Texas Executive Department Candidates
The Executive Department of the State shall consist of a Governor, who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the State, a Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Attorney General. Additional State Level Offices of Railroad Commissioner and Agricultural Commissioner will also be on this page as well as State Board of Education.
Key: (l) = Incumbent. This person currently holds that position.
=Position held by a Republican.
Note to the Voter: Remember that you are the HR person choosing who is best qualified to be in Leadership for the State of Texas. Check out the Candidate's educational background, their work history, and Community Service. If it is an Incumbent (in office now and trying to get reelected) check their voting record. Very important. Did they vote the way they promised they would on their platform? Did they vote with their party or against it? Which candidate is best qualified over all and lines up with your beliefs? That is who you should vote for.
About the Texas Governor
The Governor of Texas is the chief executive of the state of Texas and is elected by the citizens every four years. The governor has the power to: sign and veto bills passed by the state legislature, serve as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, convene special sessions of the legislature, grant reprieves and pardons, and fill vacant positions via appointment. Additionally, the governor is responsible for delivering the "State of the State" address and an annual state budget report and budget recommendation.The Governor's powers, term of office, qualifications, and installation are established by Article 4 of the Texas Constitution.
Qualifications
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At least thirty years of age
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A citizen of the United States
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Shall have resided in this State at least five years immediately preceding his election
Salary $153,750
For more information about the job responsibilities of the Lt. Governor see Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_Texas
Texas Governor:
Patricia Abrego for Governor No Information Found
Jose Navarro Balbuena for Governor Only Website found
Education
Profession Tax Strategist - Software & Infrastructure Technical Engineer - Notary Public - Insurance Agent
Source https://tx22.net
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Chris Bell for Governor .
Education The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a journalism degree and led efforts to reinstate Student Government as president of the Interfraternity Council. Law degree from South Texas College of Law.
Profession After college, he became an award-winning broadcast journalist, covering local government and exposing corruption.Harris County elected Chris to the Houston City Council. He championed transparency, ethics, and accountability in city government. His record of reform earned him the trust and support of the voters who would elect him to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Houston’s 25th Congressional District. In Congress, Chris founded the bipartisan Port Security Caucus to strengthen Texas’s vital ports and served as assistant whip under House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer.
Source https://chrisbelltexas.com
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Bobby Cole for Texas Governor
Bobby Cole is not your typical politician, but he is your typical Texan: Practical, with decades of hard work under his belt, he treats others with empathy and has a great sense of humor. He’ll fight for what he believes in. No matter who it pisses off. He is an ordinary Texan in extraordinary times. He’s a retired firefighter, cattle man, and poultry producer, and ready to take on fights in Austin and beyond. Farming is the kind of work that will keep people humble and looking for a second income. Bobby was in that position as a dairy farmer early in life. One day he was thumbing through a Greensheet at the local Dairy Queen and saw an ad looking for firefighters. That’s how his second career started. His commutes to work in Texarkana, and later in Plano where he retired from the fire department as a Lieutenant, were over 100 miles each way. Despite the journey, getting home to Quitman after a 24-hour shift, he would work his dairy farm, making sure cows were milked twice a day, every day of the year. Eventually the extra income (and coffee) helped him and his family build a small operation into 1,000 acres that raises 300 head of cattle and over 1,000,000 chickens a year that feed American families. Getting Texas back on track bRaisiny g the minimum wage Protect workers' rights to organize, Legalize marijuana, Fight increasing property taxes, Increase the homestead exemption, and make sure the state pays its fair share. Winterize and modernize the power grid, Protecting veterans, Immigration is a federal issue, economy. Expand Medicaid immediately, Protect reproductive freedom, Support rural hospitals, Ensure LGBTQ rights, Protecting children from violence, Every child in Texas deserves a world-class education, Oh, climate change is real, by the way. Fully fund public education, Raise teacher pay, End the voucher scheme, Securing our environment, We must promise future Texans that we will protect the water, air, and land. We cannot abandon renewable energy nor oil and gas, and Texas must be a leading voice in the global energy future.
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Carlton W. Hart for Governor No Information Found
Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor up for election 2026.
Gina Hinojosa is a native Texan, born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. A proud product of Brownsville public schools, Gina graduated from the University of Texas and received her law degree from George Washington University. Gina began her career as an advocate for families and workers as a civil rights and union lawyer. She represented hard working Texans fighting to make sure they were treated fairly, got the wages and benefits they earned, and helping them support their families. Gina has a long history of holding corrupt politicians accountable. In 2005, she was part of the legal team that sued House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on money laundering charges, and has been a constant corruption watchdog in the Legislature. Gina never planned on running for office. But when her son’s elementary school was threatened for closure by state budget cuts, Gina rallied other parents, ran for Austin ISD School Board—and won. She kept her son’s school open, along with every other public school in the district. Her fellow trustees appointed her Board President in 2015. But neighborhood schools kept closing across the state because Republican leaders kept diverting Texas tax dollars away from schools, so Gina ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives—and won. In 2019, she fought for and helped win an investment of more than $11 billion in Texas public schools. Inspired by her experience with her own kids, she led on legislation that would reduce standardized testing and provide pay raises for every Texas teacher. A fierce champion of working Texans, Gina has been fighting back against billionaires and corporate interests in the legislature for a decade, pushing the state to invest in neighborhood schools, expand health care access, and lower costs for Texans. Gina knows healthcare is vitally important to every Texan, which is why she was the House sponsor of a law that ensured almost $1 billion dollars in federal funds to pay for indigent health care in Travis County. In addition to this work, Gina passed the most significant corporate reform legislation in a decade, creating a new kind of corporation in Texas, a public benefit corporation—using corporate power to achieve public good. She also passed legislation on public safety and benefits for our servicemembers.
Source:https://ginafortexas.com/about/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Zach Vance for Governor
Education Associates degree in media broadcasting from the University of North Texas.
Profession Medically retired Marine and Purple Heart recipient.Works from home doing AUTOCAD work for a couple structural engineers.
I love Texas, and Texans, with my whole heart and I cannot sit on the sideline any longer and watch people suffer because the people currently in power only care about keeping that power and catering to their large donors. I absolutely know I can beat Greg Abbott and I have to do everything I can to convince Democratic primary voters that I know I am able to. Too much is on the line in Texas if we lose one more time.
Source https://www.4abettertexas.com
Jurisdiction Statewide
Angela "Tia Angie" Villescaz for Governor
Education
Profession Angela Villescaz founded Fierce Madres. Her career experience includes working as a professional education advocate at Cirkiel Law Group and as a researcher for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. She has served as an advocate for SAFE Alliance and the East Texas Crisis Center.
Professional Education Advocate at Cirkiel Law Group, Former: Researcher for TAASA, (Texas Association Against Sexual Assault), Advocate for SAFE Alliance,Advocate for the East Texas Crisis Center
Source https://ballotpedia.org/Angela_Villescaz
Jurisdiction Statwide
About the Texas Lieutenant Governor
Texas Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest executive office in the government of Texas. The office of the lieutenant governor is part of both the executive and legislative branches. According to the Texas Constitution the lieutenant governor is also the President of the Texas State Senate. The lieutenant governor becomes governor if the elected governor resigns or dies while in office. Texas elects lieutenant governors in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not presidential election years.Though a member of the executive branch, the lieutenant governor's only executive duty is to assume the governorship in the event the office becomes vacant or the governor temporarily leaves the state. As President of the Texas State Senate, the lieutenant governor has the authority to decide all parliamentary questions and to use discretion in following senate procedural rules. The lieutenant governor has the power to set up standing or special committees and appoint committee chairpersons and individual members. The lieutenant governor also determines the order in which bills are considered by the state senate. As the president of senate, the lieutenant governor may cast tie-breaking votes. The Constitution also names the lieutenant governor to the five-member Legislative Redistricting Board, which apportions the state into senatorial and representative districts in the event the full legislature is unable to do so.
Qualifications:
Has to be at least 30 years old, Resident of Texas for at least five years, and a United States citizen
Salary $7,200 Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Lieutenant_Governor_of_Texas; https://www.nlga.us/wp-content/uploads/TEXAS2.1.pdf
Texas Lt.Governor:
Rep. Vikki Goodwin for Texas Lt. Governor
Real Estate Broker, University of Texas with a BBA—and the LBJ School of Public Affairs with a master’s degree, Real Estate broker, Systems Analyst for Office of the Attorney General of Texas. A long-time resident of Shady Hollow, Vikki has been very active in her community, serving on HOA Boards, civic club boards, ABOR committees, on an AISD task force and more. Her volunteer work gave her insight into the need for various services in the community and strengthened her determination to help those who slip through the cracks, so often as a result of medical issues, student loans, or low paying jobs. Through her professional and philanthropic endeavors, Vikki knows which issues matter most to the residents of District 47 and was inspired to become an advocate for her community.
Source: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=47
Jurisdiction: State of Texas
Courtney Head for Lt. Governor
Education Associate degree from San Antonio College in 2014 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston in 2017.
Profession Her experience includes working as a business manager and in public-sector contract negotiation and compliance.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Courtney_Head
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Marcos Isaias Velez for Lt. Governor
Education
Profession career experience includes working as an area operator in Texas refineries. He has been a member of United Steelworkers
Marcos Vélez is a blue collar Texas worker and labor leader who has spent his entire adult life fighting for ordinary people. He believes that every worker deserves dignity and opportunity should not only belong to the wealthy. Service is central to Marcos. He has spent years volunteering in nonprofit initiatives and community efforts that support families in need. Whether organizing disaster relief, assisting workers in crisis, spreading holiday cheer to the less fortunate, or building training programs for youth and underrepresented workers, he has always believed that leadership starts with showing up and working tirelessly for the people you serve.
Source: https://velezfortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
About the Texas Attorney General
The Attorney General of Texas is the chief lawyer and legal officer for the state of Texas. According to the Texas Constitution, the attorney general defends the laws and the constitution of the state of Texas, represents the state in litigation, and approves public bond issues.The attorney general is elected to serve for a four-year term. There is no term limit for this office. As the state’s top law enforcement officer, the Attorney General leads more than 4,000 employees in 38 divisions and 117 offices around Texas. That includes nearly 750 attorneys, who handle more than 30,000 cases annually – enforcing child support orders, protecting Texans against consumer fraud, enforcing open government laws, providing legal advice to state officials, and representing the state of Texas in court, among other things.
Qualifications:
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at least 18 years of age
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a citizen of the United States
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a resident of Texas for at least 12 months
Source: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office; https://ballotpedia.org/Attorney_General_of_Texas
Attorney General:
Attorney General Joe Jaworski
Joe, a third-generation Texas attorney, practicing in the profession that his grandfather Leon and father Joseph famously pursued, graduated from the University of Texas School of Law along with his wife Rebecca in 1991. Joe then clerked for respected maritime and civil rights jurist United States Court of Appeals Judge John R. Brown. Following a successful three-decades strong trial law practice in Gulf Coast state and federal courts, Joe is now a highly sought after national and international mediator. Joe served as the 55th mayor of Galveston, Texas. Mayor Joe, widely regarded as the city’s most responsive and accessible mayor in its nearly two-century history, led Galveston’s transformative recovery from epic natural disaster.
Source: https://www.jaworskifortexas.com
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Nathan Johnson Incumbent currently a Texas Senator for District 16 running for Texas Attorney General
Education: Johnson graduated magna cum laude with a degree in physics from the University of Arizona, and earned his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Profession He practices law in the Trial Practice Group at the law firm of Thompson & Knight. He has also composed music for the classical concert stage and scored the hit television series Dragon Ball Z.
First elected in 2018 with bipartisan support, he has become a leading voice in healthcare, the electrical grid, government transparency, criminal justice, and state infrastructure. Johnson knows that policymakers must meet the changing demands of Texas’s rapid growth and profound economic, social, and technological advances. This means developing new infrastructure – both physical (e.g., the electrical grid) and social (e.g., health), and making government more responsive and effective. And so Johnson has played a central role in strengthening the Texas grid; his work in healthcare resulted in hundreds of thousands of newly insured Texans; his work on economic policy promoted opportunity in overlooked regions and made it more difficult to abuse tax incentives; and he has made state agencies more accountable while helping them better meet the needs of the public.
Source: https://senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=16
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Anthony "Tony" Vox for Attorney General
Education Tony earned an accounting degree from Morehouse College, licensed CPA, he went to law school at night. Tony would go on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and later an LL.M. in taxation from Washington University in St. Louis.
Profession Commission as an Army officer through ROTC. In the Army, Tony earned the Airborne paratrooper designation and commanded tank platoons in the storied 1st Infantry Division. It was in a later civilian role that he would first put his boots on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, helping uncover over $30 billion of waste and fraud as an investigator with the Congressional Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Afterwards, Tony returned to active Army duty and volunteered to deploy to Iraq. He served as a Judge Advocate General officer there, supporting soldiers and advising battlefield commanders during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A few years later, as a civilian working for the Department of Defense in Afghanistan, he helped the Afghan government set up critical anti-corruption and accountability systems – work that took him “outside the wire” almost every day. In addition to those tours, Tony served nearly a decade as an FBI Special Agent, investigating everything from drug trafficking to major fraud. He was part of a response team deployed to New York City after the September 11th attacks and also served on the Bureau’s elite SWAT team – often being the first one through the door on dozens of high-risk operations. After earning his law degree, Tony became an Assistant US Attorney, putting criminals behind bars and holding the powerful accountable. As a federal prosecutor, he handled high-profile cases involving tax-evasion, fraud, and violent crimes. I’m running for Attorney General because Texans deserve a leader who will stand up for them—not corrupt politicians who abuse this office for personal gain. From serving in the Army and the FBI to putting criminals behind bars as a prosecutor, I’ve dedicated my life to protecting people and holding the powerful accountable. It’s time Texans had an Attorney General who works for them.
Source: https://tonyboxfortexas.com
Jurisdiction: Statewide
About the Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Comptroller of the State of Texas is an elected executive position in the Texas state government. The comptroller is the chief financial officer of the state government, responsible for maintaining the state’s finances. The comptroller also acts as the tax collector, the chief accountant, the chief revenue estimator, and chief treasurer for the state.
The primary responsibility is to manage the State accounts, invest on behalf of the State, guarantee the correct administration and continuity of the public pensions. Report to the Legislature and the people of Texas the budget, income, expenditures, forecast and act as Texas Chief Financial Officer, among others responsibilities. The Comptroller makes and influences decisions that impact all stages of Texan lives.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Angel_Vega
Qualifications:
There are no specific qualifications for this position.
Source: Ballotpedia https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Comptroller_of_Public_Accounts
Comptroller of Public Accounts:
Sarah Eckhardt Incumbent as a Texas Senator for Comptroller of Public Accounts Currently Texas Senator for District 14. Attorney, B.F.A. from New York University, LBJ School Master of Public Affairs, going on to receive her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously served two terms as Travis County Judge, where she represented 1.3 million county residents. Senator Eckhardt worked for eight years as an Assistant Travis County Attorney. She also served for eight years as a prosecutor with the Travis County District Attorney's Office. Sarah has a long list of pubic service organizations she is serving on.
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Michael Lange for Comptroller of Public Accounts
Education earned a degree in finance from the University of Texas at Austin
Profession Investment Manager
Texans deserve a Comptroller who not only knows the numbers but also values the people — and Michael Lange is both. With a proven career in high-level finance and a lifelong commitment to public service, Michael brings the experience and integrity needed to restore trust in our state’s finances. He’s running to make our tax system fair, transparent, and future-ready—ensuring that every dollar is accounted for, waste is eliminated, and resources are invested where they matter most: Create more Jobs, Schools, Infrastructure, Water, Connectivity, Healthcare, and Help Communities across Texas.
Source: https://texansforlange.com/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Savant Moore for Comptroller of Public Accounts
Education Bachelor's degree in history from Howard University
Profession He served in the U.S. Army. He is currently a member of the Board of the Houston Independent School District in Texas, representing District II. His career experience includes working as a truck driver, small business owner, and nonprofit founder.
Savant Moore is a proud Army veteran, former Ranger, husband, father, entrepreneur, graduate of Howard University, minister, and current Houston ISD Trustee representing District 2. Born and raised in Northeast Houston, he is a product of public schools, a community servant molded by faith, and a financial reformer shaped by lived experience—not politics.Savant knows what it’s like to struggle with late fees, predatory billing systems, and government red tape. He has watched hardworking Texans lose thousands of dollars not because they refused to pay—but because the process was designed to make them fail. That’s why he’s running for Texas Comptroller: to make government work for people, not against them. Long before he became a trustee, he was a parent in the fight for better opportunities for our students. Those efforts led to investments in new programs and support for historically neglected schools. As a small business owner, he has stretched every dollar to meet payroll, buy equipment, and survive economic shifts. As a father, he wants his children—and all Texas children—to inherit a state that rewards honesty, hard work, and responsibility.Savant believes a smart Comptroller doesn’t just collect money—they protect money. He will modernize the way Texas tracks spending, stop hidden fees from draining families and small businesses, and bring full transparency to how every tax dollar is used.This campaign isn’t about titles—it’s about trust. It’s about putting financial power back in the hands of everyday Texans. Moore for Texas means We Deserve Moore.
Source: https://www.savantmoore.com/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
About the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State is one of six state officials named by the Texas Constitution to form the Executive Department of the State. The Secretary is not elected but is appointed by the Governor, with confirmation by the Senate, and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary serves as Chief Election Officer for Texas, assisting county election officials and ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of election laws throughout Texas. The Office of the Secretary of State also provides a repository for official and business and commercial records required to be filed with the Office. The Secretary publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public. The Secretary also serves as keeper of the state seal and attestor to the Governor's signature on official documents. In addition, the Secretary serves as senior advisor and liaison to the Governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs, and serves as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas.
Qualifications:
There are no specific qualifications for this office.
Additional State Level Offices
About the Railroad Commissioner
The Texas Railroad Commission is a state executive agency in the Texas state government. Despite its name, the commission does not regulate railroads, but instead regulates the oil and gas business in Texas. Historically, the railroad commission has been a very powerful office. OPEC, the Middle Eastern oil cartel, was originally modeled in part on the commission. According to the Texas Tribune, the agency has also been a launching pad to higher office. One of the three seats on the Commission is up for election in 2022.
Qualifications:
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a qualified voter under the constitution and laws; and
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at least 25 years of age.
Source: Ballotpedia-https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Railroad_Commission
Railroad Commissioner:
Jon Rosenthal for Railroad Commissioner
Education He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in 1991. He received additional education from the University of Houston in 2016.
Profession Mechanical Engineer. He is currently a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 135. He assumed office on January 8, 2019. His current term ends on January 12, 2027.
2023-2024
Rosenthal was assigned to the following committees:
2021-2022
Rosenthal was assigned to the following committees:
2019-2020
Rosenthal was assigned to the following committees:
About the Commissioner of the General Land Office
The Texas Land Commissioner is a state executive position in the Texas state government. The land commissioner serves as the elected head of the Texas General Land Office (GLO). The GLO's mission statement is: "The Texas General Land Office serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and all people of Texas by preserving their history, protecting their environment, expanding economic opportunity, and maximizing state revenue through innovative administration and prudent stewardship of state lands and resources.
The General Land Office is established in Article 14 of the Texas Constitution.
Article 14, Section 1:
There shall be one General Land Office in the State, which shall be at the seat of government, where all land titles which have emanated or may hereafter emanate from the State shall be registered, except those titles the registration of which may be prohibited by this Constitution. It shall be the duty of the Legislature at the earliest practicable time to make the Land Office self sustaining, and from time to time the Legislature may establish such subordinate offices as may be deemed necessary.
things.
Qualifications:
There are no specific qualifications for this position.
Source: Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Land_Commissioner
Land Commissioner:
Benjamin Flores for Land Commissioner
Education studied geography at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City
Profession career experience includes working in cybersecurity and starting a family business raising pigs. Flores has served on the Bay City City Council, the Bay City Development Corporation, and the Houston‑Galveston Area Council. Benjamin Flores came to the US in 1996 for Mexico City. He has washed cars, fried chicken at KFC, and repaired hotel computers at a Marriott in California before getting deep into computer networking. This led to my 30‑year career in cybersecurity and compliance – where there can be absolutely no nonsense – protecting banks, fintech firms and county government from fraud and systemic errors. He started a ten-acre family business raising heritage-breed pigs. Wrestling with the red tape common to small producers pushed me toward public service. Wanting to see that our local laws were fair and transparent, He ran for and was elected to Bay City’s city council. He currently serves on our city council, on the Bay City Development Corporation and represent Bay City on the Houston‑Galveston Area Council. Drawing on my CERT training, he promote emergency preparedness in Bay City and elsewhere. "I believe that living by my mother’s no nonsense rule made me the husband, father, rancher, friend and elected official that I am today. And I promise you this: There will be no nonsense in the General Land Office when I am the Land Commissioner."
Source: https://www.letsgowithben.com/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Jose Loya Land Commissioner
Education
Profession Dedicated professional with extensive experience in labor management, contract negotiation, and employee relations. I have a background in human resources, labor law, grievance handling, employee benefits, workplace policies, industrial safety, and process operations. As a staff representative for the United Steelworkers, I have successfully negotiated contracts and handled grievances, advocating for the interests of union members. A military veteran, I am passionate about advocating for veterans in the workforce and have testified before Congress on related legislation. Former job -Aids in Planning, organizing, and coordinating all 14 elements of the PSM standard for the refinery with a focused effort on Employee Participation. Ensures compliance with OSHA 1910.119 to prevent willful neglect and potential fines from OSHA. Analyzes, accesses, and assists in the implementation of Process Safety training for all departments. Acts as a liaison for the advancement of Process Safety to all personnel within the refineryLoya served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His career experience includes working as a safety management representative at a Valero refinery and serving as a union representative. Jose Loya was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. Jose was born in a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico and when he was in the fifth grade, he and his family immigrated to Cactus, Texas. From the fields of the Panhandle to the frontlines of Iraq, from the refinery floor to the union hall, and now running for Texas Land Commissioner, Jose’s main focus has always been to serve others and fight for a better future. A Veteran, Refinery Worker, a Union Leader and a candidate running for Texas Land Commissioner pledging to restore transparency, accountability, and integrity to an office that should serve everyday Texans, not political insiders and wealthy donors. After 9/11, Jose felt compelled to give back to the country that had given him and his family an opportunity to succeed. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed twice to Iraq. He turned twenty-years-old on the first day of the invasion of Iraq. Jose became a citizen while overseas, and learned about sacrifice, discipline, and brotherhood—fighting for his fellow Marines and for all Americans back home.After returning to the Panhandle, he started a family with his wife Diana and got a job at the local Valero refinery. After working his way up through the refinery, he eventually became the Process Safety Management representative, and enforced strict safety procedures to ensure that his fellow workers weren’t injured on the job.He trained through the United Steelworkers leadership school and, for the past 7 years, has served as a staff representative, fighting for workers at the bargaining table and in his community. He knows from personal experience that Texans aren’t looking for handouts, they’re looking for a fair shot. As a union representative, he fights to make sure every worker gets one. Jose remains active in his community by coaching a youth wrestling team and supporting youth sports programs across the state of Texas.
Source: https://joseloya.com/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-loya-62192494/
Jurisdiction: Statewide
Agriculture Commissioner Clayton Tucker
Clayton Tucker is a 5th-generation Texan. From the moment he could wear his own pair of boots, his grandfather put him to work at his family’s ranch, the RX Ranch, in Lampasas. Clayton grew up bailing hay, mending fences, and running cattle on weekends and summers, while attending school in Georgetown during the weekdays, as his mother worked at the Texas Railroad Commission.Initially staying close to the family ranch, Clayton Tucker went to Southwestern University to study International Politics with a minor in Mandarin, where he became a member of Kappa Sigma. Clayton worked as a water researcher for the National Science Foundation, studied at the National Chengchi University in Taipei, and became a teacher. After returning to the USA, Clayton Tucker moved back to Lampasas to work on the family ranch, RX Ranch and started the small business, Grassroots Nation. Clayton also authored a science fiction book called Mandated Happiness (1984 with AI & social media) and became involved in various campaigns. After working on several campaigns, Clayton started leading a political organization founded by former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower. With Commissioner Hightower, Clayton lobbied the Texas government to provide healthcare for all Texans. In 2020, Clayton ran for the Texas State Senate District 24 to fight for everyday working Texans. After his campaign, he worked to empower hard-working Texans all across the state. He's a founding board member of the community garden group Killeen Creators, co-founder of the Texas Grassroots Alliance, a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee and founder of the Texas Progressive Caucus, which returned the Texas Democrats to its New Deal roots, & is Secretary of the Texas Farmers Union. As with 80% of farmers, Clayton has an off-farm income where he is a fair trade organizer with the Trade Justice Education Fund to fight for fair trade, including ag policies.
Source:https://www.claytontuckertx.com/about
Jurisdiction: All of Texas
About the Agriculture Commissioner
The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture is a state executive position in the Texas state government. The commissioner heads the Texas Department of Agriculture.The commissioners powers, term of office, etc. are derived from Chapter 11 of the Texas Agricultural Code.
Qualifications:
Chapter 11 of the Texas Agricultural Code establishes the requirements for office:
Section 5, Chapter 11:
To be eligible for election as commissioner or appointment to fill a vacancy in the office of commissioner, a person must:
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Have been engaged, for at least five of the 10 years preceding the year in which the person is elected or appointed to the person's initial term, in the business of agriculture;
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Have worked, for the five-year period preceding the calendar year in which the person is elected or appointed to the person's initial term, for a state or federal agency in a position directly related to agriculture;
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Have owned or operated, for at least five of the 10 years preceding the year in which the person is elected or appointed to the person's initial term, farm, ranch, or timber land that qualifies for agricultural use appraisal under Subchapter C, Chapter 23, Tax Code, and be participating, in the calendar year in which the person is elected or appointed to the person's initial term, in a farm program administered by the federal Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service; or
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Have worked, for at least five years at any time before the calendar year in which the person is elected or appointed to the person's initial term, for the Texas Agricultural Council, an organization that is a member of the Texas Agricultural Council, or another agricultural producer association.
Source: Ballotpedia-https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Commissioner_of_Agriculture
Agriculture Commissioner:
About the State Board of Education
The Texas State Board of Education is an elected executive agency of the Texas state government, responsible for managing the state's public K-12 education. The board is composed of 15 members elected to four-year terms to represent one of the state's 15 education districts. Education district borders are redrawn every 10 years. The first time members meet after getting elected to redrawn districts, seven members selected at random have their current terms shortened to two years, meaning that their seats come up for election in different years than the other eight. Elections are held in even-numbered years. Every two years, the governor selects a chair from among the board's members. The nominee for chair must be approved by the Texas State Senate. If a board member serves two consecutive two-year terms as chair, they are not eligible to be named to the position until four years have passed. Every two years, the board elects a vice chair and secretary from among its members.
Qualifications:
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Members of the board may not hold another public office. This also applies to candidates seeking election to the board.
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Candidates seeking election to the board must have lived in their district for at least one year as of election day.
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Candidates seeking election to the board must be registered to vote in their district.
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Candidates seeking election to the board must be at least 26 years of age.
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Registered lobbyists representing interests relevant to the board may not serve on the board.
Duties:
The duties of the Texas State Board of Education are laid out in Section 7.102c of the Education Code of Texas. Among them are the establishment of long-term plans and standards for the state's education system and the selection of instructional materials for the state's schools.
Section 7.102c:
(1) The board shall develop and update a long-range plan for public education.
(2) The board may enter into contracts relating to or accept grants for the improvement of educational programs specifically authorized by statute.
(3) The board may accept a gift, donation, or other contribution on behalf of the public school system or agency and, unless otherwise specified by the donor, may use the contribution in the manner the board determines.
(4) The board shall establish curriculum and graduation requirements.
(5) The board shall establish a standard of performance considered satisfactory on student assessment instruments.
(6) The board may create special-purpose school districts under Chapter 11.
(7) The board shall provide for a training course for school district trustees under Section 11.159.
(8) The board shall adopt a procedure to be used for placing on probation or revoking a home-rule school district charter as required by Subchapter B, Chapter 12, and may place on probation or revoke a home-rule school district charter as provided by that subchapter.
(9) The board may grant an open-enrollment charter or approve a charter revision as provided by Subchapter D, Chapter 12.
(10) The board shall adopt rules establishing criteria for certifying hearing examiners as provided by Section 21.252.
(11) The board shall adopt rules to carry out the curriculum required or authorized under Section 28.002.
(12) The board shall establish guidelines for credit by examination under Section 28.023.
(13) The board shall adopt transcript forms and standards for differentiating high school programs for purposes of reporting academic achievement under Section 28.025.
(14) The board shall adopt guidelines for determining financial need for purposes of the Texas Advanced Placement Incentive Program under Subchapter C, Chapter 28, and may approve payments as provided by that subchapter.
(15) The board shall adopt criteria for identifying gifted and talented students and shall develop and update a state plan for the education of gifted and talented students as required under Subchapter D, Chapter 29.
(16) Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 73, Sec. 2.06(a)(1), eff. September 1, 2013.
(17) The board shall adopt rules relating to community education development projects as required under Section 29.257.
(18) The board may approve the plan to be developed and implemented by the commissioner for the coordination of services to children with disabilities as required under Section 30.001.
(19) The board shall establish a date by which each school district and state institution shall provide to the commissioner the necessary information to determine the district's share of the cost of the education of a student enrolled in the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired or the Texas School for the Deaf as required under Section 30.003 and may adopt other rules concerning funding of the education of students enrolled in the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired or the Texas School for the Deaf as authorized under Section 30.003.
(20) The board shall adopt rules prescribing the form and content of information school districts are required to provide concerning programs offered by state institutions as required under Section 30.004.
(21) The board shall adopt rules concerning admission of students to the Texas School for the Deaf as required under Section 30.057.
(22) The board shall carry out powers and duties related to regional day school programs for the deaf as provided under Subchapter D, Chapter 30.
(23) The board shall adopt and purchase or license instructional materials as provided by Chapter 31 and adopt rules required by that chapter.
(24) The board shall develop and update a long-range plan concerning technology in the public school system as required under Section 32.001 and shall adopt rules and policies concerning technology in public schools as provided by Chapter 32.
(25) The board shall conduct feasibility studies related to the telecommunications capabilities of school districts and regional education service centers as provided by Section 32.033.
(26) The board shall appoint a board of directors of the center for educational technology under Section 32.034.
(27) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 4.001(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
(28) The board shall approve a program for testing students for dyslexia and related disorders as provided by Section 38.003.
(29) The board shall perform duties in connection with the public school accountability system as prescribed by Chapter 39.
(30) The board shall perform duties in connection with the Foundation School Program as prescribed by Chapter 42.
(31) The board may invest the permanent school fund within the limits of the authority granted by Section 5, Article VII, Texas Constitution, and Chapter 43.
(32) The board shall adopt rules concerning school district budgets and audits of school district fiscal accounts as required under Subchapter A, Chapter 44.
(33) The board shall adopt an annual report on the status of the guaranteed bond program and may adopt rules as necessary for the administration of the program as provided under Subchapter C, Chapter 45.
(34) The board shall prescribe uniform bid blanks for school districts to use in selecting a depository bank as required under Section 45.206.
Currant Redistricting Data and Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_State_Board_of_Education;
Map: https://dvr.capitol.texas.gov/sboe/0/PLANE2106
Key: (l) = Incumbent. This person currently holds that position.
=Position held by an Incumbent Republican.
Board of Education Members
Member, State Board of Education, District 1 Gustavo Reveles Incumbent
Reveles earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso. His career experience includes working as a report for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the El Paso Times, as a public information officer for the Canutillo Independent School District, and director of community engagement for the El Paso Independent School District.
Director of Communications and Marketing at Canutillo Independent School District
Former Director of Community Engagement at Official El Paso Independent School District
Former Education Reporter at Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Former Journalist at El Paso Times
Studied Journalism at University of Texas at El Paso
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Gustavo_Reveles
Population 1,944,973
Jurisdiction: Atascosa (100%), Bandera (100%), Bexar (21%), Brewster (100%), Crockett (100%), Culberson (100%), Dimmit (100%), Edwards (100%), El Paso (100%), Frio (100%), Hudspeth (100%), Jeff Davis (100%), Kimble (100%), Kinney (100%), La Salle (100%), Maverick (100%), Medina (100%), Menard (100%), Pecos (100%), Presidio (100%), Real (100%), Reeves (100%), Schleicher (100%), Sutton (100%), Terrell (100%), Uvalde (100%), Val Verde (100%), Webb (100%), Zapata (100%), Zavala (100%)
Thomas Ray Garcia Member, State Board of Education, District 2
Education: Bachelors Princeton University, 2016, Graduate, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 2023, Graduate UCLA, 2020 Graduate University of California, Los Angeles, 2020
Profession: He is an educator, author, and entrepreneur from Pharr, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley.
Throughout his 12 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, Thomas has taught in the classroom and spearheaded programs focused on college readiness and family engagement. At age 19, Thomas founded the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program. As of 2025, CSLAP has directly impacted more than 2,000 students. As a high school teacher, Thomas developed and taught lessons on critical writing, college readiness, and service learning. As a college professor, Thomas provides his students the guidance he once needed as a first-generation college student from a single-parent household. Thomas became valedictorian of the PSJA North class of 2012, and he was accepted to Princeton University as a first-generation college student. At age 19, Thomas founded the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program. CSLAP offers courses and services on college readiness, financial aid, and leadership development for high school students. Through CSLAP’s near-peer mentor initiatives, Thomas empowered high school graduates to give back to their schools by providing students support on the college application process. After incorporating CSLAP as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Thomas served as executive director. Under Thomas’ leadership, CSLAP introduced scholarship programs, expanded mentorship initiatives, and launched a five-figure community aid fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Thomas joined the board of directors as chairman. As of 2025, CSLAP has directly impacted more than 2,000 students. As a high school teacher, Thomas developed and taught lessons on critical writing, college readiness, and service learning. Aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), these lesson plans continue to form CSLAP’s curriculum. As a graduate student at UCLA, Thomas taught his own courses in composition, literature, and creative writing. He also participated in UCLA Seminars in Teaching and Excellence, where Thomas researched effective models of teaching community engagement in writing courses. Currently, Thomas is an English professor at South Texas College, where he teaches both dual enrollment high schoolers and adult learners. As a college professor, Thomas provides his students the guidance he once needed as a first-generation college student from a single-parent household Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Princeton University. As an undergraduate, Thomas co-founded the Princeton Hidden Minority Council, a student organization dedicated to supporting first-generation and low-income college students. In 2016, Princeton University awarded Thomas and his fellow co-founders the Martin Luther King Journey Award for their impact on the campus community. While at Princeton, Thomas also wrote blogs for prospective students through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and spearheaded public speaking workshops through the Speak With Style student organization. As a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, he received mentorship on becoming a leader in higher education and advocating for the humanities. Thomas earned his first master’s degree in English from UCLA, where he concentrated in writing pedagogy and composition. Thomas earned his second master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from UTRGV. His coursework focused on student affairs and budgeting finance in higher education. Thomas writes books about South Texas. He is the author of the award-winning book The River Runs: Storiesand co-author of El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor, a historical memoir of the South Texas Chicano Movement. In 2020, Thomas co-authored a children's picture book, Speechless, with Matt Eventoff to encourage children to practice public speaking. All proceeds from Speechless are dedicated to providing children free paperbacks in English or Spanish. Over 5,500 paperbacks of Speechless have been distributed to school districts, nonprofit organizations, and households across the country. In 2024, Thomas co-founded an independent publishing press, Beyond Borders Books, dedicated to publishing authors from border communities.
Population 1,946,220
Jurisdiction: Aransas (100%) Calhoun (100%) Cameron (100%), Hidalgo (94%) Jackson (100%), Kenedy (100%), Kleberg (100%), Matagorda (100%), Nueces (100%), Refugio (100%), San Patricio (100%), Victoria (100%), Wharton (100%), Willacy (100%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 2
Population 1,946,220
Jurisdiction: Aransas (100%) Calhoun (100%) Cameron (100%), Hidalgo (94%) Jackson (100%), Kenedy (100%), Kleberg (100%), Matagorda (100%), Nueces (100%), Refugio (100%), San Patricio (100%), Victoria (100%), Wharton (100%), Willacy (100%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 3 Marisa Perez-Diaz Incumbent
Executive Director Foundation, Eighth-grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher, department chair, pre-service and new-service teacher mentor and professional development educator in the same district for more than a decade. Pérez holds educator certifications in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 8-12 and Generalist certifications for grades 4-8 from the UT at El Paso. She holds degrees in Business Administration/Accounting and Human Resource Development. She is the author of Unity Framework: Critical Literacy Lessons and Women of the Americas: a teatro." Pérez continues her work in curriculum and framework development, educator training, and creating access and equity in public education. She was also elected by her SBOE peers as the only Democrat to serve on the state's Long-Range Plan for Public Education Steering Committee, which helped to establish broad goals for the Texas public school system. Pérez was instrumental in spearheading policy creating a statewide course in Mexican American Studies as well as developing a fast-track for additional ethnic studies courses and making Texas the only state in the nation to offer the course to all high school students. She is recognized for her leadership on Path2Diploma, an initiative which allows school districts to grant high school diplomas to individuals previously denied diplomas due to standardized testing requirements.Pérez is known as passionate advocate for literacy. She has worked with various organizations and businesses to coordinate a book distribution program and founded Tu Libro, which has provided more than 500,000 books to students who live in rural and impoverished communities in El Paso County and who don’t have regular access to a library. Pérez and her team have spearheaded the creation of a library in Socorro, which is the second-largest municipality in El Paso County, providing more than 55,000 area residents with free access to English and Spanish reading materials. Pérez is the founder and president of the Rural School Education Program & Scholarship Foundation for students and families in El Paso's rural communities. Her initiatives include college and career mentorship programs for graduating seniors, awarding scholarships to students, and grant to public classroom teachers. She is the founder of the Texas Student Civic Engagement Project and a YWCA racial justice ambassador.
Population 1935,905
Jurisdiction: Bee (100%), Bexar (79%), Brooks (100%), De Witt (100%), Duval (100%), Goliad (100%), Gonzales (100%), Hidalgo (6%), Jim Hogg (100%), Jim Wells (100%), Karnes (100%), Lavaca (100%), Live Oak (100%), McMullen (100%), Starr (100%), Wilson (100%)
Staci Childs Incumbent Member, State Board of Education, District 4 Attorney, Staci Childs was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and lives in Houston, Texas. Childs earned a degree from Hampton University and a J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Her career experience includes owning a private legal practice and working as an attorney and a language arts teacher. Childs runs the non-profit GirlTalk University.
Population 1,952,470
Jurisdiction: Galveston (4%), Harris (41%)
Abigail Gray for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood-6th Grade Education, LeTourneau University
Master of Education, Curriculum & Instructional Design, University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Public Affairs, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
Profession: Graduate Research Assistant The University of Texas at Austin; Civics curriculum development and support for the State Civics Fair, creating opportunities for students to research issues and publicly present their civic projects. Instructional Coach, Public Charter School, Austin
Curriculum planning, assessment support, and use of data to strengthen instruction and student outcomes. IMRA Reviewer & Writer,SAFAL Partners Review of instructional materials for TEKS alignment and learning quality; reports used by the State Board of Education and Texas school districts.
Teacher & Campus Technology Coach Public Schools, East Texas; Third-grade teaching and support for classroom technology and instructional tools.Gray has also reported on Texas education policy through social media and podcasting.
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: Bastrop (100%), Blanco (100%), Caldwell (100%), Guadalupe (100%), Hays (100%), Travis (100%), Williamson (13%)
Allison Bush for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Education: University of Texas – LBJ School of Public Affairs | Women’s Campaign School, Cohort 6; Stephen F. Austin State University | B.A.A. in Communication & Special Education; Kilgore College | A.A. in Communication & Visual Arts
Profession:
With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and education foundation leader, Allison has worked across Texas to expand opportunities for students and strengthen communities. She has served as PTA President, led nonprofit foundations in Bastrop and Pflugerville ISDs, and helped pass school bond initiatives that keep classrooms strong.
Community Service Projects:
University of Texas WIN Mentor (2025–Present)
100 Women of Pflugerville (2023–Present)
Texas Education Agency – Certified Surrogate Parent (2019–2024)
Board Member – Kaufman ISD Education Foundation (2022–2024)
Board Member – Hays CISD Education Foundation (2019–2025)
Member – Moe & Gene Johnson High School Athletic Booster Club (2019–2023)
Member – Moe & Gene Johnson High School PTA (2019–2023)
Pflugerville ISD PTO President & Mentor (2011–2019)
Board Member – Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce (2014)
Board Member – Mariposa (2015–2017)
Bastrop ISD PTA Council President & Regional PTA President (2009–2011)
President – Texas Association of Partners in Education (2010); Board Member (2006–2011)
Board Member – Bastrop County Child Protective Services (2006–2008)
Member – St. David’s North Austin Medical Center Ethics Committee (2012–2020)
Women’s Leadership Programs: Leadership Texas (2010); Power Pipeline (2007–2010)
Education Intitiatives and Program Development:
Career Readiness Curriculum – Designed program adopted by American YouthWorks.
Grant Reform in Pflugerville ISD – Created system aligning teacher grant proposals with accountability goals, increasing applications from 32 to 231 and generating ~$500 thousand in funding.
Helping Hands Mentor Program (Bastrop ISD) – Founded program, authored curriculum and policy; still active today.
Texas Foundation for Education Network –and statewide conference presenter for six years.
Staff Development Funding – Secured multi-year grants to fund staff at Texas Association of Partners in Education.
Secured multi-year grant funding for Bastrop ISD’s College and Career Readiness Program, resulting in a 70% increase in students applying to and enrolling in college or trade schools after graduation.
Organized County-Wide College Night (Bastrop ISD) with 2,500+ attendees.
Launched Back to School Bash (Bastrop ISD), drawing 3,000+ community members.
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: Bastrop (100%), Blanco (100%), Caldwell (100%), Guadalupe (100%), Hays (100%), Travis (100%), Williamson (13%)
Kevin Jackson for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Kevin has a deep commitment to public education. He is experienced serving low-income, underserved, and underrepresented students. He is a minority educator with Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous ancestry
Education:
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Master of Education (Special Education), University of North Texas
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Master of Public Affairs, UT San Antonio
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B.A., Government, University of Texas at Austin
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Texas Education Agency Certifications
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Educational Diagnostician (EC–12)
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Special Education Teacher (EC–12)
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Social Studies Teacher (7–12)
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ESL Generalist (EC–6)
Profession: Educational Diagnostician, Del Valle ISD
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Special Education & Social Studies Teacher — Round Rock ISD
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Middle-School Social-Studies Teacher — Austin ISD
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Elementary ELA & Reading Teacher — Judson ISD
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Student Success Specialist — P16Plus, Bexar County
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Graduate Assistant — McNair Scholars Program, UTSA
He has been affiliated with the following organizations:
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Board Member — Black Austin Democrats
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Former Vice-President — Bexar County Young Democrats
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Former Precinct Chair — Travis County Democratic Party
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TSTA Regional Vice-President (Bexar County)
Source: https://kevinfortx.com/
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: Bastrop (100%), Blanco (100%), Caldwell (100%), Guadalupe (100%), Hays (100%), Travis (100%), Williamson (13%)
Neto Longoria for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Education:Bachelor's Degree in business administration from the University of Texas in 2015 and a Master's Degree in public affairs from the University of Texas in 2025.
Profession: His career experience includes working as a canvasser, parent support specialist, and special education teacher. He has been affiliated with the Martin Middle School PTA
Former Bilingual Special Education Teacher at Wooten Elementary School
Former Special Education Teacher at Eagle Pass High School
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Neto_Longoria
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: Bastrop (100%), Blanco (100%), Caldwell (100%), Guadalupe (100%), Hays (100%), Travis (100%), Williamson (13%)
Stephanie Limon Bazan for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Education: B.A. in English from St. Edward's University in 2002 and an M.A. in creative writing from the University of Leeds in 2005
Profession: Stephanie Bazan is an award-winning leader, mom, community advocate, philanthropist, and public speaker with a long-standing career in communications. Stephanie is a visionary leader and current Executive Director at Generation SERVE in Austin. Her career experience includes working as a communications consultant, communications officer, marketing director, adjunct professor, and graphic designer. She has also served as the executive director at Generation SERVE, a nonprofit. Bazan has been affiliated with the following organizations:
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Integral Care
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The Junior League of Austin
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City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board
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Explore Austin
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Austin Community Foundation Hispanic Impact Fund
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Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas
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LBJ Future Forum
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Stephanie_Bazan, https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebazan/
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: All 100% except Williamson—Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Hays, Travis counties, and parts of Williamson county (13%).
Victor Sampson for Member, State Board of Education, District 5
Education: bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Washington in 1997, a master's degree in education from Seattle University in 1999, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University in 2007.
Profession: Sampson's career experience includes serving as the Chief Innovation Officer for Argument-Driven Inquiry, an associate professor of STEM education, and a science teacher.
I’m an educator, researcher, and curriculum leader with more than 20 years of experience improving teaching and learning in public schools. I began my career as a high school science teacher, where I saw firsthand how policy decisions shape classrooms. Since then, I’ve worked as a Professor of STEM Education at The University of Texas at Austin, led large-scale research and curriculum initiatives, and partnered with teachers and districts across Texas and the country. My research focuses on helping students learn how to think, investigate, and solve problems—not just memorize information. I’ve helped design curriculum, professional learning, and instructional tools used by educators nationwide. I believe deeply in public education, local communities, and the power of teachers and students. I’m running to ensure that education decisions in Texas are made by people who understand learning—and who believe in what our public schools can become.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Victor_Sampson, https://www.victorsampson.org/meet-victor
Population 1,936,424
Jurisdiction: Bastrop (100%), Blanco (100%), Caldwell (100%), Guadalupe (100%), Hays (100%), Travis (100%), Williamson (13%)
Michelle Palmer for Member, State Board of Education, District 6
Education:Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston
Profession:Career experience includes working as a teacher and a manager in retail. Palmer has been associated with the Houston Federation of Teachers, the Southwest Democrats, and the West Houston Democrats
I have been a teacher since 2009 and have taught Mathematics, ELA, and Social Studies. I am very familiar with much of the core curriculum in Texas and will work to make certain that it is based on scientific and historical facts. I am also actively involved in canvassing and helping my neighbors learn about the issues facing our community as well as registering people to vote at my school and civic and community events. I am currently working on my Master's in American History and Government to better help my students understand how this country was built and how our government functions.
Source: https://ballotpedia.org/Michelle_Palmer: https://palmerfortexased.com/about
Population 1,942,263
Jurisdiction: Harris (32%), Montgomery (72%)
Adam Khan for Member, State Board of Education, District 7
Education:
Wayne State UniversityWayne State University
Texas Southern UniversityTexas Southern University
University of St. Thomas (TX)University of St. Thomas (TX)
Masters, EducationMasters, EducationJul 2006 - May 2007Jul 2006 - May 2007
Texas Southern UniversityTexas Southern University
Profession:
Currently serve as a special educator for Lamar CISD in Rosenberg Served over a decade in the greater Houston area for public and private elementary, middle and high schools
Former high school Principal
Taught Texas history, special education inclusion & resource classes, all while coaching freshman boys' basketball, soccer and baseball.
Title 1 Coordinator for over 3 years & Behavioral and ESL Specialist for 1 year each
Corporate trainer & education consultant
Currently serving the 3rd year as VP for Home Owner Association in Fort Bend County neighborhood-single-handedly turned around finances within one year (providing the same quality control, while not hiking annual dues)
Board President of Isaac Ministry- a Texas non-profit
Director of Green Evolution LLC- a for profit holdings company with a small real estate portfolio
Served Fort Bend County L.I.D. #6 as Board of Directors' Assistant VP, after being appointed by Commissioner Dexter McCoy
Source: https://dradamkhantexasd7.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradamkhan/details/education/
Population 1,942,256
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (100%), Chambers (100%), Fort Bend (76%), Galveston (94%), Hardin (100%), Harris (0%), Jasper (100%), Jefferson (100%), Liberty (100%), Newton (100%), Orange, (100%) Tyler (100%)
Ben Estrada for Member, State Board of Education, District 7
Ben is a lifelong Texan, a dedicated technology educator, and a proud cat enthusiast. He is running for the Texas State Board of Education to push back against the right-wing extremism that has taken hold of our curriculum. Ben is committed to restoring integrity to our schools and making education fair, unbiased, and accessible for all Texans.
Population 1,942,256
Source: https://www.benestrada.com/
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (100%), Chambers (100%), Fort Bend (76%), Galveston (94%), Hardin (100%), Harris (0%), Jasper (100%), Jefferson (100%), Liberty (100%), Newton (100%), Orange, (100%) Tyler (100%)
Debra Drake Ambroise for Member, State Board of Education, District 7
Education: Lamar University Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS, Mid Management Associate of Arts and Sciences
Profession: Port Arthur ISD Board Trustee Texas Association of School Boards Master Trustee Retired Planner City of Port Arthur
Population 1,942,256
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (100%), Chambers (100%), Fort Bend (76%), Galveston (94%), Hardin (100%), Harris (0%), Jasper (100%), Jefferson (100%), Liberty (100%), Newton (100%), Orange, (100%) Tyler (100%)
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Janell Burse for Member, State Board of Education, District 7
Population 1,942,256
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (100%), Chambers (100%), Fort Bend (76%), Galveston (94%), Hardin (100%), Harris (0%), Jasper (100%), Jefferson (100%), Liberty (100%), Newton (100%), Orange, (100%) Tyler (100%)
Tiffany Perkinz for Member, State Board of Education, District 7
Education: Master’s degree in English
Profession: Tiffany Perkinz is a mother of six, a dedicated educator, and a passionate advocate for academic freedom.She currently owns and operates a tutoring and teaching business, working with students from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and academic needs. From struggling readers to advanced learners, Tiffany meets students where they are and helps them grow.
Population 1,942,256
Jurisdiction: Brazoria (100%), Chambers (100%), Fort Bend (76%), Galveston (94%), Hardin (100%), Harris (0%), Jasper (100%), Jefferson (100%), Liberty (100%), Newton (100%), Orange, (100%) Tyler (100%)
Shahzeb Maghani for Member, State Board of Education, District 8
Education:
Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology Texas A&M University
Full Stack Web Development, Computer Science at Hack Reactor
Master of Business Administration, MBA - Management Information Systems, University of Houston - Clear Lake
Profession: Sr. Applications Analyst at Memorial Hermann; Software Engineer HL7 Interface engineer with 5+ years of experience with building and maintaining Cerner and Cloverleaf interfaces. Familiar with FHIR and have implemented a few applications that integrate with Cerner's Millenium EMR as well as standalone applications outside of the EMR.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahzebmeghani/
Population 1.936,505
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (24%), Galveston (3%), Grimes (100%), Harris (27%), Houston (100%), 22,066 Montgomery (28%), Polk (100%), San Jacinto (100%), Trinity (100%), Walker (100%), Waller (100%)
Dana Van De Walker for Member, State Board of Education, District 8
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Politics and Government, Illinois State University
Master's Degree, Politics and Government, Illinois State University
Doctor of Education - EdD, Higher Education Administration, Sam Houston State University
Independent Coursework, University of the Cumberlands
Independent Coursework, Louisiana State University
Profession: International Student Recruiter and Special Programs Coordinator at Sam Houston State University; Director of Honors and International Education at Lone Star College
Population 1.936,505
Jurisdiction: Fort Bend (24%), Galveston (3%), Grimes (100%), Harris (27%), Houston (100%), 22,066 Montgomery (28%), Polk (100%), San Jacinto (100%), Trinity (100%), Walker (100%), Waller (100%)
Ericka Ledferd for Member, State Board of Education, District 9
Education: Ericka holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Science Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master's degree in Spanish Literature.
Profession:
Ericka Ledferd has over 15 years of board experience with community organizations across a variety of entities, including community planning and public education. Her work impact followed 20 years in education, and youth empowerment with East Texas A&M, TRIO Programs, Baptist Immigration Center of McKinney, Baptist Immigration Center of Plano, Light of Hope Immigration Law Center, Upward Bound, the UB Summer/TRIO Program in the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University, and 12 years at Royse City ISD where she taught on level and dual credit classes, and was the head RCHS ESL testing coordinator and ESL director.
Source: https://www.ledferd4texas.com
Population 1.947,153
Jurisdiction: Angelina (100%), Camp (100%), Cass (100%), Cherokee (100%), Dallas (26%), Franklin (100%), Gregg (100%), Harrison (100%), Kaufman (100%), Marion (100%), Morris (100%), Nacogdoches (100%), Panola (100%), Rains (100%), Rockwall (100%), Rusk (100%), Sabine (100%), San Augustine (100%), Shelby (100%), Smith (100%),Titus (100%), Upshur (100%), Van Zandt (100%), Wood (100%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 10
Population 1,937,699
Jurisdiction: Anderson (100%), Austin (100%), Bell (100%), Brazos (100%), Burleson (100%), Burnet (100%), Colorado (100%), Comal (100%), Falls (100%), Fayette (100%), Freestone (100%), Gillespie (100%), Henderson (100%), Kendall (100%), Kerr (100%), Lampasas (100%), Lee (100%), Leon (100%), Limestone (100%), Llano (100%), Madison (100%), Mason (100%), Milam (100%), Robertson (100%), San Saba (100%), Washington (100%), Williamson (87%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 11
Population 1,946,851
Jurisdiction: Dallas (5%), Hood (100%), Johnson (52%), Parker (100%), Somervell (100%), Tarrant (71%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 12
Population: 1,951,032
Jurisdiction: Bowie (100%), Collin (100%), Cooke (100%), Dallas (12%), Delta (100%), Denton (7%), Fannin (100%), Grayson (100%), Hopkins (100%), Hunt (100%), Lamar (100%), Red River (100%)
Dr. Tiffany Clark Incumbent Member, State Board of Education, District 13
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, she holds a Masters in community & school counseling from University of North Texas, and has a Doctoral degree from Abilene Christian University, where she focused on conflict resolution.
Profession:
Clark's career experience includes working as an adjunct professor, small business owner, independent beauty consultant, co-founder, and high school counselor.
DeSoto ISD School Board Trustee Place 4
Profile · Digital creator
Owner/Manager/CEO at Akkomplished Experience
Former School counselor at Waxahachie High School
Former School counselor at Waco High School
Former Science Teacher at DeSoto West Middle School
Tiffany co-founded Project E.D.G.E (Excelling Dreams and Goals) in 2012 at DeSoto High School, a career services event that connects high school students with successful community leaders in a variety of career fields. The successful program linked over 500 students with opportunities for higher education and success outside the walls of the classroom. Project EDGE was hailed as a model community partnership when DeSoto ISD received the college readiness “GEAR UP!” grant from the Department of Education – resulting in over $7 million dollars for DeSoto students.
In 2017, Tiffany became the youngest woman ever elected to the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees at the time. As a member of the DeSoto Independent School board, The 6 years she spent on the board she focused on Academics, Accountability and Achievements for all students in DeSoto ISD to empower her community. She’s been an activist, advocate and agent of change through implementing a community service policy and enacting an attendance policy to ensure that we get our fair share from Austin. She’s implemented staff mental health days and added African-American and Mexican American studies to our curriculum. Trustee Clark has created policies revamping the student dress code policy. She also developed a reputation as a “thought leader” on School Safety, including a headlining town hall in 2018 with state-Senator Royce West. In 2019, Tiffany was named a Dallas Business Journal ‘40 under 40’ honoree – recognizing her trailblazing leadership potential in Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond. In 2020, Tiffany was selected to participate in the Leadership TASB program which is a yearlong educational leadership journey. In 2021, she was a recipient of the inaugural class of Texas Coalition of Black Democrats 40 under 40 Elected Officials and Community Leaders. In 2022, she received two distinguished awards. The first one was from the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, as their Community Woman of the Year for 2021. She was also inducted into the DeSoto High School Hall of Honor, 2022. Tiffany also runs a non-profit leadership development program in partnership with Christie Brown entitled Elevating Dreams by H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Education Adolescents through Relationship Time and Support). The program mission is to educate teen girls to exhibit self-awareness, to be effective leaders and to display a sense of compassion and empathy to fellow citizens. She also has three published books and loves baking. Tiffany was a school counselor for 10 years serving both the middle and high school level. Tiffany, has also served as an adjunct professor at University of North Texas at Dallas, where she teaches future educators. Currently, Tiffany works in the nonprofit sector, as a school relationship manager. She is an active member of Friendship West Baptist Church and is “pretty engaged” as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Source: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-board-members/sboe-member-district-13
Population 1,945,502
Jurisdiction: Dallas (51%), Tarrant (29%)
Dr. Kimberly Boswell for Member, State Board of Education, District 13
Education: Kimberly Boswell earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1996 and a master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2006. She went on to earn both a master's degree and a Ph.D in public policy from Walden University.
Profession: Boswell's career experience includes working across the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Texas public schools and serving as an elementary school principal.Leadership Development • Strategic Planning • Change Management • Project Management • Technical Writing • Program Management • Training • Educational Consulting • Editing
With a robust background in educational leadership, my recent roles as an Educational Consultant at Expert Institute and Contributing Faculty Supervisor at Walden University have centered on enhancing teacher training and educational policy. At the core of my mission is a dedication to fostering leadership development and enriching academic environments. Our team's strategic planning and system implementations have bolstered program effectiveness and community partnerships. My expertise in policy analysis has been pivotal in evaluating educational systems, ensuring they support and uplift schools requiring the most aid.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klseymore/
Population 1,945,502
Jurisdiction: Dallas (51%), Tarrant (29%)
Amy Taylor for Member, State Board of Education, District 14
Education:
Profession: A dedicated teacher with 15 years of experience in public school education.
I understand the vital role strong public schools play. Our schools can serve as the engine of excellence, driving students and their families towards achieving the American Dream. However, this can only be realized when we remove politics from educational decisions, embrace the value of every student, and commit to providing a comprehensive educational experience that ensures all children have access to opportunities.
Source: https://amytaylortexas.com
Population 1,937,339
Jurisdiction: Bosque (100%), Clay (100%), Comanche (100%), Coryell (100%), Dallas (6%), Denton (93%), Eastland (100%), Ellis (100%), Erath (100%), Hamilton (100%), Hill (100%), Jack (100%), Johnson (48%), McLennan (100%), Mills (100%), Montague (100%), Navarro (100%), Palo Pinto (100%), Wise (100%)
Member, State Board of Education, District 15
Population 1,942,913
Jurisdiction: Andrews (100%), Archer (100%), Armstrong (100%), Bailey (100%), Baylor (100%), Borden (100%), Briscoe (100%), Brown (100%), Callahan (100%), Carson (100%), Castro (100%), Childress (100%), Cochran (100%), Coke (100%), Coleman (100%), Collingsworth (100%), Concho (100%), Cottle (100%), Crane (100%), Crosby (100%), Dallam (100%), Dawson (100%), Deaf Smith (100%), Dickens (100%), Donley (100%), Ector (100%), Fisher (100%), Floyd (100%), Foard (100%), Gaines (100%), Garza (100%), Glasscock (100%), Gray (100%), Hale (100%), Hall (100%), Hansford (100%), Hardeman (100%), Hartley (100%), Haskell (100%), Hemphill (100%), Hockley (100%), Howard (100%), Hutchinson (100%), Irion (100%), Jones (100%), Kent (100%), King (100%), Knox (100%), Lamb (100%), Lipscomb (100%), Loving (100%), Lubbock (100%), Lynn (100%), Martin (100%), McCulloch (100%), Midland (100%), Mitchell (100%), Moore (100%), Motley (100%), Nolan (100%), Ochiltree (100%), Oldham (100%), Parmer (100%), Potter (100%), Randall (100%), Reagan (100%), Roberts (100%), Runnels (100%), Scurry (100%), Shackelford (100%), Sherman (100%), Stephens (100%), Sterling (100%), Stonewall (100%), Swisher (100%), Taylor (100%), Terry (100%), Throckmorton (100%), Tom Green (100%), Upton (100%), Ward (100%), Wheeler (100%), Wichita (100%), Wilbarger (100%), Winkler (100%), Yoakum (100%), Young (100%)