Meet the candidates for Texas House District 97 in the Nov. 5 general election
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With State Rep. Craig Goldman bidding for Congress, Hosue District 97 is an open seat and up for grabs on Nov. 5.
Vying for the district are Republican John McQueeney, a business owner in the transportation and restaurant industries, and Democrat Carlos Walker, director of Fort Worth ISD’s Family Action Center.
McQueeney’s priorities include border security, inflation and crime. Walker’s include fully funding public education, property tax relief, expanding health care access.
House District 97 includes Benbrook, White Settlement, most of Crowley and part of southwest Fort Worth.
John McQueeney
Age: 44
Campaign website: https://mcqueeneyfortexas.com/
Best way for voters to reach you: https://mcqueeneyfortexas.com/contact/
Occupation: Business owner in the transportation and restaurant franchise industries.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from the TCU Neeley School of Business
Have you run for elected office before?
No.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism:
TCU Frog Club Advisory Board, TCU National Alumni Board, TCU Chancellor Advisory Committee, Ronald McDonald House, St. Andrews Catholic Church
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?
Governor Greg Abbott and Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC.
Why are you seeking this office?
As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I am running to defend the conservative values that have made our economy strong and to ensure that future generations have a safer and more prosperous Texas. As a father and proud family man, I am running to improve educational opportunities for every parent and student and crack down on fentanyl and dangerous crime in our communities.
What are your top 3 policy priorities?
I have knocked on thousands of doors during this campaign, and the issues that come up the most are border security, inflation and crime so that is where my focus will be for this district.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I believe that the conservative policies of lower taxes, border security, strong law enforcement, and energy independence are better for our community than the liberal, progressive polices of higher taxes, open borders, defunding the police, and attacking our oil and natural gas industry and jobs. It’s clear to me that the voters of this district want a candidate who will fight inflation, secure the border, defend our oil and natural gas industry and jobs, and cut down on fentanyl and violent crime. That’s where I stand in sharp contrast to those on the other side of the aisle.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district where you’re running, and what is your plan to address it?
There are two issues that I hear about the most when I’m talking to voters at the door and at events. As I stated earlier, we must secure our border. The open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration have led to an influx in violent crime and fentanyl in our communities. This is unacceptable and has to stop. Because the federal government has failed to do the job, the Texas Legislature has been forced to step in and do the job. We must also fight inflation and promote policies that protect our economy. That’s why, as State Representative, I will focus on lowering property tax while cutting the red tape and regulations that hurt our economy.
How would you measure your success as a state legislator?
I believe it’s important to put people over politics. As State Legislator, my success is ultimately measured at the ballot box. If I focus on the issues facing our community, and I deliver results, the voters will send me back. I will always fight for the issues facing our community, and I won’t be beholden to special interest or partisan politics that don’t have our best interest at heart.
Do you support vouchers or voucher-like programs, such as education savings accounts? Why or why not?
Yes. I also disagree with those who say you cannot support public schools and vouchers at the same time. We can increase funding for public schools, give our teachers a much-deserved pay raise while also empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children. I support a comprehensive, all of the above approach because it gives our students the best chance to reach their full potential.
What is your plan to fund Texas public schools?
I am committed to elevating the quality of education in Texas. My plan includes increased funding for public schools across all districts, ensuring they have the resources necessary for top-tier education. I also support teacher pay raises, a critical step in enhancing educational standards. Furthermore, I support empowering parents through school choice, providing them with more control over their children’s education. My goal is to create an environment where every student has access to the best educational opportunities, allowing them to reach their fullest potential.
Has the state done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even in tight grid conditions? What more should be done?
While the State Legislature made great strides last session, we must do more to provide dispatchable energy across Texas and hold energy providers accountable for their failures in providing the best services for their customers. We must also support our oil and natural gas industry and give them the tools to produce more energy. The liberal left’s policy of attacking and trying to shut down the oil and natural gas industry is not the solution.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address road infrastructure?
As the owner of a local trucking company, I have expertise on this issue and it’s very important to me and our area of the state. If elected, I will request a seat on the House Transportation Committee. This has to be a priority for the state, and we must prioritize funding to improve our road infrastructure. I also support expanding public/private relationships and part of the solution.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address the supply of water in Texas?
This is another critical issue that must be addressed. The State Legislature, under the leadership of State Senator Charles Perry, is looking at an omnibus water bill to address the water needs of every community in Texas. Just like road infrastructure, this is something we must prioritize this session.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address border security along the Texas-Mexico border and immigration?
The federal government has failed when it comes to border security. Because of this, the Texas Legislature has picked up the slack by continuing the construction of the border wall and adding boots on the ground and additional technology along the border. I strongly support the recent border security laws passed by the state of Texas, and I commend Governor Abbott for taking the lead and becoming a national leader in border security. Texas must lead on border security, and I will make it my top priority.
What should the state legislature do to address property taxes and affordable housing for Texans in the coming legislative session?
As I stated earlier, I am committed to lowering property taxes next session. Lowering property taxes is essential in improving our economy but also in making home ownership affordable again. Nobody should live in fear of being taxed out of their homes, and we must create an environment that gives every Texan the opportunity to own a home. We are also looking at a budget surplus next session, and I will advocate to use a portion of the surplus to buy down property taxes for all Texans.
Should Texas make any changes to its current abortion laws. Why or why not, and what changes would you support?
I support the laws that are currently on the books. I also support pro-family legislation and will increase healthcare services and funding for pregnant mothers, new mothers, and babies.
What’s an issue that doesn’t make as many headlines but is important to you? Why is it important?
I would go back to road infrastructure, which was mentioned earlier. This is not an issue that received heavy attention across the state, especially as it compares to the border, crime, education, and inflation. That being said, it’s critical to our community and my goal is to shed light on the issue and make it more top of mind for my colleagues and constituents.
What steps will you take to communicate with constituents about their concerns, needs and the actions of the state legislature?
I will operate with an open-door policy as I have said from day one. I will also invest heavily in communications year-round with my constituents, and that includes social media, constituent surveys, and regular town halls in all corners of the community. I am accountable to the voters, and they need to know where I stand, and I need to know what issues are important to them.
Carlos Walker
Age: 48
Campaign website: www.carloswalker.com
Best way for voters to reach you: Carlos.walker1911@gmail.com
Occupation: Education
Education
AA in Mathematics, BA in Mathematics, MA in Education Administration, Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Have you run for elected office before?
No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism.
1. McDonald YMCA Board Member (2013-2017)
2. Fort Worth Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities (2015-2018)
3. Farmer for Grow Southeast Fort Worth (2021-current)
4. Fort Worth Housing Solutions (2023-current)
5. YMLA Community Advisory Board Member (2017-current)
6. East Fort Worth Montessori Academy School Board Member (2019 - 2023)
7. Girls Scouts Board Member (2020-2024)
8. Campfire Board Member (2018-2024)
9. Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber Board Member (2014-2019)
10. Generation Uplift Board Member (2018-current)
11. 4-H CEP Advisory Committee Member (2018-current )
12. Everything 4-H Club Member (2019-current)
13. Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show Association Representative (2022-2023)
14. DADS of Dunbar High School Member - (2017-current)
15. Big Brother Big Sister Mentor at Dunbar High School (2013-2015)
16. Boys 2 Men Mentor at Morningside Middle School (2022-current)
17. Co-founder of Unity Healing Camp
18. Member of the United Way of Tarrant County OSC
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?
Amy Witherite, Zachary Criss, Lisa Melton
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m running for House District 97 to create a dynamic and thriving Texas where quality education, community collaboration, and economic opportunity are the foundation for a brighter future. With over two decades of experience as an educator, school principal, and community advocate, I’ve dedicated my career to service and creating pathways to success for every student, family, and community member. I want to bring that same commitment to Austin to ensure that House District 97 receives the representation it deserves.
Our district faces pressing challenges, including underfunded schools, rising property taxes, and a healthcare system that leaves too many behind. My priorities include fully funding public education, supporting teachers, reducing property tax burdens, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. I believe in working together to find common-sense solutions and will always prioritize transparent, direct engagement to make sure your voice is at the heart of every decision.
What are your top 3 policy priorities?
First, I’m committed to fully funding public education to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education. This means supporting our teachers with better pay, reducing class sizes, and providing modern resources that promote student success. No public funds should be diverted to private education; instead, we must strengthen our public schools.
Second, we must address the growing burden of property taxes on homeowners. I will work to implement comprehensive property tax reform that provides relief while maintaining the funding necessary for essential public services. We need a balanced approach that respects taxpayers and keeps our communities strong.
Finally, expanding access to healthcare is essential. I will advocate for policies that make healthcare more affordable and accessible, while protecting the patient-physician relationship. Addressing healthcare disparities, especially in underserved communities, will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Voters should choose me because Texas needs leaders who prioritize people over politics. For 30 years, Republicans have controlled state government, and our communities have suffered from skyrocketing property taxes, underfunded schools, and a broken healthcare system. One-party rule has failed us. It’s time for change.
I bring a unique background as a Navy veteran, lifelong educator, and community advocate. I’ve dedicated my life to service—empowering students, supporting families, and building stronger communities. My opponent is part of the same party that has blocked solutions for years, putting partisan politics above people’s needs.
I’m running to end this pattern and fight for fully funded schools, real property tax relief, and affordable healthcare for all. Together, we can build a future that truly serves House District 97 and all Texans.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district where you’re running, and what is your plan to address it?
The biggest challenge facing House District 97 is the lack of investment in our public education system, which threatens our students’ futures and weakens our community. Schools are underfunded, teachers are underpaid, and classrooms are overcrowded, making it difficult to deliver the high-quality education every child deserves. Without addressing these issues, we risk losing talented educators and limiting opportunities for the next generation.
As a lifelong educator, I know what’s needed to turn this around. My plan is to fully fund our schools, increase teacher pay to attract and retain quality educators, reduce class sizes, and invest in the tools and technology students need to succeed. I will also oppose any efforts to divert public funds to private institutions. Strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving district, and investing in them is the key to creating a brighter future for our community.
How would you measure your success as a state legislator?
I will measure my success as a state legislator by the positive impact I make on the lives of the residents of House District 97. Success means fully funding our public schools, providing meaningful property tax relief, and expanding access to affordable healthcare. It will be reflected in the quality of education our children receive, the stability of our families, and the health of our communities.
I’ll also gauge success by how engaged and informed my constituents feel. I plan to hold regular town halls, maintain open communication, and ensure I’m accessible to address concerns. Legislative achievements are important, but my top priority is being a responsive, effective advocate for the people I represent. True success is when the voices of House District 97 are heard and their needs are met.
Do you support vouchers or voucher-like programs, such as education savings accounts? Why or why not?
No, I do not support vouchers or education savings accounts because they undermine our public schools by diverting critical funding away from where it’s needed most. These programs weaken our public education system, harm students, and create inequities by using taxpayer dollars to subsidize private education for a few, instead of strengthening the schools that serve the majority. As a lifelong educator, I know that strong public schools are the foundation of thriving communities and our state’s future.
Instead of siphoning funds away, we need to fully invest in public education to ensure every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to quality learning. This means supporting our teachers, reducing class sizes, and providing resources that foster success. Public schools are a public good, and we must defend them to ensure equal opportunity for every Texas student.
What is your plan to fund Texas public schools?
My plan is to fully fund Texas public schools without holding our children’s futures hostage to force voucher schemes. Republicans have repeatedly played political games with education funding, pushing vouchers that drain resources from the schools that serve the vast majority of Texas students. This has to stop.
As a veteran, I know the importance of preparing our students for a range of futures, including military and technical careers. I will fight to fully invest in our public schools, ensuring teachers are paid fairly, classrooms are resourced, and students are prepared for college, careers, or military service in a global economy. This means investing in STEM, career training, and ROTC programs that keep our students competitive. Our focus should be on strengthening public education for all, not undermining it for private interests. Our children deserve better.
Has the state done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even in tight grid conditions? What more should be done?
No, the state has not done enough to ensure a steady and reliable supply of electricity. The Governor and Republicans have played political games with our essential infrastructure, putting Texans at risk. The 2021 winter storm and recent heat waves exposed the failures of their approach, leaving millions without power and endangering lives. This negligence threatens Texas’ economic future and undermines our ability to attract businesses.
We must overhaul our power grid by investing in renewable energy sources, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring accountability for grid operators. A stable, diverse energy supply is crucial for a strong economy and a secure future for our children. Texas can and must lead the way in building a resilient energy system that meets 21st-century demands.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address road infrastructure?
Texas drivers are paying a hidden “driving tax” every day. Republicans have forced us to choose between sitting in endless traffic—paying with our time—or using costly toll roads that drain our wallets. Either way, it’s a tax. This failed approach can’t keep up with our rapid growth and is hurting Texas families and businesses.
We need a bold plan to build the road infrastructure our state desperately needs. In the next legislative session, I will fight to stop these traffic bottlenecks by pushing for long-term investments in expanding roads, modernizing highways, and ending the over-reliance on tolls. We can’t keep taking shortcuts. We must create a road system that ensures Texans can travel safely, efficiently, and affordably.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address the supply of water in Texas?
As a farmer, I know firsthand that water is the lifeblood of Texas’ future. Yet, the state’s water supply is under threat due to years of neglect and a lack of serious planning. We need to prioritize securing our water resources now, or we risk devastating impacts on our agriculture, economy, and communities.
In the coming legislative session, I will advocate for a comprehensive statewide water strategy that invests in modern infrastructure, protects our rivers and aquifers, and promotes sustainable water use. We must expand water storage capacity, invest in water reuse technologies, and support farmers and rural communities. Texas’ future depends on bold action now to ensure a reliable water supply for generations to come.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address border security along the Texas-Mexico border and immigration?
Our borders must always be secure, but immigration and border security are federal issues that require serious, bipartisan solutions. Instead of political stunts that waste state resources, Texas should be pressuring our federal elected officials to end the political games and pass comprehensive reform. We need Congress to prioritize legislation that secures the border, streamlines legal immigration, and addresses the root causes of migration. It’s time to put people over politics and ensure a safe, orderly system that benefits Texas and the entire nation.
What should the state legislature do to address property taxes and affordable housing for Texans in the coming legislative session?
Property taxes in Texas have spiraled out of control, forcing families and seniors out of their homes. Republicans have failed to provide real solutions, offering only temporary fixes that don’t address the root cause. The state must take bold action to overhaul the system, ensuring homeowners aren’t crushed by rising taxes just to stay in their communities.
I will fight to create long-term property tax relief that balances the burden between homeowners and large corporations, making sure everyday Texans aren’t carrying the load alone. At the same time, we must tackle the affordability crisis by investing in more affordable housing, expanding housing options, and implementing policies that prevent predatory practices driving up home prices. Texans deserve stability and the opportunity to build a future without being priced out of the communities they’ve helped build.
Should Texas make any changes to its current abortion laws. Why or why not, and what changes would you support?
Yes, Texas must change its extreme abortion laws. I fully support a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, free from government interference. The current laws are dangerous and cruel, putting women’s lives at risk and forcing doctors to choose between providing necessary care or facing criminal charges. This violates the sacred physician-patient relationship and puts politicians where they don’t belong—inside the exam room.
I support restoring the right to safe, legal abortion and ensuring that doctors can act without fear when medical emergencies arise. It’s time for Texas to protect women’s health, trust our doctors, and stop using politics to control women’s bodies.
What’s an issue that doesn’t make as many headlines but is important to you? Why is it important?
An issue that doesn’t get enough attention is food insecurity. As a farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how lack of access to healthy, affordable food devastates families and entire communities. It’s unacceptable that so many Texans, especially in rural areas and low-income neighborhoods, struggle to put food on the table. Food insecurity impacts health, education, and economic stability, trapping families in a cycle of hardship.
We need to invest in programs that expand access to fresh produce, support local farmers, and create sustainable food systems. Addressing food insecurity is about dignity and opportunity. No Texan should go hungry in a state as prosperous as ours.
What steps will you take to communicate with constituents about their concerns, needs and the actions of the state legislature?
I believe communication is the foundation of effective representation. I will hold regular town hall meetings, both in-person and virtually, to ensure that everyone has the chance to voice their concerns. I will also establish a district advisory board made up of diverse community members to keep me connected to the issues impacting our residents.
Beyond that, I’ll send regular updates through newsletters, social media, and community visits, making it easy for constituents to stay informed. I want to create open channels of communication so that you know your voice is heard, your concerns are acted upon, and you have a direct line to your representative. My goal is to be the most accessible and transparent state legislator for House District 97.
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 2:02 PM.
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