Meet the candidates for Texas Senate District 12 in the Nov. 5 election
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After moving from the Texas House to the Senate in 2023, Republican Sen. Tan Parker is working to win another term.
Parker, an entrepreneur and businessman, is facing Democrat Stephanie Draper, administrative coordinator and entrepreneur. For Parker, top priorities include border security, reducing inflation’s economic impacts and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Draper listed reproductive rights, education and affordable housing.
Senate District 12 covers Wise County and includes parts of Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties.
Tan Parker
Political Party: Republican
Age: 53
Campaign website: tanparker.com
Best way for voters to reach you:
Email: info@tanparker.com Facebook: @TanParkerTX Twitter: @TanParkerTX Instagram: @tanparkertx
Occupation: Entrepreneur and businessman
Education
-University of Dallas, BA -London School of Economics, MSc
Have you run for elected office before?
Held: State Senator District 12 (2023-current) Previous: State Representative House District 63 (2007-2023)
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism:
It has been the highest honor of my professional life to serve the people of SD 12, championing common-sense principles that uphold Texas values. My service is guided by the trust placed in me to promote economic development, strengthen border security, reduce tax burdens, and enhance public safety. I’m proud to have authored key legislation such as Jenna’s Law (preventing child sexual abuse), Britteny Sage Lindt Law (boating safety), and Charlie’s Law (medical freedom for stem cell treatments), along with landmark bills like the Centennial Parks fund, Interstate Border Compact, and the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act. As Vice Chair of the Sunset Commission, I work to ensure government efficiency. Additionally, I advocate for volunteerism, serving on the Board of Trustees for the University of Dallas and various nonprofit advisory councils. I am also proud to support organizations like Special Olympics Steak-N-Stetson, benefiting differently-abled athletes.
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?
Texans for Lawsuit Reform
Kenny A and Lisa Troutt
H. Ross Perot, Jr.
Why are you seeking this office?
Senate District 12 is the people’s seat, and serving every citizen remains the greatest honor of my professional life. Working together for the betterment of this great state, we have achieved many victories to lessen the burden of government, innovate for a brighter tomorrow, strengthen education outcomes, protect our safety and wellbeing, and open pathways for Texans to succeed. Listening to the voices of SD12, it is clear we have more opportunities to make meaningful differences. I am prepared and hard at work to make certain the Texas we love today will remain the beacon of freedom and opportunity for generations to come. And I will never waver from my commitment to make your government accountable and accessible, rooted in purpose, so that every Texan can prosper.
What are your top 3 policy priorities?
Border Security, Reducing the Economic Impacts of Inflation, and Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I offer a proven, conservative track record combined with a commitment to effective, compassionate leadership. Throughout my time of service, I have remained accessible and engaged so that citizens know they have a state leader who understands their unique challenges with a proven record that has produced real results. From cutting taxes, strengthening border security, and enhancing public safety, to enacting national model legislation such as the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and Jenna’s Law and passing transformational legislation such as Charlie’s Law and the Centennial Parks Fund, our work continues to focus on building a brighter tomorrow. Additionally, my experience as a legislator, currently serving on nine committees, and leading the Sunset Advisory Commission, allows me to cultivate positive solutions to challenges faced by the people of SD 12 - such as pushing back against the HHSC procurement process that would have uprooted insurance coverage for thousands.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district where you’re running, and what is your plan to address it?
Federal inflation is a hidden tax on hard-working Texans, making it difficult for families in Senate District 12 to make ends meet. That’s why I’m focused on keeping Texas business-friendly, creating an environment where entrepreneurs can grow, jobs can be created, and workers keep more of what they earn. I’ve led efforts to reduce the property tax burden, helping families afford housing, and allowing businesses to invest in their workforce. Inflation has also driven up the cost of homeowners and car insurance, along with everyday goods and services. I’m committed to bringing solutions to ease these financial pressures and protect people from losing their insurance. With the rapid growth in Senate District 12, affordability remains a key issue, and I will work to protect our families and their economic vitality.
How would you measure your success as a state legislator?
Success is defined by results. Throughout my service in the Texas Senate, every piece of legislation begins with a commitment to solving problems and making Texas better - not just for today, but for a brighter, more prosperous future. By listening to the people of Senate District 12 and preparing for the work ahead, my focus remains on creating meaningful, tangible impacts that improves lives. Success means delivering real results - lowering taxes, creating jobs, enhancing public safety, and driving economic growth. It also involves protecting our most vulnerable populations, from passing Jenna’s Law to prevent child sexual abuse to combating human trafficking. I view success by the trust my constituents place in me to uphold their values, and by my ability to collaborate with colleagues to pass meaningful legislation that improves the quality of life for all Texans.
Do you support vouchers or voucher-like programs, such as education savings accounts? Why or why not?
I supported The Texas Senate’s plan for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) which aim to provide families with more flexibility in choosing their children’s education by offering up to $8,000 per student annually.
The plan allocates $500 million for the first year, covering around 50,000 students. Additionally, the program would prioritize low- and middle-income families and students with disabilities, using a lottery system if there are more applicants than available funds. School districts would also receive compensation for each child who participates in the ESA for three years after the child leaves the ISD.
What is your plan to fund Texas public schools?
In Texas, our children’s education must always come first because they are the future of this great state. Improving school funding begins with making sure our dollars reach the classroom, where they can have the greatest impact.
We should increase the basic allotment and teacher pay - our teachers are the heart of our schools, and we must ensure they are valued and compensated for the incredible work they do. However, we must also ensure that any increases are paired with accountability and a focus on outcomes. Currently, the basic allotment is over $6,000 per student, and we have a responsibility to track where every single dollar goes to ensure it’s directly benefiting our children.
We must ensure that resources reach the classroom, improving education outcomes, and preparing every child for the future. With proper oversight and smart investments, we can provide Texas students with the world-class education they deserve.
Has the state done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even in tight grid conditions? What more should be done?
Texas is America’s largest energy producer, and a strong, independent energy sector is vital to our economic prosperity and national security. I am committed to supporting a robust energy industry that drives our economy, supporting over 1.37 million jobs and providing billions in tax revenue for education, conservation, and infrastructure.
We must maintain a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, like carbon capture and improved extraction methods, to keep Texas oil and gas globally competitive. Natural gas is key to our energy future, and expanding dispatchable generation through new natural gas plants is essential.
Additionally, we must invest in nuclear power as a clean, reliable complement to our oil and gas resources. By supporting advanced nuclear technologies, Texas can secure energy reliability, protect jobs, and ensure long-term economic growth while maintaining our energy independence
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address road infrastructure?
The state’s record $148 billion investment in transportation, including TxDOT’s $104 billion 10-year plan, is a major step forward in addressing Texas’ infrastructure needs. However, in the upcoming legislative session, we must focus on ensuring that this funding is used effectively to relieve congestion, improve rural connectivity, and enhance safety in fast-growing regions like Senate District 12. Transparency and community input should remain a priority to ensure projects meet local needs. Streamlining project timelines and embracing innovations like smart road technology will also be essential to future-proof our roadways. By pairing this historic investment with efficient, forward-thinking policies, Texas can continue to lead the nation in business and support safe, efficient transportation for all Texans.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address the supply of water in Texas?
We must focus on long-term solutions for Texas’s water supply. Texas is currently 10 to 11 million acre-feet short of water supply goals and is at least 10 to 20 years behind in meeting them. Conservation alone will not bridge this gap; we need to develop new water supplies. This can be achieved through strategic investments in infrastructure, similar to how we’ve handled roads and bridges. A comprehensive water grid should be developed to ensure a steady supply of water across the state. This would involve expanding reservoirs, investing in desalination, and improving water recycling technologies. By front-loading these projects with proper funding and planning, we can avoid future shortages and create long-term solutions.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address border security along the Texas-Mexico border and immigration?
Texas must take decisive action to strengthen border security and address illegal immigration challenges. With federal inaction, it falls to our state to protect communities and uphold the rule of law. We must continue to invest in physical barriers, advanced surveillance, and more personnel to patrol high-traffic areas along the Texas-Mexico border.
Expanding resources for law enforcement is crucial to ensuring agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local sheriffs can combat human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cartel activity. Through the Texas Interstate Border Compact, which I authored, we can continue partnering with other states to enhance border security efforts.
We also need to address the humanitarian impact by ensuring our communities aren’t overwhelmed by resource strains. By taking these steps, Texas will continue to lead in securing the border and protecting its citizens.
What should the state legislature do to address property taxes and affordable housing for Texans in the coming legislative session?
We must do more to ease the financial burden on Texas homeowners, as property taxes and rising insurance costs should not stand in the way of the American Dream. It’s our duty to ensure homeownership remains within reach for all Texans.
While we’ve made progress, we must continue reducing burdens on families across the state. Expanding homestead exemptions helps Texans keep more of their earnings. I was proud to co-author the $18 billion property tax cut package in the Texas Senate, a major win for homeowners. Now, appraisal boards have elected members, ensuring Texans aren’t taxed without representation.
We also need to tackle the rising cost of homeowners’ insurance to further relieve financial strain. Transparency and efficiency in government are essential, and every taxpayer dollar must be used wisely to benefit families. By remaining committed to these values, we can ensure Texans thrive without being weighed down by unnecessary tax burdens.
Should Texas make any changes to its current abortion laws. Why or why not, and what changes would you support?
The current abortion law in Texas reflects the state’s deep commitment to protecting the sanctity of life. Texas has taken significant steps to defend the unborn, and I believe those steps are an important part of our commitment to upholding the right to life from conception to natural death.
What’s an issue that doesn’t make as many headlines but is important to you? Why is it important?
Ensuring that Texas protects its most vulnerable populations, particularly medically fragile children. Throughout my time in office, I’ve been dedicated to advocating for these families, introducing legislation and requesting funding every session to ensure that children with complex medical needs have access to the care they deserve. These children and their families face extraordinary challenges every day, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need to stay healthy and safe.
I believe that no child should be denied life-sustaining care due to gaps in our healthcare system, and I am committed to pushing for policies that put the needs of these families first. By improving access to specialized care and reducing bureaucratic obstacles, we can make sure that medically fragile children receive the timely, effective support they need to thrive. This is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.
What steps will you take to communicate with constituents about their concerns, needs and the actions of the state legislature?
I firmly believe our government must be accountable, accessible, and truly work for the people it serves. When I first took office, my goal was to shift the perception of government from a distant bureaucracy to one that meets people where they are and creates opportunities for greater hope and prosperity. As Texans, we share a strong desire to cultivate freedom and opportunity, and that begins with a government that listens and acts.
Service to the people must be rooted in purpose, and this has always guided my work. I’ve learned the importance of listening to constituents and taking bold steps to make meaningful changes that improve lives. Through initiatives like open office hours and a commitment to transparency, I continue to work toward a government that serves with integrity and puts the needs of Texans first.
Stephanie Draper
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 53
Campaign website: Draper for Texas com
Best way for voters to reach you: draper@stephaniefortexas.org
Occupation: Administrative Coordinator/Entrepreneur
Education: Currently Dallas Community College
Have you run for elected office before?
No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
Election Judge, Precinct Chair and Activist
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:
N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Aflo-cio, Tarrant County Dems
Why are you seeking this office?
To give district 12 options
What are your top 3 policy priorities?
Reproduction rights, Eduction and Affordable housing.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I believe in people’s rights to choose their own reproduction care, access to affordable housing, healthcare, Fair wage increase, union support, strong public education and importance of investing in small business and term limits.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district where you’re running, and what is your plan to address it?
Affordable housing, education and reproduction rights, economic growth. Work with the County commissioners to develop affordable housing, pass a bill to reverse and protect women rights and vote no to school choice vouchers.
How would you measure your success as a state legislator?
My successfully passing or contributing to laws get directly addressing needs of the district, positive feedback from the residence and increase participation in the district affairs, seeing the growth and small business and job creation in the district.
Do you support vouchers or voucher-like programs, such as education savings accounts? Why or why not?
No, the vouchers divert funds from public schools and increase inequality, lack of accountability from the private schools there are segregation concerns with the voucher and overtime a loss of support for public education that will hurt our children especially in our rural areas.
What is your plan to fund Texas public schools?
Increase State funding for education, we evaluate the school financing formula redistribute property taxes more equitably, introduce statewide educational taxes such as small increase in sales taxes or sales education tax, used revenue from Texas oil and gas industry to create a permanent educational fund and expand existing permanent School fund to support public education and encourage partnership between schools and private companies particularly in industries like technology healthcare and trades business could invest in programs online with their workforce needs for business students an increase Federal funding and I want to advocate for federal grants.
Has the state done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even in tight grid conditions? What more should be done?
No, the grid needs to be updated and we need to invest in clean energy.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address road infrastructure?
Increase transportation funding allocate more state budget for roads leverage Federal infraction dollars and prioritize maintenance and modernization expand and improve road capacity and lowering the cost of toll roads
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address the supply of water in Texas?
Increase water and fracture investment, expanding for water projects promote water conservation implement drought resistant policies and build more reserves and aquifers and develop alternate water sources.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address border security along the Texas-Mexico border and immigration?
Strengthening border security infrastructure increase funding for our border patrol in law enforcements and address humanitarian concerns expand humanitarian AIDS and support services invest in the immigration course in legal and infrastructures.
What should the state legislature do to address property taxes and affordable housing for Texans in the coming legislative session?
Prayer property tax relief increase the homestead exemption raise the stems of homestead exemption for primary residence, expand exemptions for seniors and veterans, cab property tax growth increase State funding for public schools shift more of the funding burden for public schools from local property taxes to the state reform school financing systems and make sure there is adequate funding for all districts
Should Texas make any changes to its current abortion laws. Why or why not, and what changes would you support?
Yes, there should be a reevaluation of a 6-week band there should be exception for health and rape or incest and it should be accessed to comprehensive healthcare, increase support for pregnant individuals and enhancing access to contraceptive protecting the patience and provider information and we need to focus more on education and awareness, and we need more public input and legislative reviews.
What’s an issue that doesn’t make as many headlines but is important to you? Why is it important?
Homelessness in the district, we have too many essential workers in our district that work 40 hours a week that are homeless when they leave their jobs and there’s not enough resources of funds to assist the huge affordable housing issue that we have in this District, we need to have affordable housing grants for those individuals that are in need.
What steps will you take to communicate with constituents about their concerns, needs and the actions of the state legislature?
Have regular Town Hall meetings with them and be available for them when they call, be accessible for the constituents meet them where they’re at.
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 12:52 PM.
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