda?
I support repealing Texas' abortion ban. I am in favor of protecting bodily autonomy, esp. decisions about reproductive health and gender-affirming care. I support universal healthcare including reproductive healthcare and comprehensive sex education so that people are well informed and equipped to make the best decisions for themselves. If elected I will also fight to solve the crisis of maternal mortality rates in Texas that disproportionately affects Black and Brown mothers.
Q: Many counties have established Civic Engagement Advisory Boards/Commissions (CEABs) where citizens can make decisions about election rules for the future and checks how well the county election system works in major elections. These bodies serve as bridges between communities and elected officials to advance ongoing local democracy reforms.
How will you encourage your district to support CEABs and add young voters to local election advisory boards?
Having served as an election judge in Bexar County since 2016, I have a great deal of election experience. I have hired student poll workers and helped advise the creation of local non-profit Youth Do Vote. If elected, I will establish a working group of government officials and residents of all ages with the goal of improving elections and youth civic participation. Having already worked directly with Bexar County Elections Department and youth voter advocacy groups for years, I will be a strong advocate for CEABs.
Julian Villareal (G)
TX HD 73
City: San Marcos
County: Hays
Website: https://www.foxfortexas.com/
Email: foxfortexas@gmail.com
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
As a public school principal, I developed strong leadership skills that will enable me to effectively represent the residents of House District 73. Specifically, I have managed large budgets that require prioritization of funds to meet the needs of students and staff. I am also well-versed in building collaborative project teams, evaluating systems, resolving conflict, implementing change, navigating competing interests, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. I am a servant leader who derives satisfaction from building capacity in others and helping them achieve their goals. I believe elected officials are accountable to those they serve and must willing to show up and have difficult conversations when needed.
Q: How should Texas evaluate and manage the impact of large data centers on local and regional water supplies, particularly in areas facing drought or rapid growth?
The increase of hyperscale data centers has happened quietly and without controls in place for transparency. Communities have not been informed of pending applications for large data centers in their area and the companies themselves have not been required to proactively provide vital information about their operations and the impact on the people, animals, and land nearby. Passing strict requirements for notification, public meetings, impact studies, and usage of power and water must be the non-negotiable starting point for our elected officials in Austin. Doing so will engage collaboration between operators, community members, and scientific experts to ensure the well-being of all involved.
❋ Merrie Fox (D)
City: San Marcos
County: Hays
Website: https://www.isaacfortexas.com/
Email: campaign@isaacfortexas.com
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Since 2023 I have represented House District 73 in the Texas House, fighting for Hays and Comal County families. I serve on Elections and Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs, including the Defense & Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee. In Austin I work every day for property-tax relief, border security, election integrity, parental rights, and reliable Texas energy.
I bring a servant’s heart to the Capitol—the same drive that led me to organize help for neighbors in crisis and stand with veterans.
Completing an IRONMAN gave me endurance; raising two sons keeps me focused on what Texas families need. I will keep listening, working, and standi…
(Response cut due to character limit.)
Q: How should Texas evaluate and manage the impact of large data centers on local and regional water supplies, particularly in areas facing drought or rapid growth?
Texas should evaluate data centers by the standards Governor Abbott has already set. His June 10 directive requires them to pay their own electric infrastructure so families are not stuck with the bill, add capacity instead of only demand, and protect water, neighborhoods, and quality of life with a preference for water-efficient closed-loop cooling.
His August 3 order paused new grid connections until every project in the ERCOT queue is audited. Projects that hide power demand, water use, ownership, or community impacts should be denied access.
Next session I will help pass legislation to codify these rules and stop tax breaks.
❋ Carrie Isaac (R)
TX HD 116
❋ Trey Martinez Fischer (D)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Website: https://smithtxsboedistrict8.wixsite.com/my-site-1
Email: rhettrsmith@gmail.com
❋ Rhett Rosenquest Smith (R)
TX HD 134
City: Houston
County: Harris
Website: https://annjohnson.com/
Email: campaign@annjohnson.com
Q: Elaborate on your top priority
Our state is in such a mess right now that I have more than one top priority:
1. Medicaid expansion and access to affordable quality healthcare, including mental health services. 2. Women’s health and reproductive rights. 3. Free and fair elections. 4. Gun safety. 5. Climate change. 6. Restoring local control, including local control of working conditions, minimum wages and benefits, and non-discrimination policies.
Q: What reproductive justice policies are on your agenda?
Repeal Texas' illegal and unjust abortion ban and all laws and policies meant to enforce it.
Affirmatively advance legislation that will protect reproductive rights and fully fund the community-based clinics and providers who are on the front lines in providing the care women and their families need and deserve
I am proud to have been instrumental in passing the Life of the Mother Act, which allows doctors two treat women with certain problem pregnancies without fear of losing their job and medical license or going to jail.
Q: Many counties have established Civic Engagement Advisory Boards/Commissions (CEABs) where citizens can make decisions about election rules for the future and checks how well the county election system works in major elections. These bodies serve as bridges between communities and elected officials to advance ongoing local democracy reforms.
How will you encourage your district to support CEABs and add young voters to local election advisory boards?
I would work with my colleagues at the county to establish a CEAB in Harris County.
Ann Johnson (D)
City: Houston
County: Harris
Website: https://www.votemichna.com/
Email: Mike.Michna134@gmail.com
No Response.
Mike Michna (R)
TX HD 146
City: Houston
County: Harris
Website: https://www.laurenashleysimmons.com/
Email: campaign@laurenashleysimmons.com
Q: Elaborate on your top priority
State politicians continue to chip away at our rights. They’ve limited our right to vote, made it harder to vote, taken over Houston ISD, even eliminated minority and women-owned business rights. They have censored what we can teach our kids and are removing DEI programs and curriculum at universities. They’re working to reinstate the mass incarceration policies that have devastated more than a generation of our people. It’s so painful to list these transgressions against our community.
I will continue to use every tool at my disposal, including extraordinary actions like the quorum break I was a part of with my Democratic colleagues, to fight back against these MAGA efforts. I will carry the voices of my constituents with me to Austin to fight for our people. Hopefully, we can elect more Democrats — Democrats filed in EVERY district this election cycle. I will do everything I can to fight for change.
Q: What reproductive justice policies are on your agenda?
Reproductive freedom is both a healthcare issue and an economic justice issue. As a teen mom who went on to organize low income women of color, it is deeply personal to me.
Repealing Texas' abortion ban and remove all medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion access. Abortion is a health care procedure and health care decisions should be made by patients in consultation with their doctors without government interference. We must also pass Medicare Expansion so that reproductive health care is accessible for all women. Improving maternal health and ending maternal mortality, which disproportionately kills women of color, is a must. And we must stop criminalizing those who help women get the reproductive care they need.
Q: Many counties have established Civic Engagement Advisory Boards/Commissions (CEABs) where citizens can make decisions about election rules for the future and checks how well the county election system works in major elections. These bodies serve as bridges between communities and elected officials to advance ongoing local democracy reforms.
How will you encourage your district to support CEABs and add young voters to local election advisory boards?
I would support this concept for my district and help recruit young voters to serve. I ran for office because our then current representative had values that were out of touch with our residents. My goal was to provide a seat at the table for all residents of District 146. CEABs would be a great tool to achieve that.
Lauren Ashley Simmons (D)
City: Houston
County: Harris
Website: https://alexandriabutlercampaign.org/
Email: info@alexandriabutlercampaign.org
No Response.
Alexandria Butler (R)
TXHD 147
City: Houston
County: Harris
Website: https://www.jolandajones.com/
Email: Campaign@JolandaJones.com
Q: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I am a trial lawyer, criminal defense attorney, legislator, former City Councilmember and HISD Trustee. I understand laws, unintended consequences and how to fix a criminal justice system that produces injustice. I am completing my second full term in the Texas House, gaining seniority, and have passed bills despite a partisan Legislature. As a Black lesbian, single mom, Spanish speaker and mother of Afro-Latino children, I understand intersectionality, underserved communities and why immigration reform matters. As a former U.S. track and field champion, I know how to train, compete and win. I helped lead the quorum break against racist redistricting and am unafraid to fight for what is right. HD147 expects a fighter, and I am one.
Q: Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. What steps would you take as a state senator to ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, for Texans who are currently uninsured or underserved?
My record shows what I will do in the future. Every time Medicaid expansion has come before the Texas House, I have voted for it. As a member of the Public Health Committee, I have consistently voted to expand healthcare wherever possible, including mental health services for young people, postpartum coverage, community health centers, mobile clinics, telehealth and underserved providers. I would absolutely vote to fully expand Medicaid, despite Republicans repeatedly refusing to do so, and bring billions of our federal tax dollars back to Texas. Medicaid must cover physical and mental healthcare, and I would vote for universal healthcare for all. No Texan should go without care because of income or ZIP code.
Q: What are the two most pressing issues unique to your district, and what specific, measurable actions would you take to address them during your term?
The two most pressing issues in HD147 are protecting voting rights and making life affordable. Without a strong Voting Rights Act, Black and Brown voters can be disenfranchised, democracy fails, and power shifts to billionaires and oligarchs. I'll fight voter suppression and partisan mid-decade redistricting while refusing to unilaterally disarm when opponents break the rules. We need to fight fire with fire. Second, families cannot afford housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities, insurance and groceries. I’ll file and vote for legislation to lower those costs, expand Medicaid, increase affordable housing and childcare, and raise wages. My standard: protect every eligible voter’s voice and put more money into working families’ pockets.
❋ Jolanda Jones (D)
❋ Theodis Daniel (R)
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For additional candidate information and information about where to vote and what’s on the ballot visit vote411.org. The League of Women Voters of Texas is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. The mission of the League is: Empowering voters. Defending democracy.