Texas governor candidates in Republican primary March 1
Paul Belew
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 58
Campaign website: www.paulbelewin2022.com
Best way for voters to reach you: email (paul@belewin2022.com) and website
Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence
Have you run for or held elected office before? None
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held): I am heavily involved in the mental health advocate program as an attorney in Wise County, Texas and conduct fund raisers for the local animal shelter and addiction centers.
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. Two brief credit card lawsuits ten or more years ago as they were disputed and then resolved to mutual satisfaction.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Willam Ray
Lori Donald
Paul Belew
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking this office to make Texas a better Texas while not being funded by the PACs, etc.
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? Statewide issues are property taxes, border security, preservation of Constitutional rights, gun rights, abolish abortion, stricter voter integrity, and of course education just to name a handfull.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? The top three policy priorities would be border security, lowering property taxes and finding new ways to fund programs such as lowering property taxes etc.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I am not beholden to the PACs. I am a very assertive personality. I have immense courtroom experience which helps in politics and well we need younger and forward thinking officials.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? You either have to cut government spending which will never happen or we need to legalize THC (with some limitations) and bring gaming to Texas. The mass amounts of monies we lose to other states is mind blowing. To cut taxes one must fund government in other ways and those two ways would get it done. It is basically a discretionary tax which people will line up to pay.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? As a private citizen we can only base a guess on what we are told by our officials. To be honest I am not sure I believe one word that comes from our Texas highest officials. In other words, we have been told the power grid is fine, so I assume it is not.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? First immense state resources should be used and again some of this can be funded by the legalization of THC and gaming. The Feds need to help yet we must be careful not to be too dependent upon Federal interventions. I think the border wall is merely a token effort to keep illegal immigrants out of Texas. Physical barriers can always be avoided, however, tougher penalties and stronger enforcement just may work.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? This is tricky in that again the Federal government sticks their hands into our state’s policies, including healthcare. Obamacare is a good example of that. In order to offer better access to healthcare and make it more affordable, we need mass amounts of revenue and that can come again with the legalization of THC (with impairment driving restriction standards in place) could accomplish this.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? I live in Decatur, Texas. Fort Worth Texas is becoming a part of our community and we are no longer rural but suburban and/or urban. Again discretionary tax revenues from the aforementioned items can go to mass transportation possibly and help to support better highway infrastructure.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? Again to fund such matters we need additional sources of income. To have affordable housing we must lower property taxes and we can do that with the discretionary taxes discussed above.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? While the 10th Amendment helps to protect states’ rights, however, we are also bound by Federal law such as Roe v. Wade. We did pass the Heartbeat Bill to circumvent Roe v. Wade in essence, however, the Supremes may address this issue soon. If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions we should as a state do all we can to protect the unborn. Abortion should only be permitted when a doctor certifies the mother’s life is in immediate danger in my opinion.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? I support voter identification, advocating for more poll watchers, and to develop any method or policy which will help to enable and enforce voter integrity.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? Yes, Texas should not only legalize marijuana but all THC products with the priviso such as in alcohol there is a standard for law enforcement to use for impaired drivers. The mass amount of discretionary taxes that would be raised is evidenced by all of the other states that have done this. The numbers of discretionary taxation revenues are in the billions after all is totaled. The laws should also change to reflect the changing times.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Well I am not sure what we can do BUT what we must NOT do are mask mandates and the shutting down of our businesses. The economic impact in my region from the current administration shutdowns were and still are devastating. Common sense seems to be our biggest challege, yet what we need in order to combat Covid -19 now.
Kandy Kaye Horn
Occupation: Philanthropist
Age: 65
Campaign website: KayeHorn4TX.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Website
Education: BBA-TCU 1978, MBA - UT Arlington 1981
Have you run for or held elected office before? No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been an active, lifelong volunteer for my entire life. I have served on boards: Nursing School, Houston Food Bank, Career & Recovery Resources. And others.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain. I have never been charged with a felony.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain. Civil lawsuits but never a personal or business bankruptcy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am funding my own campaign & not accepting donations.
Why are you seeking this office? I believe I can make progress and positive change following the global Pandemic and Texas businesses failing during mandated closures.
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? Border security; Prison reform & legalized Marijuana use.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Immigration Reform, Prison Reform without releasing criminals back into society & increasing teacher compensation.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I bring hope & competence as well as a promise to include all Texans in decisions correcting policy to improve the management of Texas. I will be the CEO to carry through Texans’ wishes and direction.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? Streamline the protest resolution on over valued properties. As all counties have digitized comparable values, an exemption for school taxes should be granted to Texans over 65.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? We should study and implement: wind energy, solar, nuclear & any other natural gas options.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? Yes. Marijuana sales should contribute toward the $11.9 billion needed for completion.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? Yes. Seek federal help in implementing health care for all.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? The government can encourage mass transit, yet no enforcement. Roads will continue to expand to serve the drivers.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? This is a matter to be decided on the local level and funded locally.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? I am pro life. Life begins at conception. I do not support abortions.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? As a state, we must enforce authentication of voting.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? Yes. I am for legalization of marijuana.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Texas Government should suggest safety & social distancing, but cannot mandate masks or any other measures affecting the freedom of Texans guaranteed by our constitution & bill of rights.
Rick Perry
Did not respond.
Don Huffines
Occupation: Businessman
Age: 63
Campaign website: www.donhuffines.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Don@DonHuffines.com
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Texas at Astuin
Have you run for or held elected office before? State Senator for District 16
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held). Extensive
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? Myself, my brother Phil, and Scott Hall.
Why are you seeking this office? Like most Texans, I am tired of politicians lying to me. For years, we have been told that our conservative victories are right around the corner, we just need to reelect the same RINO just once more. But the conservative victories never come. Greg Abbott is one of those RINOs. Ask yourself three questions: is the Texas Border secure? Do you have faith in our elections? Are your property taxes lower than when Abbott took office? The answer to these questions is a resounding ‘no.’ I have been successful in business. I don’t need another job, but the job in Austin is not getting done. Texas needs a Governor that provides more leadership and fewer excuses. That is why I am running.
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? Texans are faced with an unprecedented assault on our most fundamental values. This attack is at the root of all our other problems. In this election and the coming years, we must decide what Texas will be. Does Texas still stand for God? Do we still believe in law and order? Will Texas remain a bastion of self-determination and individual liberty, or will we allow Communists to destroy our state, our culture, and our citizens? The answer to these questions has existential consequences, but Greg Abbott would rather ignore them. When I am Governor, Texas will confront these questions head on.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? When I enter the office, my top priorities as Governor will be securing the Texas Border and stopping the invasion, protecting Texans by outlawing unconstitutional vaccine mandates, and guaranteeing election integrity in the state of Texas.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Greg Abbott is a career politician and a failed leader. Texans elected him based on promises to secure our border and eliminate property taxes, but he has done neither. On top of that, he violated the rights of citizens when he shut down thousands of businesses and banned church services on Fauci’s orders.
Abbott must be held accountable, and my campaign is best poised to unseat him as the Republican nominee and then go on to beat Beto O’Rourke in the general election this November.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? Texas needs to phase out the property tax system entirely. Working with the legislature, I will allow Texans to vote on a constitutional amendment to put property taxes on a path to zero. To make up for the elimination of this tax, we can use our revenue surplus rather than sending it to agencies and projects that don’t benefit Texans. Furthermore, I would cut wasteful spending and eliminate or consolidate unnecessary executive departments. Most importantly, we can do it all without a state income tax.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? Texas can not afford to lean on unreliable renewable energy like wind and solar. As Governor, I will require renewable generators, like others, to pay for the cost of acquiring ancillary electricity when they fail to supply their promised electricity to the grid. I will also establish a grid security commission made of Texas entities such as the Texas Division of Emergency Management, State Office of Risk Management, Texas Military Department, Department of Information Resources, and ERCOT.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? The federal government will never secure the Texas Border, so it is up to us to do it. Greg Abbott has allowed the situation at the border to spiral out of control, with more border crossings happening under his watch than ever before. On top of that, his Operation Lonestar is so poorly managed that many soldiers are facing evictions because of pay issues, and many have turned to suicide; our troops aren’t even allowed to do their job under Abbott’s failed leadership. When I am Governor, I will invoke Article I, Section 10 of the US Constitution which gives states the power to repel invasions. We will finish building the wall started by President Trump. I will also establish a special task force with a mission to crack down on human trafficking from across the border.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? I don’t believe that the government should control Texans’ access to healthcare. The so-called Affordable Care Act caused health insurance prices to skyrocket for thousands of Texans. I will direct my administration to fight Obamacare and other federal attempts to socialize healthcare in Texas. At the same time, we’ll be working to reduce barriers and costs for all Texans.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? We need both the state and local governments to give highway construction a higher priority and to make the investments we need to make as a rapidly growing state. One thing that we do not need, however, is more toll roads. Texans pay enough in taxes already to pay for their roads. I am against further toll roads in Texas.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? Many people are forced to leave their homes because they can’t afford to pay exorbitant property taxes. We must eliminate these taxes so Texans can truly own their homes and stop paying rent to the government.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? I am 100% pro-life. When I am Governor, I will outlaw all abortion in Texas – no exceptions – and I’m not waiting for permission from the Supreme Court. No one has any right to kill a child in the womb, no matter the circumstances that caused the pregnancy.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? We know that the 2020 election was rife with fraud, and Greg Abbott made it worse by lowering the penalties for those found tampering with our elections. When I am Governor, I will increase those penalties, purge voter rolls of illegal aliens, dead people, and other ineligible individuals. Above all, we must actually enforce the election laws already on the books.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? I do not support the legalization of recreational marijuana. Regarding the use of medical marijuana, I believe in an individual’s right to make medical decisions for themselves with the help of their doctor. If the coronavirus pandemic has shown us anything it is that government control of medicine is very dangerous.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Thousands of Texans are still struggling with the financial consequences of Greg Abbott’s lockdowns, and thousands more face unemployment because of unlawful vaccine mandates. Texans need a Governor who is willing to stand up for them and their liberties by banning all COVID vaccine mandates in the state of Texas
At the same time, I believe the state should be pro-active in issuing intelligent health recommendations for Texans to make informed and prudent decisions when it comes to their health while respecting the rights and liberties of others.
Chad Prather
Occupation: Entrepreneur, media host
Age: 49
Campaign website: Prather2022.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Info@prather2022.com
Education:
University of Georgia
Columbia International University
Have you run for or held elected office before? No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held):
Board, American Valor Foundation
Member, Fort Worth Air Power Council
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain. None beyond traffic misdemeanor
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain. No
Who are your top three campaign contributors? NA
Why are you seeking this office? To get government out of our lives by returning true conservative values and responsibilities
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent?I am a non-politician outsider and the pure definition of grassroots. Some could also consider that as positive.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? Securing the Texas border with Mexico. Ending ever increasing property taxes. Reduce the size and spending of government
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I am a non-politician outsider and the pure definition of grassroots.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? Use surplus to buy down property taxes. Increase sales and gas tax slightly as we migrate to a consumption tax plan.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? No. Winterization, regular maintenance, and proper administration. We must recommission coal plants and stop creating policies from ideologies. Green energy producers must stand on their own without taxpayer funded bailouts amd subsidies.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? Where it’s geographically feasible, yes. We need to allocate the necessary resources to get the job done.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? For starters, stop medical tyranny that’s based on mandates so that vaccine requirements and other mandates that limit access. Let’s work to offer the best possible healthcare services in the US. Provide proper mental healthcare that is currently lacking. Improve rural access to proper healthcare.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? *
We need to actually finish the road projects we start instead of consistently bouncing back and forth to never ending infrastructure projects.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? Focus on equitable and resilient rental home options. Work to solve supply chain issues and inflation to bring building costs down.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? I believe in the abolition of abortion.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? Dump voter rolls legally with the oversight of the Texas Secretary of State and re-register legal voters. No computers or voting machines allowed at polling locations. Vote secure paper only ballots. Voters must be verified with government issued ID.Absentee only to those with prior, proven identity and valid reason to vote absentee such as military, first responder, medical, correctional, infrastructure employee, or homebound and must be received by the county at least 3 days prior to election day. Signature matching required on absentee ballots.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? Medicinally yes. Recreationally should be decided by the will of the people.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Focus on the actual numbers such as survival rates while promoting responsibility towards our neighbors. It’s not the role of government to deem an individual or their business non-essential. Promote healthy living and lifestyle realizing that Covid does it’s worst to those with co-morbidities.
Allen B. West
Occupation: Author and Speaker
Age: 60
Campaign website: www.west4texas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: https://west4texas.com/contact-team-west4texas/
Education: I have earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, master’s degree from Kansas State University, and a master of military arts and sciences degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer College.
Have you run for or held elected office before? Member of the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held): I have served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army where I fought in the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War, sat on the Sunset Advisory Commission, was a member of the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees while in Congress, sat on the Board of Directors of the NRA, served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Policy Analysis, served on the Board of Advisors of Amegy Bank, and was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain. N/A
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain. N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Richard Uihlein, Greg Mosing, and Chad Campbell
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking this office to defend my oath to service I took almost 40 years ago when I entered the U.S. Army and to ensure that Texas remains the beacon of liberty and freedom that all of America, and indeed the world, sees it as. My life has been defined as one of service, sacrifice, and commitment to this Republic, the United States of America.
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? The greatest challenge in the position I am seeking is combatting overreach by the federal government. Our nation’s leaders have ensured that the 1,254 mile border we share with Mexico remains open, creating a national security threat that not only endangers Texas, but endangers the other 49 states, too. Furthermore, the federal government relentlessly works to remove our individual liberties through edict, order, and decree; an issue that has particularly come to light in the past 2 years. If elected to the position I am seeking, I will use my enumerated powers to secure our border and preserve our Constitutional rights and freedoms.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? The top priorities for Texas legislature are securing our southern border, ending unconstitutional vaccine mandates, and eliminating property taxes. I will support the legislative priorities of the Republican Party of Texas.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? As we fight this spiritual and ideological battle, as well as an invasion at our southern border, Texas needs a warrior, not a legislator or a lawyer.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? The time has come for us to “off-ramp” from property taxes in Texas, enabling Texans to have their dream of owning their homes, their property. Before we declared a system of taxation based upon income in America, taxation was based upon consumption. There are those who refer to this as a Fair Tax. We will abolish property taxes in Texas and replace them with a consumption-based tax. Let me reiterate, Texas will never have a state income tax under my watch, something that has been passed into law and made an amendment to our Constitution.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? Texas’ power grid is not adequately prepared for another winter storm. Texas needs to implement a system of third-party, preventative maintenance checks and services for our existing energy power plants. We should conduct regular inspections to ensure they are being followed, and, if not, impose consequences. Texas should never again leave her citizens in the dark, especially since we live in an energy abundant state.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? Texas should be building a border wall. As only a small portion of our border wall has been built, simply building a wall is not a panacea; you must have boots on the ground and additional electronic surveillance measures. We need to appropriately direct more state resources to the border.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? I believe we need more transparency in healthcare to drive down costs of prescription drugs and to reduce the cost growth of healthcare through benchmarking.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? Not only are Texans spending an insurmountable amount of time in traffic, we are also driving on some of our nation’s deadliest roads here in North Texas. To solve this issue, we need to focus some of our funds towards infrastructure as we cut unnecessary spending in many other areas.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? First and foremost, I find it rather disconcerting, and disturbing, that the individual tax policy of Texas is based upon the planks of Karl Marx written in “The Communist Manifesto.” Yes, two of his planks called for a progressive tax system, meaning an individual’s income is taxed and increased as their income grows. Marx advocated for the end of private property. In Texas – as it stands now — we continue to face rising property taxes with the end result that Texans never actually own their homes. So much for the great American dream.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? Murdering our unborn children in Texas by the brutal means of dismemberment must end. For those who would charge taking a stand for life is somehow racist, note that the largest facility for murdering unborn babies in America is located in Houston: Planned Parenthood’s headquarters. Margaret Sanger was a white supremacist, racist, and referred to Blacks as “undesirables” and “human weeds.” Over 70 percent of Planned Parenthood clinics are in minority communities. I will not allow organizations like Planned Parenthood, who openly work with Satanists, to operate in Texas.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? One of the cornerstones of our representative democracy is the right to free and fair elections, so I believe that it is important to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the residents of the Lone Star State have complete confidence in their elections. I will support a full, comprehensive forensic audit of ballots, voting system software platforms, voting records, and records kept by local election administrators, such as what is outlined in Texas House Bill 241, to assess the accuracy of the reported election results and compliance with our state’s election laws. Additionally, I support election fraud to be classified as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? I will not support the legalization of recreational marijuana or any other narcotic in the state of Texas.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, the people of our great state of Texas have witnessed their leaders completely overstep their boundaries to make collective health decisions, such as mask mandates and vaccination requirements, that should have been up to individuals in the first place. I believe each person is responsible for their own personal health and healthcare decisions and that our government should not dictate these private medical decisions. I will halt the implementation of vaccine mandates here in Texas and will not force our state to undergo another round of draconian edicts.
Danny Harrison
Occupation: Commercial Landscape Design Business Owner
Age: 58
Campaign website: www.dannyharrisonfortexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: email (press@dannyharrisonfortexas.com)
Education: BA Political Science, Stephen F. Austin
Have you run for or held elected office before? Former Candidate for Austin City Council; Former Independent Candidate for Texas Governor
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held): Formerly Texas State historical Commission
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? Self-Funded without PAC invovlement
Why are you seeking this office? Governor
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? Property Taxes and unequal representation by the establishment Republican party who is trying to control everything instead of ensuring good governance. I believe that the party is facing a moral demise and a philosophical shift that if they do not embrace it then it will eventually cost the party control. The party needs to abandon some of the good-old-boy/girl ways and get with the new program while holding true to some basic tenants.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Totally eliminate property taxes
Expand gaming and hospitality tourism
Legalization of marijuana across the board
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? I believe that voters should choose me over the other candidates because I am an “outsider” looking in and I do not have blinders on and think that everything is just fine within the party. I am not scared to work with Democrats and I am not so full of myself to think that we do not a philosophical change in how government is managed and applied.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? I would start by finding new revenue streams including gaming and marijuana legalization. Then, I would expand that into creating new markets at home and overseas. We have to use our ports and we have to use our infrastructure wisely to make sure that we are reaching as many people on a global scale as we can. People around the world love doing business with a Texan and we need to really do more to encourage that and use those revenues to eliminate property taxes and help Texas businesses.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? I don’t think it is. Governor Abbott has dodged a bullet with a fairly mild winter without a real test of the grid. When Texans voted for cheap, deregulated energy they also voted for less new infrastructure and we need to focus on making that delivery infrastructure as sound as we can make it and we need to do more to encourage investment into our own grid.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? I do think we need to build a physical structure between us and Mexico. I also feel that we need to limit state resources that are down at the border and utilize new strategies, including creating a new state militia without law enforcement powers to observe and report , and otherwise support the mission of securing our border.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? Folks in rural areas of the state are dying every single day because they cannot access proper healthcare or aftercare. More and more Texans are having their civil rights taken away from them because they are being incarcerated for addition and/or mental health issues. WE need a real change in direction. We need to figure out new ways to expand healthcare, recruit new healthcare professionals and figure out ways to retain them. We also need more widespread access to medical helicopters to get people to trauma centers very quickly. All of this is expensive and that is why we need more revenue. It all goes back to finding new money without raising taxes.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? Plan and act, plan and act again. Repeat as many times as is needed. It is very simple — we need to make sure that we stay on top of infrastructure development and we have to figure out more ways to responsibly include high speed rail into the conversation. You’re talking to a guy who spends his days in D/FW traffic....We need more infrastructure and we need affordable and responsible high-speed rail access.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? We are going to have to work with developers to make sure that they are getting the best deals possible to build affordable housing and it is going to take a public/private partnership of business and community leaders to come to the table with new ideas that benefit everyone.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? I am pro-life. The practice of voluntary abortions I wish were outlawed, but it isn’t. I believe that Texas should be forced to follow the letter of the federal law on the matter.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? I would support having the state military administer elections until we figure something out,.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? Absolutely. Legalize it and tax it without prejudice and do it right now — release all of those who are incarcerated for possession only offenses.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? Encourage people to get the vaccine and take precautions. I would not force them to do anything. Simple as that.
Greg Abbott
Occupation: Governor of Texas
Age: 64
Campaign website: gregabbott.com
Best way for voters to reach you: info@gregabbott.com
Education
University of Texas at Austin (BBA)
Vanderbilt University (JD)
Have you run for or held elected office before? I have been Governor of Texas since 2015. I was the Texas Attorney General from 2002-2015 and a Texas Supreme Court Justice upholding our Texas Constitution and laws from 1996-2001.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement (for example, service on boards/commissions or leadership positions held): Throughout my public service and before my time as Governor, I’ve had the honor to be involved with the following organizations: The Texas Institute for Rehabilitation, Career and Recovery Resources, Marywood Children & Families, Holy Trinity Seminary, and Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease.
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, as Governor of Texas and as the former Attorney General of Texas, I have been involved in many civil lawsuits.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have been honored to receive many generous contributions from people all over Texas, and it shows just how excited Texans are for this campaign. You can find all contributions made to Texans for Greg Abbott here: www.ethics.state.tx.us.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking this office to secure the future of Texas. We will protect Texans from skyrocketing appraisals by passing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, ensure that parents remain the main decision makers over their child’s education and healthcare through my Parental Bill of Rights, and support our seniors who have worked their way to a well-deserved retirement in my Compact with Seniors. I’m also running for re-election to continue securing our southern border from President Biden’s reckless and dangerous open border policies. Additionally, I will continue to bring more businesses to the state and create more jobs for Texans. As your governor, we will continue to put the state on a brighter path and secure the future of Texas.
What are the biggest challenges facing the area you’re seeking to represent? The biggest challenge facing Texas is the Biden Administration’s failure to secure the border with Mexico. Texas has stepped up and done more than any other state in the history of our nation to secure the border. Since launching Operation Lone Star, I’ve deployed thousands of National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers to secure the border, secured $3 billion in border security funding, initiated a new policy of arrest and jail for those who are trespassing or committing other border-related crimes in Texas, and started construction of our own border wall to address the crisis at the southern border and protect Texas families.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be? As Governor, I will secure the future of Texas by making a compact with Texas seniors to improve their daily lives, delivering a Taxpayer Bill of Rights to fight against rising property taxes, and bolstering the Parental Bill of Rights to give parents more control over their child’s education.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Ever since I was elected Governor of Texas, I have worked every day to keep my promises and deliver for the people of Texas. During my tenure as governor, more businesses have moved here, and more Texans are working than ever before. Under my leadership, Texas has become an economic juggernaut, creating more jobs than ever before. And I have done more than any governor in the history of our nation to secure the border.
What should the state do to reduce local property taxes? As Governor, I have signed significant property tax reforms every session, and I have reduced property taxes by over $18 billion since being elected Governor. These reforms include mandating a vote if taxing districts seek to increase property tax revenue by more than 3.5%. However, there is more work to be done. Under my Taxpayer Bill of Rights, we will reduce school district property tax rates across the state every year, empower homeowners to reduce their taxes, and address local government debt by increasing the voting threshold.
Is the Texas power grid prepared for another winter storm? What further measures should the state take to address electricity generation, weatherization and the long-term energy needs of the state? For the past year, Texas has been hard at work to ensure that this never happens again. We have taken unprecedented and bipartisan steps to protect our critical energy infrastructure and strengthen our power system. Thanks to the bipartisan reforms passed by the Legislature and signed into law, Texas’ electric grid is more reliable, resilient, and dependable than ever. Electric generation facilities are weatherized and ready to provide power during extreme weather events. Enhanced coordination and collaboration between state agencies and the energy industry has Texas better prepared to respond to emergency weather situations. New ERCOT board members and accountability measures at ERCOT and the PUC have been implemented to improve transparency and communication. Increased generation capacity and innovative operational changes to create a more proactive electric grid helps secure the necessary power supply to meet demand. Through these critical improvements and ongoing efforts at ERCOT and the PUC, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all Texans have access to the reliable, safe, and affordable power they expect and deserve.
Should Texas be building a border wall? Should more or fewer state resources be dedicated to the border? Yes, Texas should be building a border wall. One of the greatest public safety threats to face Texas is President Biden’s reckless and dangerous open border policies. Under my leadership, Texas has responded by securing $3 billion for border security. I have deployed thousands of National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers to secure the border, crack down on drug smuggling, and arrest and jail criminals. Additionally, I promised that Texas will secure the border by building its own wall. As of December last year, Texas has begun construction of its own border wall. As Governor, I will ensure that Texas continues to secure the border and keep Texans safe.
What should the state do to improve access to healthcare and make it more affordable? Every Texan deserves to have access to quality healthcare, and I have worked to increase that access to every corner of the state. Last year, I signed a law that increased access to telehealth services and another law that extends Medicaid coverage for pregnant women from 2 months to 6 months. Additionally, Texas needs to fully fund the Rural Resident Physician Grant Program and explore flexibilities for retiring physicians serving in rural areas. Texas has done an incredible job in increasing the number of nursing programs in the state. Since I became Governor, Texas has added 32 nursing programs, and we expect more nursing programs to be added.
Texas’ urban areas continue to grow rapidly, what can the state do to reduce the time Texans spend in traffic and address infrastructure needs that come with a booming population? Texas continues addressing the traffic and roadway infrastructure issues due to the booming population. Under my leadership, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approved a 10-year transportation plan that includes more than $77 billion dedicated to improving safety, addressing congestion and connectivity, and preserving roadways for Texas drivers.
How can state government help ensure Texas has enough affordable housing to accommodate its growth? Texas has more affordable housing than California, Illinois, and New York. However, one thing that is driving up the cost of housing and the cost of living is rising property taxes. As Governor, I plan on delivering a Taxpayer Bill of Rights to address rising property taxes and allow Texans to have affordable housing to accommodate the new growth.
If the Supreme Court opens the door to new abortion restrictions, what should Texas’ policy be? Should abortions be allowed, and under what circumstances? By what level of fetal development, if any, should abortion be permitted? The most precious freedom is life itself. Last year, I signed a law that ensures that the life of every child with a heartbeat will be spared from the ravages of abortion. Texas will protect the life of all children when a fetal heartbeat is detected.
What further changes, if any, in Texas election law do you support? Last year I signed a law that makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat in Texas elections. The law provides more transparency to the election process, has more uniform rules statewide, provides integrity to mail-in ballots, and includes more enforcement measures to prevent voter fraud. I also directed the Secretary of State to conduct the most comprehensive election audit in the 4 largest Texas counties.
Should Texas legalize marijuana? Why or why not and to what extent should the state’s marijuana laws be changed, if at all? As Governor, I spoke with parents whose children have epilepsy and autism, veterans, and others who have made a strong compelling case about legalizing marijuana. I even signed a law that legalized CBD oil and other CBD products to help children with epilepsy and others. I have seen, however, from other states that have legalized marijuana that there are abuses that take place that raise concerns. However, one thing I don’t want to see is jails stockpiled with people who were convicted with possession of small amounts of marijuana. I remain open to talking with the legislature about reducing the penalties of possession of small amounts of marijuana from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor.
What steps should Texas take to continue to address COVID-19 in Texas, including North Texas? As Governor, I worked tirelessly to leverage state, federal, and local resources as well as private-sector support to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Texans across the state. I directed the Texas national guard to help staff a 24-hour operation to produce 2 million facemasks a week for distribution in Texas and deployed more than 1,200 national guardsmen to be part of mobile testing teams in various parts of the state. Texas also deployed an additional 8,100 medical personnel to support health care facilities in Texas, including hospitals and nursing homes. Working with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, we opened over 23 state-sponsored COVID-19 therapeutic infusion centers, 3 of those in North Texas, that are free and available to all Texans who test positive for COVID-19 and have a referral from a doctor. Additionally, Texas proactively worked to get its own supply of antibodies up until the Biden Administration prohibited those contracts.
