Candidates in the Democratic primary for Texas Congressional District 30 on March 5
Jarred D. Davis
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 39
Campaign website: www.jarreddavisforcongress.com
Best way for voters to reach you: E-mail
Occupation: Human Resources Executive
Education: Texas A&M University-Commerce, Bachelor of Science; Texas A&M University-Commerce, Master of Science
Have you run for elected office before?
No.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
CityLab High School Foundation, Board President
City of Duncanville Planning and Zoning Commission, Chair
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Auxiliary Board Member
City of Dallas Plan Commission, Vice Chair and District Four Commissioner
City of Duncanville Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, Board Member and Education Committee Chair
Texas A&M University-Commerce Alumni Association, Board Director
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?
Friends and Family
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking this office to provide Texas District 30 with the representation we need and deserve. The political leadership of Adam Clayton Powell, Barbara Jordan, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Andrew Young, John Lewis, and Eddie Bernice Johnson have been instrumental in shaping my view governing and policy making. These trailblazers shaped my view because they were well-prepared, unmistakably committed to their values, and bravely expressed their convictions through their work, and life. Much like me, each of these congressional leaders sought to understand and respond to people’s needs. They also knew and valued the importance of working across the aisle to achieve results. These results have provided a way for this Nation to thrive in the harshest of times. I now desire to bring my dedication and experience to represent the congressional district that raised and taught me the value of public service.
What are the biggest challenges facing Congressional District 30?
Like the other 434 unique congressional districts, we have many challenges. These challenges carry personal, economic, and quality of life ramifications if left ignored for a moment more. These challenges include limited access to costly health care, overcoming housing insecurity, expanding access to homeownership, securing our borders, providing a safe, quality education and taking care of our aging transportation and infrastructure needs. Solutions must be innovative, sustainable, and fair. I believe this can only be done by working with every colleague to do the job voters expect. In our work, I believe as colleagues, we will discover common unaddressed issues and create legislation that provides solutions to those needs that result in tangible change for communities. This is the faith the electorate lends it representatives; I plan to honor that trust with proven results.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
If elected, I plan to address our district’s needs in health care, education, and transportation. I specifically would work to further leverage existing legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, America Competes Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Each of these legislative pieces are opportunities for my district. These opportunities save real people, real money. Additionally, they provide a mechanism for communities and individuals to prosper in the future through job creation and workforce development opportunities. Through this legislation, I believe the Biden Administration has laid the important groundwork, equipping policy makers to implement much needed resources and opportunity to achieve demonstrated results that allow us to become financially stronger domestically, and compete globally.
How will you measure your success as a U.S. Representative?
I will measure my success by the demonstrated success that advance the congressional priorities that ensure Texas District 30’s future success. Success is also measured by advancing the agenda and fight of the people who will send me to Washington DC. In my estimation, effective congressional understands what constituents and communities needs and bring home federal solutions that meets those very needs.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Voters that believe that accountable and authentic representation is important should choose me over my opponent. Much like the entirety of the United States Congress, Texas District 30 has been mired in unproductive partisan fighting and drama. This, unfortunately, does not get to the real work of identifying and implementing federal solutions to local problems.
If we expect future vibrancy and equitable economic growth, we must elect a representative who keenly understands constituent needs, delivers on district-specific congressional priorities. This is the only path to establishing a legislative agenda that ensures promise and opportunity in the future.
It is dangerous to continue to elect and re-elect politicians whose primary devotion is to performative politics, and not real legislative results that matter to people. I believe based upon my convictions, values, and proven public service experience; I am best equipped to authentically and honorably represent our District.
What should Congress do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?
Congress should consider policy changes and strategies that hold the federal and state government accountable for humane, effective, and efficient immigration and border management policies. We cannot allow political actors at any level of government to artificially create division between federal and state powers, while ignoring the deep causes of our immigration crises. Doing so, does not solve the problem, instead it further erodes faith within our democracy and creates unspeakable dangers for American citizens, as well as those seeking entry into our country. We simply cannot fix or manage our immigration problem without acknowledging and responding to the host of geopolitical issues that triggers migrants to seek refuge here.
What should Congress do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?
The North Texas congressional delegation must work to ensure we invest in our infrastructure needs, diversify and expand our transportation and mobility options, and increase access to homeownership. As we grow, we must all work together to ensure we can meet the demands that aging and inadequate infrastructure and population growth expect for our region.
What should be the top federal funding priorities for Congress and why?
Congress’ top funding priority should be to pass a budget and stop running the Nation on a month-to-month basis. Beyond fulfilling this fundamental duty, Congress should prioritize investing into communities and people’s real needs. We must also give funding priority to improving and expanding Veteran health care. We must also invest in our defense systems to ensure we are prepared for modern day warfare. Too many communities still desperately require significant economic development and infrastructure needs to successfully overcome decades of disinvestment, and this too must be a priority. Congress must fund the things that ensure our safety, liberties, and economic vibrancy. Without commitment these priorities, our communities and people continue to suffer and lose confidence that our process works and is worth defending.
Should the U.S. send additional foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine?
Yes, I fully support the continued, accountable strategic support to Ukraine. I believe we recognize the importance and security implications of supporting Ukraine. Our support unquestionably communicates and reinforces our commitment to important and humane global norms. Our support to Ukraine not only assists in meeting the acute military or civilian needs, it also strategically strengthens the resolve of all our NATO alliance partners. Time has taught us that in almost all matters, the United States is looked upon to lead and define what is important. I find this instance, and this assistance no different. In fact, it maybe even more urgent and consequential than ever before. Therefore, we cannot allow unprincipled, partisan deal-making to further weaken our global or domestic leadership posture.
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 a low profile, but important issue that requires work and attention is our state’s and nation’s water resource management and infrastructure coordination and outcomes. The effective water storage, supply and drought resiliency is critical to our livelihood and economy. Water management is not glitzy, but important beyond measure.
Jasmine Crockett
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 42
Campaign website: www.JasmineForUS.com
Best way for voters to reach you: www.JasmineForUS.com
Occupation: United States Representative - TX30
Education: B.A. - Business (Rhodes College) J.D. (University of Houston Law Center)
Have you run for elected office before?
US Rep. TX30 (Elected) 2022 Texas State Representative HD100 (Elected)2020 Bowie County TX Democratic Party Chair (Elected) 2012 Bowie County District Attorney (Candidate) 2010
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
Sworn in almost a year ago, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving this District in the halls of the United States Congress. Serving not only as a Freshman member, but as a member of House Democratic Leadership, I’ve hit the ground running in an effort to ensure that the needs of my District remain at the forefront while strategically working to help regain a Democratic majority in 2024. As a member, I’ve personally sponsored 12 bills, have cosponsored over 485 different bills, and have lead many letters all rooted in the issues pressing our communities. Whether it’s affordable housing, increasing access to the ballot box, seeking solutions to the growing Fentanyl crisis, addressing the disparities that exist among vital SNAP benefits, and much more, I’ve sought out to address these issues with real legislative action.
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 arrested, but I have been a part of countless criminal proceedings as a criminal defense attorney.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
I have not been involved in any civil lawsuits beyond ones related to the practice of law. I have never personally declared bankruptcy.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
AAJ (Trial Lawyers) PAC, Border Health Federal PAC, PAC to the Future
Why are you seeking this office?
I still have more work to do. I ran for office because of my concerns around the preservation of Democracy & Freedom in this country. I still have deep concerns around them and I am uniquely qualified to fight some of the most extreme battles that we face in the Congress. I currently serve on the Oversight Committee where we are dealing with an attempt to impeach the President of the United States. While I didn’t quite see this as a challenge I would face, I am honored to serve my country in this way. It is important that I not only do my job, but educate people on what is happening and why these are awful red flags that should produce alarms for all of us. I am running because I believe in the founding principles of our country and our country’s promise and want to do everything that I can to preserve our foundation and serve my community in a way that allows them to realize our country’s promise.
What are the biggest challenges facing Congressional District 30?
Climate change is devastating. Manual laborers exposed to extreme heat have increased health risks; including death. This has already been a sad reality for TX-30, as a USPS letter carrier died this past summer while delivering mail in 100+ degree weather. Climate change is also causing colder winters which places acute strains on our Texas energy grid. This in turn results in higher energy costs.
I have supported legislation that would provide grants that create cleaner air and green spaces. I have introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce the amount of carbon pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by increasing domestic production of sustainable aviation fuels. Additionally, I have worked with my Texas colleagues, across the aisle, to help Texans increase access to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program which provides low-income home owners and renters, assistance on paying their energy bills.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Voting Rights/Democracy, Reproductive Rights, Equitable Economic Opportunities
How will you measure your success as a U.S. Representative?
I have managed my success in how many resources I have been able to bring to the district because that is when the transformation takes place; when people can see tangible changes. Additionally, the title says representative, so I measure my success by what my constituents tell me about if they feel heard or not & if they feel represented or not. At the end of the day, I serve at the pleasure of the people, and their thoughts, feelings, and concerns indicate if I am truly successful.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I am the only candidate in this race with a track record of relevant experience. I have legislated on both the state & federal levels after having practiced law in both state & federal courts. We’ve opened over 1500 cases for our constituents dealing with federal issues from IRS to Social Security, returning over $977,000 to TX30 constituents. We’ve brought home over $176,671,284 for infrastructure projects, expanded healthcare services, environmental cleaning funds & more. We also secured 1 of 3 of HHS’s newest ARPA-H Customer Experience Hubs, which will bring thousands of new jobs, millions of dollars in federal investment, & will increase healthcare access, medical research & innovation to historically underrepresented communities. In short, I have an aggressive & productive track record and honestly it would only set the district back to elect someone with zero legislative nor elected experience to go to the largest & most powerful legislative body in the country.
What should Congress do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?
Immigration is one thing & border security is another. I like to draw this distinction because it is never done. There aren’t security concerns around children that have taken a treacherous journey sometimes with their parents, sometimes not, seeking asylum. US Federal law allows immigrants to present themselves at any point of entry to begin the asylum process. We have a broken system, like many of our systems -- it isn’t modernized & it is underfunded. Modernization is needed to address security concerns to better detect illegal contraband, as well as to better process the overwhelming flow of people. We have have to offer more funding because there are more people entering an already backlogged system, but one final thing that needs to be understood is that people are coming here to work and provide for their families and jobs are available, but we must absolutely get people to work while their cases flow through the system so as to not strain local & state governments.
What should Congress do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?
Texas Business Leaders have been in discussion with the Texas delegation about their need for more workers so we know from an economic opportunity standpoint, we are ready. We must take advantage of the opportunity to prepare our infrastructure & modernize it so that it can handle the additional population and finally, it is critical that we increase our housing supply. This is probably the most challenging aspect of the equation; not just for North Texas, but any growing area. Construction costs are still high and I have been working to dig into some of the main drivers of the costs to produce solutions to reduce them. One example is there is a high demand for nickel, but a not so high supply. Nickel is used in transformers for home as well as electric car batteries. I have had discussions with other countries & am seeking ways to increase the supply chain availability to bring costs down.
What should be the top federal funding priorities for Congress and why?
While the economy has bounced back in record fashion, there are some realities about the times. Not everyone is experiencing the bounce back. As someone who serves on the agriculture committee, I would say investing in making food more accessible to all, but specifically our most vulnerable. We must protect SNAP benefits, which only pay $6/day to assist people with the basic necessity of food. The data shows that when people don’t have access to fresh food, they are more susceptible to chronic health issues which leads to a strain on an already strained healthcare system as well as compounds an already financially strained situation. The negative impact on children, their growth, and mental acuity is even more astounding.
Should the U.S. send additional foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine?
Absolutely. Foreign affairs and our domestic security depend upon our relationships and we cannot appear to flake on our commitments. Additionally, even more catastrophic is the fact that to do nothing for Ukraine, means that we essentially are aiding Putin. If Putin is allowed to take Ukraine, the fear is that he will go into a NATO country next and then US Troops will also be called up.
We have to honor our commitments. And while the question doesn’t inquire of this. The supplemental aid package proposed by the President would also provide for support to the civilians trapped in the GAZA strip. I wholeheartedly support the many aspects of the supplemental package.
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 have been against the fact that in Texas, at 17 years of age, the only time Texas law considers you an adult is for criminal justice purposes. Texas is only about 1 of 5 states that hasn’t agreed that the age of maturity is 18 for criminal justice purposes. I have seen firsthand the devastation that has been caused to children and our society when a high school kid for instance decides to try a vape pin with thc or eat a marijuana brownie. In Texas both are felonies and could very well prevent that kid from receiving any federal aid to attend college not to mention the possibility of going to prison. I truly believe in our kiddos and this law just fails to take into account how immature kids are and potentially scars the child, family, and community forever.
This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 10:33 AM.
