U.S. Congressional District 30 Candidates in the Democratic Primary March 1
Vonciel Jones Hill
Age: 73
Campaign website: www.voncielforcongress.org
Best way for voters to reach you: Email - voncieljoneshill@gmail.com
Occupation: Attorney & Minister
Education: B.A. - History & English; M.L.S. - Library Science; M.A. - History; J.D. - Law; M.Div. - theology
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): I ran for, and was elected to, the Dallas City Council. I served between 2007 and 2015 (the maximum allowable).
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I was arrested in Atlanta, GA in the early ‘70’s. All charges were nullified and no prosecution occurred.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Alberta Mayberry; Gleniece Robinson; Ruth Criner
Why are you seeking this office? I want to use my God-given gifts and graces to serve my community.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? Equitable employment; educational opportunity; and, health care needs.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? The three issues stated in the immediately preceding question.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I am an experienced, seasoned law and policy maker, with a solid track record of achievement. As an eight-year Councilmember, I secured resources for the people of my District. I also participated in law-making in every area relevant to a Home Rule City - including budgeting. I worked cooperatively with elected officials who did not share my political philosophy. Additionally, I have a strong record of involvement in the community.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? Create, and encourage the creation of, well paying jobs and adjust interest rates.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? I believe that the government has already stepped up by providing free in-home test kits and free N95 masks.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? Yes.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it?: I support a sensible path to citizenship. I also support DREAMERS.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Yes.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? The John Lewis Act and the For The People Act.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why?: The package is well crafted as currently drafted. The level of spending should be moderate to high.
Jasmine Crockett
Age: 40
Campaign website: www.jasmineforus.com
Best way for voters to reach you: By email at info@jasmineforus.com or on social media @JasmineForUS on all platforms.
Occupation: State Representative/Civil Rights Attorney
Education: BA in Business Administration from Rhodes College, JD from University of Houston Law Center
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): State Representative HD 100 - 2020, Bowie County Democratic Party Chair - 2010, Bowie County District Attorney - 2010
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I have been involved in criminal proceedings as a public defender and criminal defense attorney, outside of my law practice I have not been involved in any criminal proceedings.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: I absolutely have been involved in civil lawsuits because I am a practicing attorney. I’ve not been involved in any civil lawsuits outside of my law practice and I’ve never declared bankruptcy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Eddie Bernice Johnson’s Leadership PAC, Dr. Karla Jurvetson, & Attorney Anthony and Dr. Jennifer Farmer
Why are you seeking this office? I am running to amplify the people’s voice and take our fight to the next level. I’m running to safeguard and expand access to the ballot, and to fight for an economy where everyone has equal access to educational, housing and economic opportunities. I am running because we are at a critical time in our nation’s trajectory. The clock is ticking on climate action, people are dying at unprecedented rates due to the pandemic, and the time is now to elect a fighter with a proven track record to this seat. I’m running because we need an organizing force in Congress who will mobilize and engage people on the ground, bring accessibility to the process and accountability to the office – just as I have done in the Texas House. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has been a powerhouse and trailblazer in public office and has served our state and nation for the last 50 years, and she believes I am the person with the work ethic, integrity, and tenacity to be a strong voice for this district.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? The top challenges in our district are inextricably intertwined. Our constituents are concerned about voting rights, jobs, educational and economic opportunity, investments in our community and access to healthcare. I plan to continue the charge for voting rights as it is the foundation of all other rights we seek to preserve. While the Senate stalls comprehensive reforms, I would move to advance piecemeal legislation so that we can get some protections on the books for states like Texas. As an attorney who practices in federal courts, I would work to improve our criminal justice system from one that is ineffective and fiscally irresponsible into one that is smart and rehabilitative. I will focus on making sure that investment and opportunity is accessible to all in my district. I will also work to secure funds for major projects in our district including Fair Park, affordable housing, and infrastructure.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Voting rights, criminal justice reform, educational and economic opportunity for all
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I am the only candidate who represents almost 200,000 Texans and has a current track record of legislating while in the minority. TX-30 has been given a glimpse of the type of leader that I am and the work that I’ve done. My advocacy on the house floor and beyond has been covered on the local and national stages. My legislative voting record speaks for itself and has always been one where people have been put first. I have been named Freshman of the Year by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Dallas Observer, and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. I have also been named #28 on The Root 100 list of most influential African Americans in 2021. I’m the only one in this race who has an elected official, has advocated to members of Congress to pass voting rights legislation. I am also currently involved in litigation regarding the unfairly newly drawn maps. The biggest difference between my opponents and I is that you don’t have to trust what I say, you can see what I’ve done.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? The inflation is an effect of the pandemic, which is a public health crisis as well as an economic crisis. When people began to quarantine spending habits changed, demand was low as people faced economic uncertainty, and the supply chain was strained. The lack of coordinated leadership has exacerbated the effects of the pandemic. Congress must be laser focused on ending the pandemic and strengthening the supply chain. Federal relief funds and vaccine rollouts got millions of people back to work and demand surged faster than supply could keep up, rattling the supply chain. We must use our full resources to address this issue. The Bipartisan Infrastructure plan will reduce strains on the supply chain and create new pathways for freight goods, but that takes time. I am also open to proposals to use military infrastructure and the national guard to meet needs so that American producers are not wasting precious resources.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? I support continuing to provide access for free rapid testing and at-home test kits available to everyone. I believe the moratorium on evictions and student debt payments should continue for at least one year following the end of the pandemic so people can try to financially recover. I also support increasing funding for COVID-19 research now so we can best understand how to put this pandemic behind us, open our businesses back up, and put kids back in school safely. We must go back to being global leaders in medicine as we were under the Obama Administration. Congress must act immediately to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of this communicable disease as well as ways to prevent and protect ourselves from the spread. Laying this foundation now will combat disinformation early and before people lose their lives to harmful treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. The pandemic highlights our most urgent need for universal healthcare access now.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? Yes. We have a responsibility to protect the general welfare of the people. Right now we face an invisible and constantly changing enemy in COVID-19. Our response must be unified, strong, and globally coordinated to eradicate COVID. While it is a difficult balance, we need as many people participating as possible to finally get our lives back on track. A universal mask and vaccine mandate is our best defense as COVID has no regard for private or public, socio-economic status, nor borders. I do not support states being able to override federal mandates. We all have a role in ending this pandemic.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it? We must create a real pathway for citizenship that protects DREAMers, those with TPS, and allows those currently undocumented to acquire legal status and a pathway to citizenship. Our immigration system needs to be one of compassion and efficiency not discrimination and delay. The goal of our immigration system should be to screen for credible threats to national security. When people come to our borders seeking asylum, they present themselves at a port of entry and are oftentimes arrested for actually following the law. I would promote safeguards for asylum seekers to ensure their human rights are not violated and their liberty is not unjustly deprived as they flee something unthinkable back home so that the harrowing journey to our shores seems more appealing.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Yes, and it has been repeatedly proven.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? You know me best for fighting for voting rights and being a force within my own party to push this fight to the forefront. We must reinstate preclearance as well as pass federal legislation that sets a uniform floor for the voting rights all Americans should have in this day and age. This includes online and same day voter registration, if not automatic voter registration that changes our current process from an opt-in to an opt-out. This includes extending voter ID laws to include student IDs and other government issued photo identification. This means allowing anyone to vote-by-mail without an excuse, and prohibiting voter roll purges. I support reinstituting preclearance with an updated formula. I also support Senator Ossoff’s proposal that in lieu of preclearance, states seeking to change their voting laws must themselves explain to the DOJ why these changes are necessary and do not constitute voter suppression.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why? Build Back Better focuses on education, economic recovery, healthcare, housing, and the environment — the basic pillars society needs to thrive. A huge reason many folks can’t go to work is the burdening cost of childcare, and we know Texas is behind when it comes to education. BBB connects the dots on these issues by funding universal pre-k, which gives children a head start on developmental and social skills, and allows us to identify learning disorders and deliver support services earlier. Universal pre-k also serves as a form of childcare that allows parents to get back to work and keep more of their money in their wallets. I would like to see the earned child tax credit continued under this bill. As well as financial aid and wrap-around services for higher education students, preparing the vibrant leaders and skilled workforce of tomorrow. Along with a cap on lifesaving insulin, provides coverage solutions for those unemployed, and offers 12 months of postpartum medicaid.
Keisha Williams-Lankford
Age: 50
Campaign website: Lankford4Congress.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Website
Occupation: Business owner
Education: Doctorate Degree
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Yes. Cedar Hill ISD Trustee. 3 years.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Billie Ballangee, Royce West, Todd Bailey
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking this office to facilitate change in our community to address our dire circumstances which include homelessness, family medical leave, voting rights, and jobs.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? Homelessness and lack of job opportunities
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Passage of Build Back Better; John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and Medicare Expansion.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Voters should choose me because we are, as a community, “sick and tired of being sick and tired”, as Fannie Lou Hamer stated, of empty promises from politicians who have absolutely no intentions of keeping said promises to make us healthier, cleaner, and more vibrant.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? Congress should consider a more determined pathway for citizenship for immigrants to subsidize the work shortages. Having retiree-to-worker ratio diminished would greatly combat inflation without gouging the economy.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? The government should supply more testing for those who desire one so they can enforce their Covid policy.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? Yes.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it?: The government should ease stringent regulations to make it easier for immigrants to become citizens. This will ease our inflation issues. There no changes need to the asylum policy currently in place.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Yes.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? The John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why? I would support the entire Build Back Better legislation. Funding that provides training for police officers and mental health professionals to collaborate should be Incorporated within the bill because our District 30 has too may senseless incidents concerning overzealous reactions to our residents who suffer from mental illness.
Roy Williams Jr.
Age: 53
Campaign website: N/A
Best way for voters to reach you: RoyWilliamsJrForCongress@gmail.com
Occupation: Retired (Law Enforcement)
Education: Master of Science in Organizational Leadership; Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Dallas County Constable 2011-2018; Dallas County Sheriff 2008, 2018, 2020
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes, in my official capacity. I have been named in a number of lawsuits due to my formally elected position as Constable of Precinct 4. They are generally focused on evictions or some other civil proceeding; nothing for unethical or questionable conduct or actions. I have never declared personal or professional bankruptcy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you seeking this office? I am a collaborative, moderate Democrat with a history of having a good rapport with elected officials on the other side of the aisle founded upon my 30+ years of law enforcement experience. I was successful in leading an agency as Constable of Precinct 4, the vast majority of which is in District 30. The next congressperson elected to District 30 should be someone with a history of leading and collaborating during these challenging and changing times; someone that has an innate ability to bridge the gap and unify parties. A person with the proper temperament and experience is needed to connect the partisan divide that has been created.
My platform includes promoting minority economic development, protecting our right to vote, cancelling student debt, addressing mental issues in law enforcement, eliminating sex and labor trafficking, climate change, and extending veteran benefits. Nationally, reforming the filibuster and expanding the Supreme Court are of particular interest.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? Coronavirus continues to be the biggest challenge we face in District 30. I will continue to promote public health and ensure there are multiple avenues for constituents to get vaccinated, including funding and dispatching mobile units for those that are homebound. Masks will also be made available for distribution for those unable to purchase one.Other challenges include economic development (more grocery stores are needed in certain neighborhoods), the extension of veteran benefits, infrastructure, the cancellation of student debt, and human trafficking.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Voting Rights Act, Coronavirus, and Climate Change.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Electability/experience/leadership – I was voted Dallas County Democratic Party Elected Official of the Year in 2015. I was elected twice to serve as Constable of Precinct 4 and was unopposed for a third term before choosing to run for a countywide office. District 30 constituents know me and know my work. I earned the support of elected officials and community leaders and pioneers. As a moderate Democrat. I recognize the need to get past partisan politics. District 30 needs a congressperson interested in seeking common ground to move our country forward.
Education - I have a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, recognized as an Academic Scholar, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Management, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Lifelong resident - District 30 has always been home. I was born and raised in Oak Cliff. My family has resided in South Grand Prairie for the past 14 years. I know District 30 and the challenges we face.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? After extensive research, the following are avenues that could be explored to combat inflation: clear the supply chain, address worker shortage by expanding immigration, address the spike in energy prices, repeal/ease tariff’s put in place by Donald Trump, petition the private sector to get engaged, pass President Biden’s agenda, allow Medicare reimbursement rates to fall, drive domestic production, and continue the fight to end the pandemic.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? The current policy is sufficient and effective. Vaccinations, masks, washing hands, and social distancing have proven to be the most effective method to combating COVID. We simply need to stay the course and adhere to the science.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? Vaccine mandates, quarantines, and other measures intended to slow the spread of disease and ensure public safety have been a part of U. S. history since the days of George Washington. During this time, he commanded that his troops be inoculated against smallpox in 1777. Additionally, he ordered a strict quarantine of the affected troops and any civilians showing signs of the disease. Since that time, encompassing nearly two and a half centuries, government authorities at the federal, state, and local levels have enacted numerous laws and regulations designed to protect the public from dangerous diseases, with the courts siding with the governmental authorities when these laws have been challenged, asserting that while the Constitution prioritized individual freedom, that freedom does not allow citizens to endanger colleagues, friends, and other members of society.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it? The Biden Administration released a proposal that identified subsequent steps that would secure the border, reasonably and competently consider asylum claims, fortify regional migration management efforts in North and Central America, and focus on the root causes of migration from Central America.
Congress should pass through reconciliation or other means:
• The U.S. Citizenship Act (H.R. 1177/S. 348) that reunites families, gives businesses access to a workforce with full labor rights, and creates a path to citizenship for those already living and working in the United States.
• The Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) and Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603) to create a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and farmworkers. Both bills passed the House with bipartisan support.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Absolutely, without a doubt. If you are going to call into question the Presidential election, you must do the same for the entire ballot of candidates. No one has done so.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? Federal preclearance reviews should be reinstated as they existed under the VRA. Although Senate Democrats failed to overcome a Republican filibuster of the Freedom to Vote Act (a serious setback in protecting the right to vote in our democracy), Congress needs to seek common ground and get this done. My recommendations would include:
• Removing barriers to voter registration. I would like to see automatic voter registration via DMV and the restoration of voting rights for felons who have served their time.
• Make voting as easy as possible. Additional options should be introduced. This would include optional voting by mail for all eligible voters, free postage to do so, drop boxes, and making Election Day a holiday. Every registered voter should receive a ballot in the mail for every election.
• Protect the vote certification process from partisan meddling. This would include clearly defining and limiting the powers of officials involved in certification.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why? Although the $1.75 trillion bill stalled last month, I would stand with other Democrats and support the current legislation. Seeing as if this is likely not possible, I would support breaking up the current version of the bill to pass parts of the legislation in an effort to give Americans a much-needed assist. This includes the climate policy and social programs.
Included in the bill passed by the House was expanded Medicare to cover hearing aids, boosted coverage for low-income Americans via Medicaid, subsidies for child-care, universal pre-K, and a one-year extension of a tax credit of up to $300 per child.
As for the climate policy, it has largely been debated and financed. Thus, it would serve as a genesis for adding other provisions that support working families.
Barbara Mallory Caraway
Age: 65
Campaign website: BarbaraMalloryCarawayforCongress.org
Best way for voters to reach you: carawayforcongress1@gmail.com
Occupation: Small Business Owner/Consultant
Education: BA - Texas Souther University, Nationally Certified Mediator- 2021
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): Yes. U. S. House -District 30 2012-2020, Served Texas House - 2007-2013, Served Dallas City Council 1993-2001
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: I consider all contributors top donors.
Why are you seeking this office?: To be a voice for residents of District 30. To introduce legislation that would create quality educational opportunities, build safe neighborhoods, and to address crime and Criminal Justice Reform. Work to decrease the poverty level of District 30 residents.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?: Poverty, including un-employment and under-employment. Education - Need quality education and funding for small businesses.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?: An economy that includes a green jobs initiative to combat climate change. Education, Crime and Gun Violence.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?: My experience as a Texas Legislator and Dallas City Council affords me the necessary tools to hit the ground running in Congress. I am aligned with the neighborhoods and communities and understand the challenges we face. I have shown my dedication and commitment to serving in the position my consistently running for this office.
What should Congress do to combat inflation?: Institute fair tax policies, increase the minimum wage.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak?: The Federal Government continues to rely on science to dictate its policy on omicron and other viral threats. I support this approach.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces?: In the case of global pandemics like Covid, the Federal Government, through the CDC, should coordinate local, state and regional responses. As part of this coordination, states, businesses, and public sectors should have the freedom to mandate policies that address the degree of threat in their area. State legislatures should be prevented from interfering with city and county health department mandates. Mandates are important tools to ensure that people will join in protecting each other from spread. States should continue to be subject to federal mandates.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it?: The Federal Government should make the process more efficient by setting expedited hearings. Don’t separate families. I support the Biden’s proposed rule that allows U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum officers to adjudicate claims instead of immigration court judges.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly?: All evidence including audits, re-counts and litigation says that Joe Biden won the 2020 Election. I believe Joe Biden won the 2020 Election legally and fairly.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support?: The John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why?: I would support legislation before the Senate now, The Build Back Better Plan. This includes prescription drug cost reduction legislation, children’s health services and childcare support, and pandemic funding. I would support legislation that provides free preventative health measures like funding for exercise expenses, free checkups, money for cancer research and nutrition education. I support universal health care insurance. If the BBBP fails, I would work to pass a separate prescription drug bill to negotiate drug prices for Social Security patients and make drug prices in the U.S. more competitive with other countries. I would make prescription drug purchases online for all prescribed drugs.
Jessica Mason
Age: 29
Campaign website: https://www.jessicamasonforcongress.com/
Best way for voters to reach you: contact@jessicamasonforcongress.com
Occupation:Affordable Housing Administrator (Non-Profit)
Education: E.B Comstock Middle School; Skyline High School; Grambling State University; El Centro Community College; Regent University; Bachelor’s degree– Political Science and Government; Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Public Administration - Public Policy Analysis, Budgeting & Financial Management
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): N/A
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: VoteVets – an organization dedicated to electing more Veterans to Congress. Barrier to Entry PAC – an organization dedicated to electing working class people to Congress. Honor Bound – an organization dedicated to electing female Veterans to Congress.
Why are you seeking this office?: One thing that’s never left during my time in the Navy was never to leave a shipmate behind. I took that same mentality back home when I started working as an affordable housing administrator. We need improved access to healthcare; there are zip codes in my district that have some of the highest uninsured rates in the state of Texas. Our criminal justice system needs systemic reform; it’s no coincidence that this majority-minority district has some of the highest incarceration rates in Texas. We need bold housing solutions; currently, Dallas has 19 affordable housing units for every 100 people in need. We need clean water and fresh air; our water has lead concentration levels higher than Flint, Michigan. Change can’t wait; we need deep systemic solutions to crises of mass eviction, unemployment, climate change, reproductive rights, and more. We must elect a working-class leader in TX-30 who can push a genuinely progressive agenda that advances all.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district?: Economic opportunity and relief is the biggest challenge TX-30 faces. Working people were struggling before the pandemic and now they are struggling even more to make ends meet. I am committed to getting working people back on their feet. I support investing our tax dollars in infrastructure spending that will rebuild our crumbling communities and provide good paying union jobs to people in our community. I emphasize the need to provide job training to ensure jobs are going to people in our communities, and that the government prioritizes Black and Hispanic businesses when awarding government contracts.
In Congress, I plan to address redlining in our community, as it pertains to the inability to access capital to start a small business. I support increasing access to small business loans/grants and need to raise diversity quotas for government procurement to ensure historically underserved peoples are receiving government contracts.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?: 1) Universal Healthcare 2) Affordable Housing 3) Community Investment and Job
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?: I am not just another politician or political operative; I’m a daughter of Dallas — running to represent the community I grew up in and the people I love. Not many of my opponents can say they’ve attended our public schools, had to use our public transportation system, or fought to escape the cycle of poverty that plagues our community. I not only have shared the lived experiences of our community, but I have spent my professional career focused on service and giving back to our community. There are candidates in this race who have accepted corporate dollars and others who have worked for elected officials that take money from special interests. I am one of the only candidates who has made clear I refuse to accept corporate money because my allegiance is to the people, not the wealthy and well connected. I am also the only candidate who has served in the military and can understand veterans’ unique issues, especially with the VA healthcare system.
What should Congress do to combat inflation?: The root causes of rising prices are outsourcing and corporate greed. Supply chain issues are caused by disastrous policies, like NAFTA, that outsourced jobs from TX-30 and across America. As an example, the US was once a world leader in microchip production. Now, nearly 75% are made in east Asia. This dangerous dependence on foreign-made microchips has resulted in rising prices on cars, electronics, and military equipment. I strongly encourage investment in domestic production and reducing America’s reliance on foreign supply chains. Meanwhile, corporations raised their prices, citing higher labor costs and supply shortages, yet are earning record profits. McDonalds raised menu prices by 6 percent and made $7.5 billion in profits in 2021, up 59 percent from 2020. Corporations are gouging Americans to enrich their shareholders and execs and using “inflation” as an excuse.In Congress, I will tackle corporate greed beginning with raising the corporate tax rate and banning stock buybacks.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak?: Our COVID response must be centered around providing relief and protection. In terms of relief, I support the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act; this bill would constitute full payment forgiveness, with no accumulation of debt for renters or homeowners and no negative impact on their credit rating or rental history. It would also provide landlords and mortgage holders relief to cover losses from the canceled payments. Additionally, I support expanding public benefits. A recent study showed that during an economic downturn, a $1 billion increase in SNAP benefits would increase GDP by $1.54 billion. Furthermore, we need to expand the Child Tax Credit that expired in December 2021. Lastly, we must cancel student loan debt. In terms of protection, we must provide N-95 masks and COVID tests to every household in America. We must also offer people paid leave if they get infected with COVID.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces?: Yes
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it?: A humane pathway to citizenship makes sense for our country economically. The U.S. national birth rate has dropped to historic lows, and our labor force is aging – this significantly threatens our labor force and the ability to fund the Social Security program. We need young workers to pay into Social Security. If current legal immigration levels were cut by 50%, Social Security would lose $1.5 trillion in revenue over the next 75 years. Furthermore, studies have shown that immigrants are economic engines; they launch companies at twice the rate of native-born Americans, creating more jobs and fueling GDP growth. In all, investing in immigrants means investing in America’s future.
I support the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ Roadmap to Freedom Resolution to create an immigration system centered around compassion and common sense. This resolution will provide a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented Americans.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly?:Yes, there was no election fraud.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support?: We must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to reinstate federal pre-clearance reviews. Pre-clearance requires states and localities with a history of discrimination to obtain approval from the Department of Justice or a court before changing voting rules. Additionally, I support the For The People Act because it makes several democratic reforms, including independent redistricting commissions, citizen-funded elections, closing the revolving door between government and corporate interests, and protecting voters against discrimination. Lastly, we must overturn The Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision that allows corporations and other organizations to spend unlimited sums on money to support or defeat individual candidates. Money corrupts politics. I am not accepting any corporate PAC money because my allegiance is to the people. I also support banning members of Congress from trading stocks while in office and sitting on corporate boards.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why?: We need to fully fund the Build Back Better legislation at its initial $3.5 trillion spending level. As an affordable housing administrator, I understand we must adequately fund social and economic programs to achieve maximum effectiveness. For example, the latest version of the BBB allocates $150 billion to affordable housing; this is about half of the $300 billion that was allocated in the original bill. Cutting spending does not help solve our housing crisis any sooner. Every dollar we cut, we take away the ability to house more people. Every dollar we cut, we reduce the quality of housing programs. Every dollar we cut, we risk losing much-needed talent to implement our housing programs. We should be spending whatever is necessary to ensure people have housing — this goes for all social and economic programs.
Abel Mulugheta
Age: 33
Campaign website: abelfortexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: info@abelfortexas.com
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Government, University of Texas, 2011; Juris Doctor (J.D.), Southern Methodist University, 2015
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): NA
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Four years ago I was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. This incident was a mistake that served as a turning point in my life. I accepted responsibility and have learned from this event—I have not consumed alcohol in several years.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My top three contributors are a combination of my family and friends. I have been blessed to have an incredibly supportive circle of people in my life who are inspiring, encouraging and remind me everyday why I’ve chosen a career in public service.
Why are you seeking this office? My parents arrived in Dallas with nothing more than big dreams and their suitcases. I watched them maneuver in a society that oftentimes was difficult for them to navigate. However, this community poured so much into me and my family, allowing my family the opportunities to advance into the middle class. I’m running because I have a deep rooted passion to serve and give back to the community that invested in me. I believe everyone deserves a life full of dignity, prosperity and equity—regardless of what they look like, how much money they have, or whom they love. I’m running to make this a reality.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? District 30 has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. I know firsthand how it feels to live without health insurance and to rely on the emergency room for routine care. In the wealthiest country in the world, it’s unacceptable that we are unable to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare to all Americans. I’ll work hard to eliminate this coverage gap by supporting legislation like the Medicare for America Act and Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s Cover Now Act, which would close the coverage gap in states like Texas that have not expanded Medicaid to uninsured adults. If Texas Republicans refuse to take the necessary steps to insure everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare, then it is incumbent on our leaders in Washington to step up and act.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? My top three policy priorities would be increasing access to health care; increasing economic opportunity and job creation in District 30; and passing voting rights legislation that combats voter suppression we are seeing enacted in state legislatures across the country.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I have both the lived experience that allows me to relate to the struggles of my neighbors and the professional experience needed to effectively develop solutions to their problems. I’m one of a few candidates that can say they were born and raised in the district, and spent my entire adult life living in the district. Growing up in Pleasant Grove, I witnessed firsthand that it often did not matter how hard you worked to provide better outcomes for your families, a lack of economic opportunity, a poor school system, and your zip code determined your outcome. However, I was fortunate enough to be provided an infrastructure of opportunity that positioned me to graduate from college and law school, all the while working within and for my community. I will utilize what I’ve learned working within both the federal and state governments, to serve the people of District 30.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? Congress should work immediately to pass the President’sBuild Back Better legislation, which is fully paid for by having corporations and the very wealthy pay their fair share. 17 Nobel economists have recognized that the bill will ease inflationary pressures by expanding the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, reducing the price of prescription drugs, and ensuring no family has to pay more than 7 percent of their income for child care, BBB would allow families to have more money to spend on goods and services. In addition, Congress can address inflation by passing legislation that tackles our supply chain issues, such as passing the CHIPS act which reduces prices by supporting supply-chain resilience and manufacturing of critical goods, industrial equipment and manufacturing technology.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? We need to double down on the investments made in the American Rescue Plan for three key mitigation strategies: 1) Masks. We know masks work to prevent the spread of the virus, but one third of people in the U.S. say they don’t wear masks at all. We should be able to send a pack of high-quality masks to every individual in the U.S. every month. 2) Rapid Tests. We need to keep increasing testing supply and teach people how to use them regularly. The President announced one billion rapid tests are on the way—let’s keep building on that so that we don’t have to place limits on how many tests U.S. households can order or how many times they can order. 3) Vaccination. We should relaunch the Administration’s We Can Do This public education campaign to help everyone understand why it’s important to not only get vaccinated but also boosted to give yourself the best protect from the omicron variant.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? The federal government has a responsibility and moral obligation to protect all residents of the United States. I support President Biden’s vaccine mandate for private sector companies and mask mandates on flights.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it?: One in six Texas residents is an immigrant. In Congressional District 30, that figure is slightly higher; approximately 150,000 residents (nearly 20%) are foreign born. I support comprehensive immigration reform that replaces artificial caps with a system that incorporates the principles of supply and demand. Additionally, we must establish a humane asylum and refugee program.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Yes. Anybody who argues otherwise is undermining our democracy and attempting to defy the will of the voters. State by state, county by county, every legal challenge put up by the far right has been rejected and every phony audit has failed. Not only did President Biden win the election with 306 electoral votes, he received the most votes ever cast for a President. It’s time we come together as a nation to preserve our democracy and eliminate distractions from the real problem regarding our elections, the rise in voter suppression and intimidation. That is the fight of our generation, and one that I will fight everyday as a member of Congress.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? The foundation of our democracy is under attack—the freedom to vote. And through it all, our republic continues to serve as the gold standard to the world. But democracy is not guaranteed, nor self-sustaining. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Each of us has a duty to be active to ensure its vitality, constantly recommitting ourselves to the mission of the organizers of Freedom Summer. As John Lewis said, the right to vote is sacred, it is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument in a Democratic society. That’s why I support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act, both of which would expand and protect the freedom to vote.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why? I support the original proposal of the $3.5 trillion dollar BBB plan to help bring relief to individuals and families across District 30, by expanding paid family and medical leave; reducing prescription drug costs, establishing universal Pre-K; expanding access to affordable, high quality education beyond high school; strengthening the ACA; increasing affordable child-care programs; providing rebates to encourage clean energy and weatherization; increasing clean energy technology that create jobs; extending the earned income tax credit; expanding the child tax credit. To offset the costs I support increasing the corporate tax rate, increasing the marginal tax rate of the very wealthy, and increasing IRS enforcement on wealthy tax cheats
Jane Hope Hamilton
Age: 43
Campaign website: www.janehopehamilton.com
Best way for voters to reach you: 214-919-2992
Occupation: Self - Employed
Education: Lake Forest College Bachelor’s Degree
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes, I was a victim of police brutality and falsely charged with a felony offense. I fought back against this injustice and got those charges dropped. Even though this experience was traumatic and my record expunged, I share this story on the campaign trail to emphasize the need for better police training and criminal justice reform.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: I have been involved in two civil lawsuits: 1) I challenged the 2011 discriminatory Texas redistricting maps, 2) I challenged the discriminatory Texas Voter photo I.D. law. Both of these measures were aimed at illegally undermining the voting strength of Black, Latino, and other voters of color in Texans. I am proud to say that we were successful in both lawsuits.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Kneeland Youngblood, Royce Brooks, and Cecilla Boone
Why are you seeking this office? North Texas has benefitted from over 30 years of experienced leadership from Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. I want to ensure that the next U.S. Representative for CD30 is just as effective in bringing results back home. I have served Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex families and individuals for over 20 years working within the Texas State legislature, as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Congress, a grassroots organizer, and community advocate.
What are the biggest challenges facing your district? The biggest issues facing the district are economic empowerment and criminal justice reform. Parts of CD30 have been dealing with a lack of economic opportunity for generations. We must implement structural incentives to encourage businesses to invest in these areas. This include social programming, which could bring paid family leave, early childhood education, and universal child care to the district. Criminal justice reform would improve economic opportunities. As a Black woman who survived police brutality, I am aware that our current system is inequitable and needs to be reformed.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? When I am elected to Congress, I will lead in the fight to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the George Floyd Act, and fight for affordable healthcare and lower prescription drug cost.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I worked on Capitol Hill as a staffer for years, most recently as a Chief of Staff. I know exactly how D.C. works and I can hit the ground running for the constituents of CD30. In addition, I have been supporting and uplifting Democratic candidates in Texas for my entire career. I have a long track record and Democratic voters can trust that I support their values and will stay true to the cause.
What should Congress do to combat inflation? While there is no one cause of inflation a strong economy naturally leads to lower inflation. As a member of Congress there are some things we can do to combat it. Congress can invest in and encourage the manufacturing of goods and services here, in the United States. For instance, the White House has proposed a plan to manufacture semiconductor chips domestically. This can ease supply chain burdens and lead to lower inflation. Congress can also work to lower the cost of basic necessities like childcare and healthcare costs. We can reintroduce the Child Tax Credit which lifted some 3.7 million children out of poverty and gave their families a financial boost.
How should the federal government change COVID policy to reflect the omicron variant outbreak? I think we’re still waiting to see what the full effects of this virus are before we can fully answer this question. I am hopeful, just as so many Americans are, that between the weakening of the virulency of this virus and increased vaccination rates, we might soon be able to get back to more normal activities with fewer restrictions. Unfortunately, we just don’t have those answers yet.
Should Congress enact a vaccine mandate for workplaces? I supported the Administration’s vaccine mandates, including the mandate for employers with 100+ employees that was recently struck down by the Supreme Court. However, given how politicized this public health issue has become, and how divided Congress already is, getting a mandate passed by Congress is unlikely.
How should the federal government respond to high levels of illegal immigration? Do you support changes in asylum policy, and if so, how would you alter it? Texas has a unique relationship with immigration, in particular with undocumented immigrants. This, in part, is because we do not have a functioning immigration system that gives people a realistic chance at coming to the United States using official channels.
In order to change this, we must enact comprehensive immigration reform that would allow DREAMERs and their families to obtain permanent residency status and/or a path to citizenship. We must create an expanded guest worker programs that support labor demands and protects the rights of workers.
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election fairly? Yes.
What voting-rights legislation or other election regulation would you support? I support both the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which primarily addresses this issue and more direct assaults on voting rights, and HR 1, which provides additional protections to reform our voting system to make it more equitable for all voters.
If you were currently in Congress, what level of spending on the Build Back Better legislation would you support? What should be in the package and why? I support the Build Back Better Act in the form the House of Representatives passed and many of the provisions included like: parental leave, Pre-K 3 and 4, ACA subsidy expansion in states like Texas, and climate change provisions. These issues are extremely important to me.
With that said, when elected to Congress, my goal is to achieve meaningful change for the constituents of CD30. If compromise is needed in order to get these provisions passed I am willing to work across the aisle to bring benefits back to my constituents. I will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Nor will I back down from securing the funding and benefits our community has earned.
Arthur Dixon
Did not respond.
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