Here’s who’s running in the Republican primary for Texas House District 65 on March 5
Kronda Thimesch
Age: 56
Campaign website: www.KrondaForTexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Campaign website www.KrondaForTexas.com
Occupation: Business Owner
Education: Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): 2015 - Elected to Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees 2018 - Re-elected to Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees 2020 - Elected Republican nominee for State Rep HD-65 in the primary, but lost to the incumbent in the general election 2022 - Elected Republican nominee for State Rep HD-65 in March; Elected to Texas House in Nov.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in the city of Fort Worth: Too long to list in the space provided! Highlights: Lewisville ISD Board Trustee (5 years); Member, volunteer and/or board member of 4 area Chambers of Commerce (20+ years); LISD Education Foundation, many roles (12 years); Denton County Child Protective Services Board appointee; Lewisville Noon Rotary; CISNT Mentor for at-risk youth (11 years); Lewisville Education Foundation; member and/or board member of many additional civic orgs; volunteer for many more local charities. Denton County GOP Precinct Chair, Member of Denton County GOP Lincoln Cabinet, Founder of Texas Red Republican Women’s Club.
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?: Please see the most recent campaign finance reports available at TEC website.
Why are you seeking this office?: I was proud to deliver many conservative victories in my first session. I was able to draft and pass many pieces of meaningful legislation, including key bills to enact historic border security efforts, passed $18 billion in property tax relief, banned dangerous gender modification procedures on minors and gave our dedicated retired teachers a cost of living increase.
Those wins re-affirm my strong commitment to fighting for what’s right for Texas families. Now, with a first session under my belt, I’ve got a clear line of sight on the things that can be done, and how to get those things accomplished. It will take hard work, integrity, and a heart for public service; I believe I’ve repeatedly demonstrated all those qualities to the people of HD-65.
What are the biggest challenges facing House District 65?: I was proud to deliver many conservative victories in my first session. I was able to draft and pass many pieces of meaningful legislation, including key bills to enact historic border security efforts, passed $18 billion in property tax relief, banned dangerous gender modification procedures on minors and gave our dedicated retired teachers a cost of living increase.
Those wins re-affirm my strong commitment to fighting for what’s right for Texas families. Now, with a first session under my belt, I’ve got a clear line of sight on the things that can be done, and how to get those things accomplished. It will take hard work, integrity, and a heart for public service; I believe I’ve repeatedly demonstrated all those qualities to the people of HD-65.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?: Continue to increase security at the border, and try to stop the unchecked flow of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. The feds have long failed to do their job, and Biden’s policies have only poured gas on the fire, so we must do what they will not -- which is why I support Operation Lone Star, and voted to invest $6+ billion to fund barriers, more personnel and better surveillance. Continue to strengthen Texas values & freedoms. From our 2nd Amendment rights, to the right to life, to the right to earn a living for one’s family without being burdened by unreasonable regulations, Texans have a pioneer spirit and way of life which must be protected. Continue to support our law enforcement and first responders. From the Texas National Guard at the border, to every fire department, police department, sheriff and constable’s office here at home, I fervently stand up for those who put themselves in the line of danger to keep us safe.
How will you measure your success as a state legislator?: I measure my success based on the legislation I was able to pass in the 88th Legislature, which kept the promises I made on the campaign trail in 2022: that I would work hard to secure Texas values, to secure the border, to protect women and children from predators, to improve the state’s economic position, to ensure jobs and freedoms are protected here in Denton County.
I have an extensive recap of my legislative work at my website, KrondaForTexas.com, for anyone who would like to see what conservative policy improvements I was proud to accomplish for Denton County.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: I ran against Democrat incumbent Michelle Beckley in 2020, because my neighbors asked me to; they felt she didn’t care about them or listen to them. I worked hard in to make sure people understood that HD-65 deserved better. When I was elected to the seat in 2022, I made clear, distinct promises – that I would not be beholden to anyone but the residents of HD-65, and that I would go to Austin without ever losing sight of what our district truly needed and wanted.
My opponent was my campaign treasurer, but resigned so he could become Paxton’s defense attorney, for which he has been paid exorbitantly. He has no record of community involvement or even reliable Republican voting. What he claims are his top goals… all happen to be legislation I already actually passed.
Voters should continue to support proven conservative leadership with integrity and effective policy skills – and avoid the guy who is just a hired proxy for our embattled and morally challenged attorney general.
Should Attorney General Ken Paxton have been convicted during his Senate impeachment trial? Why/Why not?: My opponent apparently was paid close to a quarter of a million dollars to speak for Ken Paxton during the Senate impeachment (since the attorney general refuses to speak for himself under oath). Still, by Ken Paxton’s own admission on January 18, the allegations of House impeachment articles 6, 7, 8 and 15 are true. This clearly proves that the Texas House of Representatives was vindicated in its decision to send impeachment articles to the Senate, and I stand by my vote.
Do you support Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for the use of education savings accounts? Why?/Why not?: I served as a public school trustee for 5 years. Yet, before all four of my children graduated from Lewisville ISD public schools, they also attended private school or were home-schooled. My own kids were not a “one size fits all” situation; I was lucky to be able to make the choices that best fit my family.
Today, thanks to a statewide population boom, thousands more K-12 students are filling Texas classrooms. We have to honor our Constitutional commitment to provide a fair and reasonable public education for Texas kids, while also helping deliver opportunity, skills and a strong Texas workforce. Everyone needs to be willing to put kids first and work together to prioritize excellent education outcomes. We need to fund teacher pay raises and resources; we need a curriculum that emphasizes learning – not testing – and steers clear of needless ideological messaging; and we need options like ESAs to make sure parents have the power to make decisions that are best for their children.
What should Texas do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?: When Governor Abbott began busing illegal immigrants from Texas to other U.S. cities, progressives called it a political stunt. Now, after just a few months of dealing with thousands of undocumented people showing up in their backyard, liberal mayors in sanctuary cities are demanding help to deal with the strain on their local resources caused by illegal immigrants. Texans say, “Welcome to our everyday reality. Glad you’re finally paying attention.”
The mayor of NYC complained about the cost and impact of 150,000 illegal immigrants… while TX receives more than that in any given month. It has created overwhelming health and public safety issues, waves of crime, and strains on local law enforcement – not just at the border but statewide.
I’m glad that Governor Abbott is fighting for our constitutional right to defend our state. Unlike my opponent, I stand with the Governor and will do what is needed to support Operation Lone Star and our efforts to secure the Texas border.
What should the Texas Legislature do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?: First, the TX Legislature must respect its custom of deferring to the members from a particular area of the state, to lead on solutions to regional matters. Just as I listen first to my colleagues from South Texas, or the Panhandle… on the matters impacting their communities, I would expect North Texas legislators to take the lead on challenges in our backyard.
There is no issue facing Texas where the right answer has to be “Spend more taxpayer dollars”; and, complicated problems don’t have soundbite solutions. Population growth first impacts infrastructure, housing inventory, public safety, public education, social and community services. These matters all require a multi-jurisdictional strategy.
This is why, in addition to Governor Greg Abbott, I’m proud to have the endorsement of members of Congress, leaders in Denton County, and city & school board members. These relationships, built up over years, will create a collaborative path for a cohesive approach to population planning.
Should Texas law be changed to clarify when an abortion is allowed in medical emergencies? Why/Why not?: As a pro-life Christian, I will continue to defend state laws to protect the innocent unborn. I also fought in the 88th session for additional resources for pregnant mothers and families with young children, as part of my commitment to reduce abortion. I’m proud to be endorsed by Texas Alliance for Life (for the second time) and Life PAC for my pro-life stance.
If the medical community needs guidance from the Legislature to be able to interpret policies and state statute in an emergency situation where a mother’s life is at stake, we should provide that. I don’t believe that putting doctors in the line of fire is right; they deserve to understand what the Legislature intended and what the laws clearly state.
Should Texas expand casino gambling and legalize sports betting in Texas? Why/Why not?: While I personally do not gamble, there should be a discussion on the costs of expanded gambling relative to its economic and tax benefits, and voters should get to weigh in – just as they did when Texas expanded gambling in years past.
What’s a Texas policy issue that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?: Having previously served on the Denton County Child Protective Services Board, I have seen the growing need for services for our children in foster care. Many of our children in foster care here in Denton County are moved to Austin or Houston for services, often breaking up siblings. The needs of children in foster care have increased but resources available have declined; this is a statewide problem and it will take a coalition to identify workable, sustainable solutions. We must do more to serve this vulnerable population in our community, and I would hope to be at the table to identify improvements.
Mitch Little
Age: 45
Campaign website: http://www.mitchlittlefortexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Through the website
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Harvard University, AB (2001) -- Government, cum laude in field; The University of Texas School of Law, J.D. (Dec. 2003)
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): No.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism. Bent Tree Bible Fellowship -- Elder, Chairman; ALARM Justice Initiatives -- Board Member; New Friends New Life Men’s Advocacy Group -- Board Member; Collin County Bar Association -- Past President; Collin County Bench Bar Foundation -- Past President; Curt B. Henderson Inn of Court -- Past Board Member.
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, I am a civil litigator. That’s most of what I do.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Myself, Troy Eckard, the Bright family.
Why are you seeking this office?: I’m seeking this office to set right the votes cast by the incumbent that are not reflective of our electorate. My priorities are the conservative Republican legislative priorities advanced by the grassroots in our party, and I believe my philosophy and approach is more aligned with the people of House District 65.
What are the biggest challenges facing House District 65?: Property taxes, the economy, and assaults on family values in the school system and beyond.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?:
1. Divesting the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliates of real estate ownership in our state.
2. Continued compression of the M&O property tax rate in our state to zero.
3. Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying.
How will you measure your success as a state legislator?:
My success is going to be measured by how true my votes are to my Christian values and the values of my constituents. It’s also going to be measured by the strength of my own character, the strength of my family, and knowing how to use my voice to bring reform to the institution itself. Being a true conservative in the Texas House can be isolating; a successful session will be one in which Republican Party legislative priorities are advanced without concern for who gets the credit.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?: I am simply not compromised by taking hundreds of thousands of special interest dollars and owing a complex web of loyalties to the Speaker of the House and his cardinals. A vote for me is a vote against Democrats chairing committees in the House. It’s a vote against bringing human trafficking and misery to Texas via casino gambling. A vote for me is a vote against the broken system that poses an obstacle to the real Republican legislative agenda.
Should Attorney General Ken Paxton have been convicted during his Senate impeachment trial? Why/Why not?: No. As our team showed you during the trial, there was a total lack of supporting evidence to substantiate the claims rushed through the house in an illegal manner, denying the accused the right to due process. Every single Texan in both parties should be disturbed by that.
Do you support Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for the use of education savings accounts? Why?/Why not?: Yes. School choice will improve education in this state via competition. Thirty-three other states have some form of school choice alongside public schools, and Texas should be one of them. However, it needs to be school choice for ALL, not just for some.
What should Texas do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?: This is an executive failure of the highest possible order. The federal executive is implementing through policy and lack of enforcement problems that no Texas legislation can fix. Texas’ executive has to assume physical control of the border and repel the invasion. That process has begun at Shelby Park and needs to continue at other locations where the federal government is processing (not repelling) illegal immigrants for movement into the United States. Unless Texas has the political will to detain, jail, or repel illegal immigrants, the situation will not change. Operation Lone Star has thrown a ton of money at the problem with virtually no impact.
What should the Texas Legislature do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?: It can lower property taxes. The best vehicle for wealth creation is home ownership. As the population grows, we are going to need more housing, and taxes (as well as rising interest rates) are a serious obstacle to home ownership for many. Lower property taxes means additional economic development for the area to sustain and serve the growth (more grocery stores, more medical offices, more small business), and everyone wins.
We also need to make efforts to ensure that the cities and towns in my district have enough support to remain competitive for police and emergency services to live here and earn a good living protecting our community.
Should Texas law be changed to clarify when an abortion is allowed in medical emergencies? Why/Why not?: No. This is already well-defined by Chapter 171 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Should Texas expand casino gambling and legalize sports betting in Texas? Why/Why not?: No. Casino gambling is a net negative for the states that enable it. There is zero doubt that casinos bring sex trafficking, drugs and crime; they admit it in writing. They actually have a net-negative economic effect because of the harm caused to families through crime, addiction, debt, bankruptcy and other second- and third-order effects of legalizing casino gambling. Sports gambling has a similar impact because the majority of gambling revenue comes from problem or addicted gamblers; the statistical data bears this out. This is not good for Texas or Texans.
What’s a Texas policy issue that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?: My Day 1 policy initiative is divestiture of Texas real estate from the Chinese Communist Party. This should not be a right/left, red/blue issue. The Chinese goverment and its affiliates should not own Texas land, much less the 140,000 acres they own next to Laughlin Air Force Base. Senator Kolkhorst’s bill to prevent land acquisition by Chinese/Iranian/Russian/North Korean affiliates died in the House’s State Affairs Committee. This never should have happened. Arkansas is divesting China of real estate as we speak through enforcement action by its Attorney General, and Texas should do the same.
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