Two Democratic candidates are running for Texas House District 14 in the upcoming March primaries.
The big picture
Candidates Janet Dudding and David Kessler will compete for the Democratic nomination. The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November. Incumbent Paul Dyson is running unopposed in the Republican primary, according to the Texas secretary of state’s website.
Members of the Texas House of Representatives are elected for two-year terms with no term limits. The district includes portions of Brazos County, including the communities of Bryan and College Station.
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Brazos County, visit https://elections.brazoscountytx.gov. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Why are you running for office?
With over 40 years of state and local government experience—in governmental auditing, investigation and public finance—I know, like you know, that tax dollars are OUR dollars—Texas state government needs to remember that. I can help. This place is special and worth the fight.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
Affordability; education; health care; local control; reform the rules to fix corruption; repeal municipal ban to provide broadband; THC-adult-use decriminalization, taxation & regulation; water & energy.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Expand TX-HEROs pool. Fix the holes in the assessment processes. Re-examine public school taxes while ensuring public taxes go to “public.” Release county indigent care property tax set-aside by expanding Medicaid (after all, we are not getting an IRS discount on our federal taxes).
If elected, what will your priorities be for the future of Texas education?
Our taxes are just that—ours. Public taxes go to “public.” Texas has more resources than most states, let’s build state of the art. While we’re at it, let’s decriminalize and regulate adult-use THC to fund ISD employee’s social security AND TRS. Higher education academic freedom without political interference.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
We’ve started the process: the information-gathering phase. Each time I talk with people I ask what they need from their state. I’ve assembled a “kitchen cabinet” from different backgrounds and expertise to help. The work needs to be started ahead of the session and expanded through town halls throughout the term.
Why are you running for office?
I share the concerns of residents in Brazos County and across Texas about economic, education, environmental, health care, housing and safety issues so I am running for this office to bring brave leadership to the Texas Legislature that will support reasonable and responsible solutions for District 14 and all Texans.
What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?
The Texas Legislature must prioritize public school funding and teacher pay along with relief from unusual academic oversight and increased affordability for higher education. Still, there are civil liberties, health care and property issues that demand the attention of the legislature with a collaborative, responsible and transparent approach to legislative action.
If elected, what will your priorities be regarding property taxes and housing affordability?
Eliminating property taxes is not feasible because of the state constitution; I will instead pursue managing property tax revenue uses to reduce the reliance on property taxes and strain on residents. I will also support measures for housing affordability like one proposed last session to prevent property insurance increases.
If elected, what will your priorities be for the future of Texas education?
I am passionate about the importance of increased compensation including pay raises for public school teachers and retirees. Other priorities I have include supporting per student public school funding increases and a return to academic freedom and reliable state funding for community college and public university campuses.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Listening and talking to residents has been part of the campaign for “Representative” and representing the people of the district will continue to include that. Communicating in-person meetings across the district and virtual contact keeps the public involved and keeps the interaction needed to represent their views.