Here’s who’s running in the Republican primary for Texas House District 99 on March 5
Jack Reynolds
Age (as of March, 5 2024): 55
Campaign website: jack4texas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: jack@jack4texas.com or 817-406-7024
Occupation: Educator
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in economics; doctoral in educational leadership
Have you run for elected office before?
I ran for TCCD Board.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
I serve on the Municipal Development District Board for Azle, TX. I have worked in education for almost 15 years. From 2002-2005, I coached little league baseball. From 2007-2009, I volunteered as an umpire for the intramural softball league in Stephenville, Texas. As a full-time economics professor, I was elected to the Faculty Senate at Tarrant County College.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
Bad check (<$50), 1997; driving on suspended license (2006)
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Family Empowerment Coalition PAC, myself, and Pedro Checo
Why are you seeking this office?
Largely because I think Charlie Geren needs to go. The failed impeachment of AG Ken Paxton underscored the hypocrisy of Charlie Geren. I am not condoning any of the allegations made, but you would be hard pressed to convince me that AG Paxton is the only elected official that has used his office to help a friend or family member. In fact, Charlie Geren’s wife is a top lobbyist in Austin and he has helped her clients multiple times by sponsoring and pushing bills her clients favor.
What are the biggest challenges facing House District 99?
Education certainly ranks as one of our biggest challenges. Another challenge is property taxes. Border security is also an important issue.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Public education reform (starting with getting a robust school choice bill passed); eliminating property taxes in favor of a consumption tax; securing the border.
How will you measure your success as a state legislator?
I will measure my success on how effective I am at achieving my policy priorities.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
Because it is time for a change. I am a twice-honorably discharged Army Infantry and Desert Storm veteran who will fight to get everything our veterans deserve. I am an economist who will fight to reduce burdensome regulations and lower taxes. I am a Christian who will fight for Texas families and values. I am a conservative who will fight the left’s woke agenda - in our schools and in our government. I am a Texan who will fight for Texans.
Should Attorney General Ken Paxton have been convicted during his Senate impeachment trial? Why/Why not?
No. Unless I am mistaken, there was not a single piece of evidence presented in the house that was provided under the pains and penalties of perjury. Once the evidence was subjected to a thorough review and witnesses were placed under oath, it fell well short of any reasonable standard of evidence that would justify an impeachment.
Do you support Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for the use of education savings accounts? Why?/Why not?
I support school choice and so do most of the Republican primary voters in this district (87.5% according to 2022 primary proposal). In fact, multiple polls shows that school choice enjoys broad bipartisan support. We have to acknowledge that the current public education system is NOT working for most of our students. Almost half of the students in this district read below grade level, and almost two-thirds are below grade level in math. School choice is a fantastic first step. We can also pay teachers better. Since 1970, per student revenue has increased 152% in inflation-adjusted dollars, while teacher pay has grown by only 8%.
What should Texas do to address immigration and border security at the Texas-Mexico border?
We have to find and deploy the most effective infrastructure and technology for protecting our border. We must end in-state tuition for illegal aliens as it acts as an incentive. We need legislation that works to reduce and eliminate child and drug trafficking - more investigative resources, stiffer penalties, etc. A nation without borders simply cannot survive.
What should the Texas Legislature do to respond to and prepare for population growth in North Texas?
I am an economist. Economics is the study of how we allocate our limited resources to meet our unlimited wants. Allocating resources for anticipated growth that may or may not occur smacks of the kind of central planning that dooms many economies. I am confident enough in our ability to move quickly and decisively as growth happens rather than planning for growth that has yet to occur.
Should Texas law be changed to clarify when an abortion is allowed in medical emergencies? Why/Why not?
Every child has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No exceptions. Period.
Should Texas expand casino gambling and legalize sports betting in Texas? Why/Why not?
It is important to understand that my job is not to go to Austin and do what I think is best for everyone, my job is to go to Austin and do what my voters tell me to do, constrained only by our Constitution and my faith. That is the nature of a Constitutional Republic. If my voters want me to vote to “expand casino gambling and legalize sports betting in Texas,” then I will do so. If not, I will not. And this goes for most any bill put before me to vote on. If I have strong views and ideas of my own, I certainly reserve the right to educate my constituents about my views and hope they come around to agree with me - I am an educator, afterall.
What’s a Texas policy issue that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?
As an academic economist who spends a great deal of my professional time teaching economics, I am stunned at the volume of economic ignorance. I believe we should seriously consider making an introductory economics course part of the state’s core curriculum.
Charlie Geren
Did not answer questions.
