Here’s who’s running in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 24 on March 5
Sam Eppler
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 27
Campaign website: www.sameppler.com
Best way for voters to reach you: info@sameppler.com
Occupation: Educator
Education: BA Economics, International Affairs George Washington University; Master of Education Southern Methodist University
Have you run for elected office before?
No. I am a first-time candidate.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
I have spent the last six years as a high school math teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Dallas Independent School District. I am very proud that 98% of my most recent graduating class at North Lake Early College High School in May 2023 graduated with both their high school diploma and associate degree from Dallas College. In these positions I have been laser-focused on ensuring that graduating students are equipped with requisite 21st century skills to compete in today’s economy and join the workforce as contributing members of society.
I’ve knocked on doors for school board and city council candidates in DFW and attended many school board meetings to support and advocate for education reform, teacher pay increases, and more college, career, and workforce readiness programs.
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?
This is a federal race. Therefore, the maximum donation to this race is $3,300 per cycle. There are more than three people who have made the maximum donation. This information is publicly available on the FEC website.
Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for office for two reasons. The first reason I’m running is who I’m running against. I looked up my congresswoman and I saw her voting history. Her first vote was against certifying the presidential election in 2020. Her subsequent votes have been to defund the government, default on our national debt, and vote against all of the incredible infrastructure bills that have brought billions in funding back to North Texas. Instead of just complaining about these terrible votes and her brand of extremism, I decided to run against her and offer voters a moderate choice on the ballot. The second reason I’m running is because I have ideas. I think we need to restore trust in government and I think we need to pass legislation that strengthens our communities, our workforce, and every American generation.
What are the biggest challenges facing Congressional District 24?
Lack of investment in workforce development and education, immigration and border security, and government taking away individual freedoms like the right for women to access healthcare and make decisions about their reproductive health directly with their doctor -- like accessing abortion.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1) Restoring Trust in Government: Ban on individual stock trading and term limits for Members of Congress (maximum of 5 cycles in the House of Representatives and 3 cycles in the Senate).
2) Codifying Roe v. Wade: I would ensure that women can make healthcare decisions directly with their medical doctor without lawyers and partisan laws standing in their way.
3) Education and Workforce Development: I would propose a $7,500 tax credit for every American teacher. This would be the same tax credit we currently give electric cars. Our teachers deserve a raise and states like Texas, which employs some 400,000 teachers-- public, private, and charter -- aren’t doing that. This would be the largest investment in our nation’s history in education: 30 billion dollars directly to our 4 million American teachers. If we want better schools and less vacant chemistry, math, history and English classrooms, we need to invest directly in our educators.
How will you measure your success as a U.S. Representative?
I would measure my success as US Representative by the amount of bills I co-sponsor with members from the Republican party. I believe that members of congress who vote 100% with their party are not successful nor good legislators. Anyone can do that and it only further divides our country. I believe members of congress should be judged by how effectively they work with all parties to pass positive legislation that impacts as many Americans as possible.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Voters should choose me over my incumbent opponent because I would treat this as a job, not as extremist political theater. Beth Van Duyne’s first vote in Congress was to object to the 2020 presidential election. She consistently votes against smart, bipartisan bills-- bills like the one our Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn recently sponsored -- the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. She also votes against bills that have brought billions in funding to North Texas and created thousands of jobs and built real business and manufacturing infrastructure like the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. However, she always seems to show up to the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the construction projects that are paid for with federal dollars she votes against.
What should Congress do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?
We need secure borders. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants crossing our southern border isn’t safe nor is it humane. We need to surge money and resources to our border patrol agents, ports of entry, and immigration courts– not sign letters promising to defund them. As a Principal I saw students overdose on drugs laced with Fentanyl. We must support brave border patrol agents who protect us from dangerous drugs and human trafficking.
I support the bipartisan efforts currently at work in the US Senate to create an immigration plan that humanely addresses these issues immediately. This is being spearheaded by Republican Oklahoma Senator James Lankford and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. I would like to note that Rep. Beth Van Duyne blasted her Republican colleague and our neighbor to the north, Senator Lankford, for working on immigration.
What should Congress do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?
Expand workforce development and training programs in our high schools by building new partnerships between the Department of Education, Department of Labor, and Department of Commerce. For example, we have a shortage of pilots at American Airlines. DFW airport is in Congressional District 24. Instead of calling to defund the Department of Education (which is what the incumbent Beth Van Duyne wants to do), I think we should leverage these dollars to put flight simulators in every high school in North Texas. You don’t need a college degree to be a pilot. Let’s put more students on pathways to high paying careers, trades, and credential them in high school. These ideas and this type of investment in the future is the best preparation for population growth in North Texas.
What should be the top federal funding priorities for Congress and why?
1) Protecting Social Security and Medicare 2) Passing a balanced budget and eliminating the deficit 3) Investing in US manufacturing jobs and energy production
Should the U.S. send additional foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine?
Yes to both. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and is our ally. Israel has full diplomatic relations with Jordan and Egypt and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco all have signed agreements recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a state. The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 was equivalent to thirty 9/11 attacks happening. 1,200 Jewish citizens of Israel were hunted down and tortured with hundreds more kidnapped and taken hostage. All of Iranian backed extremist proxies-- Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels-- should be destroyed as they are terrorist organizations that seek destabilize the Middle East.
We should also continue to send foreign aid to Ukraine. We’ve practically destroyed Putin’s entire invading Russian army while expanding NATO membership by adding Finland in April 2023. Protecting our European allies without losing a single American service member is one of the best foreign policy and defense investments we can make.
What’s a Texas policy issue that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?
I believe that the expansion of American made energy and energy independence should be of paramount importance to our federal government. As such, I believe that the federal government should support energy companies to diversify their energy portfolios. Texas leads the nation in oil, gas, and wind energy production.
I believe we should give energy companies federal tax incentives to investment more in new low-cost, green energy technology, generation capacity, and storage. Texas is the American energy leader. Let’s make sure Texas keeps leading the way for the next 100 years.
I would also support legislation to connect Texas to the national electric grid. Like our interstate highway system, this is in our country’s strategic best interest. If we did this, we can all stop worrying as much about losing power when the temperatures get cold every winter in North Texas. Also, we can also start selling our new wind, solar, and geothermal energy capacity to other states.
Francine Ly
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 52
Campaign website: www.FrancineLyForCongress.com
Best way for voters to reach you: https://t.co/gwDgqddHe1
Occupation: Court Coordinator
Education: BS in Legal Studies
Have you run for elected office before?
Other than as Democratic precinct chair, State and National Delegates, and State Democratic Executive Committeewoman, 2022 - Texas Senate District 12.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
I have a rich history of community and public service, showcasing diverse leadership roles and active involvement. My commitment is evident through initiatives like voter registration drives, candidate forums, and participation in marches and rallies. Notably, I serve as Chair for the North Texas Chapter of APAPA, Chair of the Election Monitoring Committee for the National Asian American PAC, and Treasurer of the North Texas Asian Democrats. Additionally, I am an active member of various organizations, including the Texas Association of Court Administration and the Dallas Chapter of the National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression. As a Dallas County Election Judge, I’ve made significant contributions to the democratic process.
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, as to personal or professional bankruptcy. With regards to civil lawsuits, due to theft, I had to deal with a credit card action by Citibank which was later dismissed by Citibank.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Lisa Blue, Todd Tracey, Don Godwin
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking this office with a deep commitment to fostering positive change and effective representation within our community. Through active engagement with minority communities, I’ve built a robust coalition for success in the general election. My dedication to public service, shaped by distinguished leaders, fuels my passion for ethical and principled leadership.
Having witnessed the transformative impact of competent and compassionate leadership, I bring 8 years of State Legislature experience and 13 years in the judicial branch of Dallas County. My goal is to leverage this unique perspective and unparalleled expertise to champion our community’s needs, ensuring every voice is heard and represented with integrity. I am committed to delivering effective, responsible, and inclusive leadership to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What are the biggest challenges facing Congressional District 24?
The primary challenges facing Congressional District 24 revolve around economic concerns. These include addressing job creation, fostering economic growth, and supporting local businesses. With a focus on the economy, the district needs strategies to attract and retain businesses, promote workforce development, and ensure that residents have access to economic opportunities. Additionally, tackling income inequality and addressing disparities in economic development across different communities within the district are crucial aspects of overcoming these challenges. Prioritizing policies that enhance the economic resilience of Congressional District 24 will be key to its overall well-being and prosperity.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
If elected, my top three policy priorities will center around ensuring reproduction freedom and healthcare access, advancing equal rights and social justice, and promoting “Made in America” initiatives. I am committed to safeguarding individuals’ reproductive rights, addressing systemic inequalities based on various factors, and championing policies that prioritize domestic manufacturing to foster economic growth and job opportunities. These priorities align with my dedication to creating a more just, inclusive, and economically robust society for all constituents.
How will you measure your success as a U.S. Representative?
I will measure my success as a U.S. Representative by the extent to which I maximize federal funding to benefit the constituents of my district. Success will be reflected in securing resources for critical infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, healthcare access, education, and other vital programs. Additionally, I will gauge success by the positive impact on job creation, addressing community needs, and fostering overall well-being. By effectively leveraging federal funds to address the specific challenges and aspirations of my constituents, I aim to demonstrate tangible and lasting improvements in the quality of life for those I represent.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have proactively connected with minority communities, forming a strong coalition for success in the general election. As a public servant, I’ve had the privilege of gaining insights from the esteemed leaders, whose mentorship has shaped my commitment to ethical and principled leadership. Over the course of my career, I’ve witnessed the positive impact that capable and compassionate leadership can bring to a community. With eight years in the State Legislature and an ongoing 13-year tenure in the judicial branch in Dallas County, I possess unmatched experiences covering two of the three branches of government.
What should Congress do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?
Effectively & compassionately reforming the US immigration system demands a comprehensive strategy. My proposed policy adjustments include revamping the status of undocumented individuals, establishing a pathway to citizenship & outlining transparent guidelines for legal immigration. Simultaneously, streamlining legal immigration processes ensures efficiency and minimizes delays. Reinforcing humanitarian protections aims to provide compassionate treatment to asylees & refugees. Prioritizing family reunification by reforming family-based immigration policies, fostering community engagement, ensuring border security & investing in immigration court.
What should Congress do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?
To address population growth in North Texas, Congress should invest in critical infrastructure, promote affordable housing initiatives, increase funding for education and healthcare, support job creation, encourage environmental sustainability, manage water resources, enhance disaster preparedness, facilitate public-private partnerships, and engage in community-based urban planning. Collaboration with local and state governments is essential for a comprehensive and tailored approach to meet the challenges of a growing population.
What should be the top federal funding priorities for Congress and why?
The top federal funding priorities for Congress should include public health and pandemic preparedness, infrastructure investment, climate change mitigation, education, research and development, national security, social safety nets, cybersecurity, affordable housing, and criminal justice reform. These areas address critical needs, from health crises and environmental sustainability to education, innovation, and societal equity. A balanced and strategic approach is crucial to efficiently allocate resources and address the evolving challenges facing the nation.
Should the U.S. send additional foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine?
Iran is an emerging power and while we have had our blunders in Middle East policy, I believe we can achieve productive conversations with Iran regarding Hamas and terrorist groups in the Middle East. We have attempted to change the course of government in the Middle East through conflict and war, and we have seen the results. We must use allies like Israel to put pressure on Middle East nations to revise their policies and stances on supporting terrorist groups and improving human rights conditions across the region.
Yes, the United States should continue to send material support to Ukraine. Ukraine is the only line of defense we have against the threat of Putin and Russia. However we should be working with our European allies and the E.U. in providing the material support.
What’s a Texas policy issue that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?
A less prominent yet crucial Texas policy issue for me is enacting anti-discrimination legislation in land ownership. This is vital for rectifying historical injustices, promoting fairness, and addressing economic disparities. While not as high-profile, tackling discriminatory practices in land transactions aligns with the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive and just society. This issue underscores the importance of equal opportunity, particularly for historically marginalized communities, and contributes to dismantling systemic biases in Texas.
