Here are the Republican primary candidates for Texas Senate District 22
Three Republicans are on the ballot in the Texas Senate District 22 primary. The winner on March 3 will advance to November and face off with Amy Martinez-Salas, the only Democrat to file.
Here are the Republicans’ responses to the Star-Telegram’s candidate questionnaire, in the order they’ll appear on your ballot.
Jon Gimble
Age (as of March 3, 2026): 49
Campaign website: Gimblefortexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: jon.gimble@gmail.com
Occupation: Investor
Education: BBA/BS in Accounting from Tarleton State University
Have you run for elected office before?
Yes Crawford City Council 2001, McLennan County District Clerk 2014 served 2015-2025
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in SD-22:
Texas Judicial Council 2019-present, McLennan County Bail Bond Board 2015-25, State Board of County & District Clerk’s Association, and Chair of Legislative Committee for two years, Waco Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign 2015-25, Waco Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee on Property Tax Reform, McLennan County Child Welfare Board 2018-2025, McLennan County Employees Fed Credit Union Board member and Vice President 2024-present, Precinct Chair 2001 - 2014, RPT State Delegate 2002-24, Chair of McLennan County Convention Nominations or Resolutions 2006-24, various state committees 2004-2024, and Waco Symphony Board 2015-25.
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:
Current suit over winter storm damage from 2021 with home owner’s insurance policy. Sued a few times in official capacity as District Clerk
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
John Sawyer, Waco - $30,000; Marty Leonard, Ft. Worth - $20,000; myself loan/independent expenditure - $240,000 +
Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking to make sure that the Central Texas Counties I grew up in have a seat at the table in the Texas Senate. I’ve lived and worked in Texas Senate District 22 since 1981, and have worked with all three of the immediate past senators on legislation and issues facing our communities. I’ve served as a leader in our Republican Senatorial Caucus since the early 2000’s and hope to bring a strong solidly conservative voice the Texas Senate. I commit to representing all twelve of the counties that comprise the district and making sure that decisions are informed and balanced by the needs of the whole district, not favoring one segment or region.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1) We need property tax reform that actually reaches our citizens. Past legislatures made small strides forward, but within a few years appraisals or other measures have eaten the tax cuts away. The best way to deliver on this would be to buy down the maintenance and operations school tax with state dollars. This goal should be prioritized over two to three sessions, and would cut out 50% or more for the average Texan. Additionally, it would also finally end the Robin-hood property tax redistribution system. 2) Water, transportation, & electrical infrastructure - we need to continue to improve quantity and quality of both these resources so that we don’t suffer from a lack of supply. 3) Laws to regulate industrial development in unincorporated areas - we need to pass laws that allow commissioner’s courts to regulate development in rural, unincorporated areas. Over the past year an explosion of data centers and other industrial developments have started to proliferate.
How will you measure your success as a state senator?
Success is often measured one citizen at a time, helping them out with state agencies, whether it’s cutting through red tape or helping resolve issues that have lingered. Legislatively accomplishments are great and important, but we often forget that your state senator is a great resource to help you deal with your state government. The legislature only meets for 140 days every other year, and the rest of the time, we should be there to help our citizens achieve better and faster results from their state government. Of course elimination of the M&O property taxes for schools by replacing with state dollars will be a great accomplishment, too.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
I have a combination of experience in local/county government as well as on state boards. County government is where the rubber meets the road, and while there’s no plays well with others trophy, the citizens are rewarded with a more efficient government when officials work well together. Thanks to these efforts we were able to add three new courts to our judicial system while only needing one additional employee. I’ve heard both local and state officials scape goat each other. Locals complaining of unfunded mandates, and state officials of out of control local spending. Both have elements of truth, but ignore the fact that when government works together the citizens win with fewer duplicated services, and government that’s more efficiently delivered.
As a state lawmaker, how would you interact and work with members of the opposite party? Are there specific policy ideas where you see opportunities for bipartisanship?
Infrastructure needs are truly bipartisan as the roads, water, and electrical delivery system don’t care if they were voted in by R’s or D’s. While serving on the Texas Judicial Council I worked alongside Senator Zaffirini, and there were quite a few judicial issues that transcended partisanship. One such item was her supporting my idea to create a grant system for rural counties to be eligible for case management systems paid for by grants from existing state funds.
What is the biggest challenge facing SD-22? How would you address it if elected?
As mentioned above, the proliferation of data centers and related energy production largely to our rural counties, needs laws to: 1) allow county commissioners to approve or deny projects in unincorporated regions of the county; 2) provide for a public permitting process at the state level under TCEQ for environmental concerns that is at least as stringent as the process for a landfill; 3) any such development needs to benefit local citizens.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to address costs of living when they meet in 2027?
A glib answer would be to encourage the Federal Government to stop printing so much money, as the state does little to affect inflation. Just as commissioners courts across the state evaluate salaries annually during budget sessions, the state legislature should evaluate government salaries too.
Is eliminating school property taxes for homeowners achievable and something you’d support? Why or why not, and what plan do you propose to achieve their elimination or as an alternative?
I see a pathway for school taxes that is achievable within a few sessions. The other local taxes would be difficult to replace and most of the local services provided are necessities. I would be open to ideas on how to replace the property tax system with an alternative funding mechanism.
What steps, if any, should the state take to prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence?
Part of the preparation/response should be regulatory framework mentioned in previous answers for the data centers expanding into Texas. We also need to have safeguards for our increasingly digital government records. They should have an air-gapped redundant system for fail-over situations. A few years ago, the appellate system for our courts was compromised by foreign actors and it took weeks for the OCA IT services to recover what they could from the system. Both of these issues could use a special session this summer as they are developing so quickly that waiting until next January doesn’t get an answer soon enough.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to ensure there’s an adequate supply of water and electricity in the state now and in the future?
Continue the progress that has been made, and if we’re going to allow the proliferation of data centers, have them help fund the infrastructure to lighten the load to our communities, which could help lower demands on property tax paid for infrastructure.
What specific K-12 and higher education policies should state lawmakers prioritize in 2027?
A grant program to help fund after school care for K-6 children by paying high schoolers to mentor children and assist with homework. I saw this firsthand when I was in HS in the 1990s. For higher education, the new funding model for TSTC is working well and incentivizing students graduating with several money-back guaranteed certificates or degrees. If there’s a way to do something similar for community colleges and universities, that would be helpful.
What role should the state play in immigration and border security? What, if any, specific policies would you support as a state lawmaker?
I spent most of 2011 on the border with the Texas State Guard and saw firsthand the ravages of a broken border policy. We need to be prepared for the next time the federal government steps back from their duties. While there is a cost associated with state funded border initiatives, the cost of not protecting our homeland at the border would spill over into our local communities.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do in the way of hemp and marijuana policy?
No problems with hemp industry. We need some common sense regulations for THC or synthetic derivatives. The Governor’s executive order limiting it to 21 and up is a good stop-gap measure until the legislature can work out a longer-term solution.
Rena Schroeder
Did not respond.
David Cook
Age (as of March 3): 54 years old
Campaign website: www.davidcookfortexas.com
Best way for voters to reach you: (817) 821-1096
Occupation: Managing Partner - Harris Cook LLP; President/Escrow Officer - Yellowstone Title
Education: BA, Public Administration - Stephen F. Austin State University; JD - Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan University School of Law)
Have you run for elected office before? Yes. I served as the Mayor of the City of Mansfield from 2008 to 2021 and I am currently serving my third term in the Texas House of Representatives.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in SD-22:
State Representative, Texas House of Representatives; Mayor, City of Mansfield (2008-2021); Mansfield Cares - Board of Directors, Feed the Kids Summer Program; Southeast Tarrant Transportation Partnership; Tarrant County Mayors Council; Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Salvation Army North Texas
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? Divorce; defendant to a lawsuit.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Mike & Kathleen Long, and A&M PAC
Why are you seeking this office?
As the father of four adult children and seven (soon to be eight) grandchildren, I am deeply concerned about the future we are leaving for the next generation. I have dedicated my life to public service, guided by my faith and commitment to servant leadership. I am seeking this office to help ensure that our communities remain safe, and prosperous so our future generations can thrive.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My top priorities are delivering meaningful property tax relief and cutting wasteful spending; keeping our communities safe by enforcing the rule of law and securing our Southern border; and restoring common sense in education by putting parents in charge of their child’s education and keeping boys out of girls’ sports.
How will you measure your success as a state senator?
I will measure my success as a state senator by my ability to deliver conservative, priority legislation and secure funding to improve the quality of life for families in Senate District 22. I remain committed to earning my constituents’ and communities’ support everyday, through my advocacy in the Legislature on their behalf.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
My experience as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for three terms sets me apart, as it will allow me to be an effective State Senator on Day 1. I have built strong relationships, understand the legislative process, and know how to deliver results. I will hit the ground running with the experience required to do the job quickly and effectively for Senate District 22.
As a state lawmaker, how would you interact and work with members of the opposite party? Are there specific policy ideas where you see opportunities for bipartisanship?
“The person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally - not a 20% traitor” - President Ronald Reagan. I have and will continue to work across the aisle for the betterment of my constituents and all Texans. I see issues like property tax relief, securing water resources, and addressing mental health as opportunities for bipartisanship.
What is the biggest challenge facing SD-22? How would you address it if elected?
As I’ve listened to folks on the campaign trail, I believe that the biggest challenge facing this district is the proliferation of data centers in rural areas of Senate District 22. In the next legislative session, I intend to file a bill to ensure that these data center projects responsibly address their impact on local energy and water resources, to provide for meaningful opportunities for public input, and to protect taxpayers through transparency in the permitting process.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to address costs of living when they meet in 2027?
For too long, promised tax relief has been gobbled up by higher appraisals and wasteful government spending. I will use my experience to cut government waste, slash burdensome regulations, and lower costs for Texas families. I will fight for lasting property tax relief that actually puts money back in our pockets.
Is eliminating school property taxes for homeowners achievable and something you’d support? Why or why not, and what plan do you propose to achieve their elimination or as an alternative?
Governor Abbott’s property tax reform plan includes a constitutional amendment to abolish school district maintenance & operations property taxes for homeowners, which will result in substantial property tax savings. Additionally, Lt. Governor Patrick’s “Operation Double Nickel” plan to lower the current senior homestead exemption age from 65 to 55 and to continue to increase the homestead exemption for homesteaded property, both of which will continue to remove houses from the tax rolls for school taxes. I look forward to continuing to deliver real property tax relief for my constituents.
What steps, if any, should the state take to prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence?
The Texas Legislature should continue to foster a pro-business and pro-innovation economic climate, especially in response to artificial intelligence. We should strive to avoid heavy-handed regulation; instead, we should take targeted steps to modernize our workforce and state agencies, protect consumer data privacy, and guard against national security threats posed by AI implementation.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to ensure there’s an adequate supply of water and electricity in the state now and in the future?
As I mentioned above, I believe that the greatest threat to ensuring our state has adequate supplies of water and electricity is the proliferation of data centers in rural areas. Next session, I intend to file a bill to ensure that these data center projects responsibly address their impact on local energy and water resources, to provide for meaningful opportunities for public input, and to protect taxpayers through transparency in the permitting process.
What specific K-12 and higher education policies should state lawmakers prioritize in 2027?
Texas must restore common sense in Texas schools, starting with putting parents in charge of their child’s education and keeping boys out of girls’ sports. At the higher education level, we must continue to ensure that our institutions foster civil discourse and the free exchange of ideals, rather than indoctrination. Additionally, we must continue to work on the school funding formula, which needs to be simplified.
What role should the state play in immigration and border security? What, if any, specific policies would you support as a state lawmaker?
As State Senator, I will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump and Governor Abbott to secure the Texas border, and back Border Patrol to stop illegal immigrants from setting foot on Texas soil. I will work to enforce the rule of law without apology by taking on liberal cities and activist judges who shelter illegals and ignore our laws.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do in the way of hemp and marijuana policy?
I support prohibiting the sale of consumable help products that contain intoxicating levels of THC cannabinoids, especially as it relates to the sale and advertisement to minors. However, I maintain my stance of support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) and the sale/use of legal CBD and CBG products.
This story was originally published February 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM.