Republican candidates running in the Texas House District 98 primary
Three Republicans are competing in the March 3 primary in Texas House District 98. The winner will advance to the November election and face off with one of these Democratic candidates.
Here are the Republicans’ responses to the Star-Telegram’s candidate questionnaire, in the order they’ll appear on your ballot.
Fred Tate
Age (as of March 3): 49
Campaign website: https://tate4texas.com/
Best way for voters to reach you: Team@Tate4Texas.com
Occupation: Business Owner/Managing Director at CFO Shield
Education: I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, with a double major in Finance and Economics.
Have you run for elected office before? No. I have not previously run for elected office. However, I have served in three Governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed roles for the State of Texas, including the State Commission on Judicial Compensation, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Trinity River Authority, where I have focused on accountability, integrity, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in HD-98: I’ve been deeply involved in conservative and civic leadership in HD-98 for decades. I’m a three-time Senate-confirmed appointee of Governor Abbott, former Treasurer of both the Republican Party of Texas and the Tarrant County GOP, and former State Chairman of Young Conservatives of Texas. Locally, my family and I support churches, schools, veterans’ organizations, Patriot Paws, and GRACE, serving families in need across the district.
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? No.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Associated Republicans of Texas, Matthew Brannen.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking this office because I believe Texas works best when government is limited, accountable, and focused on families, not itself. I don’t want to see homeowners taxed out of their houses, parents sidelined in their children’s education, or special interests put ahead of taxpayers. I’m running to deliver real property tax relief, defend conservative values, and keep Texas strong, free, and affordable for the next generation.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Permanent Property Tax Relief: Eliminate school M&O property taxes on homesteads, cap appraisals, and restrain local spending so Texans can truly own their homes and keep more of what they earn.
Fiscal Discipline and Affordability: Limit state spending growth, cut red tape that drives up housing and energy costs, and end corporate welfare so Texas families can afford everyday necessities.
Accountability and Sovereignty: Ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, strengthen transparency in government and courts, and stop foreign and special-interest influence so government answers to Texans, not insiders.
How will you measure your success as a member of the Texas House? I measure success by results, not headlines or social media engagement. Whether property taxes are permanently lower, families can afford to stay in their homes, and government is more accountable to taxpayers. If I help pass laws that restrain spending, protect parental rights, secure our border, and eliminate abuses like taxpayer-funded lobbying, while staying true to conservative principles, then I’ll consider my service a success.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents? Voters should choose me because this race is a clear choice between a proven conservative Republican and someone with a deep Democrat background and record attempting a rebrand at election time. I’ve spent my career fighting for taxpayers, property tax relief, parental rights, border security, and conservative values and I’ve been trusted by Governor Abbott in Senate-confirmed roles to deliver results. My opponent, Armin Mizani, has a documented history on the other side, including working for liberal Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein, and is backed by national Democrat donors shamelessly trying to buy influence in the Republican primary to advance their own interests. Republicans deserve a representative who doesn’t just say the right things during an election but has a consistent conservative record.
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? I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about delivering results for Texans, but I won’t compromise core conservative principles to chase bipartisan headlines. Cooperation should be issue driven. There are areas where bipartisanship should work, such as cracking down on corruption, banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, improving government transparency, protecting victims of crime, and strengthening infrastructure like water and roads. That said, if I’m elected, voters will be sending me to Austin to advance Republican priorities, and my focus will always be on policies that respect taxpayers, protect families, and keep government limited and accountable.
What is the biggest challenge facing HD-98? How would you address it if elected? The biggest challenge facing HD 98 is affordability, driven primarily by runaway property taxes and appraisal creep that are pricing families out of their homes. If elected, I’ll fight for permanent property tax relief by capping appraisals, restraining local government spending, and working to eliminate school M&O property taxes on homesteads. That approach lowers costs at the source, keeps families in the district, and restores real ownership instead of treating homeownership like a recurring tax base for government.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to address costs of living when they meet in 2027? The Legislature should focus on lowering costs by delivering permanent property tax relief, restraining state and local spending, cutting red tape that drives up housing and energy costs, and expanding reliable energy production to keep utilities affordable. If Texas limits spending growth and lets free markets increase supply, families will feel real relief without growing government.
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? Yes, and it’s achievable, and I strongly support it because school M&O property taxes are the single biggest driver of affordability problems for Texas homeowners. Property taxes were never meant to be a permanent rent paid to the government, yet appraisal creep has turned them into exactly that. Texas already has the resources to do this by shifting school funding to a state-based model using existing revenue growth, spending restraint, and surplus dollars while capping local spending so relief can’t be clawed back. Eliminating M&O taxes would also allow us to dismantle the broken Robin Hood system, keep school dollars local, and make funding more transparent and fair. If lawmakers are serious about affordability and homeownership, this is the structural reform that actually solves the problem rather than papering over it.
What steps, if any, should the state take to prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence? Texas should approach artificial intelligence with pragmatism. The state’s role isn’t to micromanage innovation, but it is important to ensure AI develops in a way that protects privacy, property rights, and public safety. Texas should invest in workforce readiness so workers can adapt and compete without stifling innovation with premature regulation.
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? Texas should focus on low costs, reliability, and efficiency. As an Abbott appointee to the Trinity River Authority, I have gained a great appreciation for the importance and complexity of water policy. The Legislature should invest in long-term infrastructure, accelerate reservoir, pipeline, and import projects, and plan for out state’s booming population growth. For electricity, that means expanding dispatchable generation, especially natural gas, strengthening the grid, streamlining permitting, and ensuring reliability is prioritized over mandates that raise costs or weaken supply.
What specific K-12 and higher education policies should state lawmakers prioritize in 2027? State lawmakers should prioritize policies that put students and parents first, not bureaucracy. In K-12, that means fully implementing school choice, reforming school finance to reduce reliance on property taxes, strengthening parental rights, and ensuring curriculum transparency. We should focus funding on classrooms and teachers, not administrative bloat, and reject ideological indoctrination. In higher education, lawmakers should protect free speech, stop foreign influence, and be vigilant on unnecessary tuition growth.
What role should the state play in immigration and border security? What, if any, specific policies would you support as a state lawmaker? Texas has both the right and the responsibility to act when the federal government fails to enforce the law. President Trump did more to secure the border on his first day in office than Washington has done in decades. We must ensure that progress is sustained long term. The state should continue treating border security as a public safety issue, not a political talking point. I support fully funding border operations, making Operation Lone Star permanent, finishing physical barriers where they work, backing DPS and local law enforcement, and ensuring Texas cooperates with ICE. I oppose taxpayer-funded incentives for illegal immigration and support policies that deter cartel activity and human trafficking. Texas shouldn’t replace the federal government, but we must defend our citizens when Washington refuses to do its job.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do in the way of hemp and marijuana policy? Texas should take a firm, commonsense approach that protects public safety and closes loopholes. I oppose using hemp laws as a backdoor to expand high-potency THC products, which are being marketed irresponsibly and undermining the intent of Texas law. This was never the intent of the legislation that has been passed. Any medical use should remain narrowly tailored, physician-directed, and tightly regulated.
Armin Mizani
Age (as of March 3): 38
Campaign website: arminfortexas.com/
Best way for voters to reach you: armin@votearmin.com
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: B.A., Purdue University J.D., Michigan State University College of Law
Have you run for elected office before? Keller City Council (2014-2018) House District 98 (2018) (Lost GOP Primary) Keller Mayor (2020-Present)
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in HD-98.
I have been active in the Keller Republican Club and served as a Keller City Councilman from 2014–2018. Since 2020, I have served as Mayor of Keller, leading historic tax relief, supporting law enforcement, and addressing long-neglected infrastructure needs. I have worked closely with local, state, and federal leaders to improve public safety, secure the border, and promote responsible governance. My civic involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to conservative principles, community service, and making HD-98 a safe, prosperous, and well-managed place for families and businesses.
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? No
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself; Texans for Truth and Liberty; Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Being an attorney myself, my top 3 contributors are myself or colleagues in the legal profession who fight for every day Texans as opposed to big powerful insurance companies. I am proud of the fact that the large majority of my donors come within the district as opposed to my opponent.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m answering the call to fight for the shared conservative values of House District 98. Our district deserves a leader with a proven record of delivering results, not rhetoric. As Mayor of Keller, I’ve shown what’s possible when conservative principles are put into action, and I’m ready to bring that same commitment to the Texas House.
For too long, Austin insiders have tried to decide who represents our communities. This seat belongs to the people of House District 98, and I’m proud to be endorsed by over 100 local elected and formerly elected officials who know our district best. In Keller, we delivered historic tax relief, stood up to a troubled appraisal district, invested in infrastructure that drove economic growth, and strengthened public safety. That executive experience and results-driven leadership are what I will bring to the Texas House.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be? People across House District 98 and Texas are being taxed out of their homes. As Mayor, I passed historic tax relief and shifted the burden from property owners. As a State Representative, I will bring that budget experience to Austin, expanding the homestead exemption, compressing local tax rates, and ensuring Texans can afford to own their homes. Our broken school finance system and Robin Hood unfairly punish successful communities. HD98 sends over $60 million to the state while local districts cut programs. I support using Texas’ budget surplus to fully fund public education and reduce local property taxes. Securing the border is critical, Texas must end policies that incentivize illegal immigration, fully fund Operation Lone Star, finish the wall, and equip law enforcement to stop cartels.
How will you measure your success as a member of the Texas House? What excites me about this opportunity is that it is a legislative and policy making position. I measure success through the policies that I will be able to introduce, author, coauthor, or support, which ultimately will have a positive impact on the people of HD98 and Texas.
I don’t have any interest in going to Austin away from my young family for periods at a time to simply hold a microphone. As Mayor, I have seen firsthand the impact the legislature can have on our communities and having someone in the legislature with that breath of experience is necessary.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
As Mayor of Keller, I delivered results, not promises. I led historic tax relief, maxed out the Homestead Exemption, kept our tax rate at or below the “no new revenue” level, and fought the Tarrant Appraisal District to secure new leadership. I’ve supported law enforcement, ensured pay, training, and equipment, and partnered with ICE through the 287(g) program. I eliminated a 6-year street and sidewalk backlog and made historic infrastructure investments fueling growth. As a business owner, attorney, husband, and father, I’m running for HD98 to lower property taxes, secure the border, strengthen schools, defend parental rights, protect elections, and fight for Texas values. I’m endorsed by 100+ elected officials, including Rep. Beth Van Duyne and Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare.
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? In the legislature, I am there to pass policy without compromising my core values. If there is legislation that is presented that would benefit House District 98 and everyday Texans, then I would consider supporting it regardless of who introduces it. The core functions of government at the state level are: public safety, infrastructure, and a strong education; on those issues, I would anticipate opportunities for bipartisanship.
What is the biggest challenge facing HD-98? How would you address it if elected? The most significant long-term challenge facing our district is the continued rise in property taxes, which threatens homeowners, families, and seniors trying to stay in their homes. I believe we must put ourselves on a serious path over the next five to ten years to rein in property taxes by controlling government spending, using surplus revenues responsibly, and reforming the school finance system which I believe to be antiquated. By prioritizing fiscal discipline and limiting government growth, we can provide real, lasting property tax relief while maintaining essential services.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to address costs of living when they meet in 2027? As I already have emphasized, the Texas Legislature must make property tax relief the top priority when it meets in 2027, because rising property taxes are the single biggest driver of the cost-of-living crisis for Texas families. Lawmakers should make a multi-faceted approach. This includes reining in government spending and using surplus revenue towards education funding which I believe will put Texas on a clear path to dramatically reducing property taxes as roughly 60% of our bill comes from the local property ISD tax collection.
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? Absolutely. Governor Abbott’s 5-point plan on property taxes, which I support, is the most comprehensive approach to achieve the elimination of property taxes. The fifth point of the Governor’s plan calls for the elimination of school property taxes. With our $29 billion surplus, and previous similar surpluses from past bienniums, the state has the ability to completely wipe school M&O taxes. This is an outstanding starting point.
What steps, if any, should the state take to prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence? The priority should be to avoid heavy regulation that would stifle innovation or drive jobs out of state. The private sector, not the government, should lead AI development. At the same time, the state should focus on workforce readiness, ensuring Texans have the skills to adapt through education and job training. The state should also protect individual liberty and data privacy, especially in government use of AI, with clear limits on surveillance and political bias. Any use of AI by the government should improve efficiency and reduce costs, not expand bureaucracy. Finally, AI policy should remain state-led, not federally dictated, preserving local control and Texas values.
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? The Legislature should build on the success of the recent constitutional amendment, Proposition 4, approved by voters, which dedicates funding to securing Texas’ long-term water supply through infrastructure improvements and new water projects. I support this approach because it focuses on planning ahead while being accountable to taxpayers. At the same time, Texas must continue cutting burdensome regulations that slow infrastructure development and threaten grid reliability.
What specific K-12 and higher education policies should state lawmakers prioritize in 2027? State lawmakers in 2027 should prioritize K-12 and higher education policies that strengthen academic fundamentals, parental choice, and workforce readiness. In K-12, that means expanding school choice while supporting public ed, emphasizing reading, math, and science, supporting career and technical education, and reducing federal mandates in favor of local control. In higher education, the focus should be on affordability, accountability, and job outcomes, even expanding dual-credit and credential programs. Overall, education policy should prepare students for real world success while respecting taxpayers and parental authority.
What role should the state play in immigration and border security? What, if any, specific policies would you support as a state lawmaker? Texas must play a strong and proactive role in immigration and border security, especially when the federal government fails to enforce the law. The state has a responsibility to defend its borders, support local and state law enforcement, and work with federal authorities. In Keller, we are the largest city in Texas to opt into ICE’s 287g program to identify criminal illegals who have been detained in our jails. The legislature should require all local governments to cooperate with ICE to make Texas a safer state for all, just like it did in the 89th legislative session with county jails.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do in the way of hemp and marijuana policy? I believe marijuana can be a gateway to other more serious and damaging drugs and in my opinion the Legislature should approach hemp and marijuana policy with caution, strong oversight, and a focus on public safety.
Zdenka ‘Zee’ Wilcox
Age (as of March 3): 48
Campaign website: www.zeeforhd98.com
Best way for voters to reach you: zee@zeeforhd98.com
Occupation: small business owner
Education: RD degree
Have you run for elected office before? Carroll ISD trustee
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in HD-98.
I have been actively engaged in civic involvement throughout HD-98 for many years. I have supported and volunteered for multiple current elected officials and campaigns, including extensive volunteer work for Carroll ISD school board trustee elections, as well as campaigns for Tim O’Hare and John Huffman. I have consistently participated in the democratic process by attending and speaking at town halls, school board meetings, and Tarrant County meetings. I was also publicly involved in peaceful protests opposing COVID lockdowns and mask mandates, advocating for parental rights, personal liberty, and local accountability. My civic involvement is grounded in direct community engagement—showing up, volunteering, and speaking out—to ensure that citizens’ voices are heard and respected at every level of government.
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? no
Who are your top three campaign contributors? just ordinary citizens, pure grassroots, no PAC no organizations
Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking this office because I have seen firsthand how judicial power can be misused when accountability is absent. As a domestic violence survivor, I experienced how victims can be silenced, punished, or financially destroyed by a system that too often protects institutions instead of people. No Texan should fear losing their children, freedom, or livelihood simply for seeking protection or exercising their constitutional rights. I am running to fight for judicial accountability, due process, and equal protection under the law—principles that must apply to everyone, including judges. I will advocate for transparency, oversight, and meaningful consequences when authority is abused. I am also committed to supporting domestic violence survivors and other vulnerable citizens so the legal system serves as a safeguard, not a weapon. Our Constitution is not optional, and my campaign is about restoring trust, fairness, and justice for the people of HD-98.
If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Judicial Accountability
My top priority is restoring trust in our justice system by strengthening judicial accountability. This includes meaningful oversight, transparency in family and civil courts, and protections against abuse of discretion. No judge should be above the Constitution, and no citizen should fear retaliation for asserting their rights.
2. Protection and Support for Domestic Violence Survivors
Texas must ensure that domestic violence survivors are protected—not re-victimized—by courts or institutions. I will support policies that prioritize victim safety, due process, parental rights, and access to fair legal remedies without financial ruin.
3. Defending Constitutional Rights
I will consistently defend First Amendment freedoms, equal protection, and citizen participation in government. This includes opposing government overreach, restoring transparency, and ensuring that public institutions answer to the people they serve—not political insiders or special interests.
How will you measure your success as a member of the Texas House?
I will measure my success by whether Texans in HD-98 are better protected, better heard, and treated more fairly by their government. Success means increased transparency and accountability in our courts, real safeguards for constitutional rights, and measurable improvements for families and domestic violence survivors navigating the legal system. I will track results through legislation passed, reforms implemented, and oversight actions taken—not press releases. Equally important, I will measure success by accessibility: being present in the district, responding to constituents, and ensuring concerns are addressed promptly. If citizens feel safer speaking out, more confident in their institutions, and see government acting within its constitutional limits, then I will know I am serving effectively.
Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
Voters should choose me because I am not running to protect a political circle—I am running to protect the people. I am not backed by insiders or party gatekeepers, and I am not seeking office for status or advancement. I am a citizen who has lived the consequences of unchecked power and knows what happens when institutions stop listening. My campaign is rooted in constitutional principles, judicial accountability, and equal treatment under the law. I will bring independence, courage, and lived experience to the Texas House, and I will not stay silent when rights are violated—no matter who is responsible. If voters want a representative who shows up, asks hard questions, and puts citizens above politics, I am that candidate.
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?
Effective lawmaking requires respect, professionalism, and a willingness to work across party lines. As a state lawmaker, I would engage members of the opposite party openly and in good faith, focusing on shared goals rather than labels. Constitutional rights, due process, and protection for victims of crime are not partisan issues—they are fundamental responsibilities of government. I see strong opportunities for bipartisanship in judicial transparency, support services for domestic violence survivors, child safety, and government accountability. Texans expect solutions, not performative conflict. While I will stand firm on core principles, I believe progress happens when lawmakers listen, collaborate where possible, and put the well-being of citizens ahead of party politics.
What is the biggest challenge facing HD-98? How would you address it if elected?
The biggest challenge facing HD-98 is the continued rise in property taxes, which is placing an increasing burden on families, seniors, and small business owners. Many residents are being taxed out of homes they worked their entire lives to afford. If elected, I would prioritize meaningful property tax relief by supporting appraisal reform, greater transparency in how local taxing entities set rates, and limits on unchecked spending that drives tax increases. The state must do more to restrain the growth of property taxes rather than shifting responsibility onto homeowners year after year. Protecting homeownership and financial stability is essential to preserving the character and affordability of HD-98.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do to address costs of living when they meet in 2027?
To address the rising cost of living in Texas in 2027, the Legislature must continue meaningful property tax reform—because Texans’ property tax burden is among the highest in the nation and directly impacts housing affordability and family budgets. In recent years, lawmakers increased the homestead exemption and expanded relief for homeowners, reflecting broad demand for tax relief.
If elected, I would support policies that: expand and stabilize homestead exemptions; require stricter limits on tax rate increases by cities, counties, and school districts without voter approval; and explore structural reforms that shift school funding away from reliance on local property taxes while protecting essential services. Continued focus on appraisal reform and limits on unrestrained valuation increases will give homeowners and small businesses greater financial predictability and relief.
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?
Eliminating school property taxes for homeowners is achievable if the Legislature is serious about addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending. Before asking homeowners to pay more, the state must ensure existing taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. Recent large-scale fraud cases in other states—such as childcare and social services fraud—demonstrate how billions can be lost when oversight is weak. Texas is not immune to similar risks.
I support a comprehensive audit of state programs, stricter enforcement against fraud, and stronger accountability measures to recover misused funds. The savings from eliminating waste and fraud should be redirected to school funding at the state level, reducing reliance on local property taxes. If full elimination cannot occur immediately, I support aggressive reductions paired with structural reform so education funding is fair, efficient, and no longer built on taxing Texans out of their homes.
What steps, if any, should the state take to prepare for the rise of artificial intelligence?
Technological advances are a normal part of progress. When I was a child, smartphones did not exist—today they are essential tools of daily life. Artificial intelligence is no different. AI is here to stay, and Texas should approach it with preparation rather than fear. I do not believe AI will “take over” anytime soon, but it will continue to change how we work, learn, and govern.
The state should focus on practical steps: ensuring responsible use of AI in government, protecting privacy and civil liberties, and updating workforce training so Texans can adapt to new technologies. Texas should also encourage innovation while setting clear boundaries against misuse, bias, and lack of transparency. With common-sense oversight and investment in education and skills development, AI can be a tool that strengthens—not threatens—our economy and quality of life.
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?
Ensuring an adequate supply of water and electricity in Texas requires addressing inefficiency and waste, not just expanding capacity. Compared to many other countries, Texas wastes an extraordinary amount of water through outdated infrastructure, inefficient consumption, and lack of innovation. Conservation must be treated as a supply strategy.
The Legislature should invest in water-saving technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and incentives for businesses and consumers to reduce water use. Innovation matters: in my own small business, I develop water-activated, waterless personal care products that significantly reduce daily water consumption.
On electricity, Texas should modernize the grid, reduce transmission losses, and encourage energy efficiency alongside responsible generation growth. Long-term security depends on reducing waste, supporting innovation, and planning smarter—not simply using more resources.
What specific K-12 and higher education policies should state lawmakers prioritize in 2027?
In 2027, state lawmakers must prioritize restoring academic standards and accountability in K–12 education. As a former teacher, I have witnessed firsthand how policies that automatically promote students—regardless of mastery—are failing children. When students know they will advance without meeting basic academic benchmarks, it removes motivation, undermines learning, and ultimately leaves them unprepared for higher education or the workforce.
Texas should reinforce grade-level proficiency requirements, ensure meaningful assessments, and provide targeted intervention and support for students who fall behind—rather than simply passing them through the system. Accountability must apply not only to students, but also to curriculum standards and administrative decisions.
For higher education, lawmakers should focus on career readiness, affordability, and alignment with workforce needs so students graduate with real skills, not just credentials.
What role should the state play in immigration and border security? What, if any, specific policies would you support as a state lawmaker?
Border security is primarily a federal responsibility, and the federal government has failed to enforce existing immigration laws. While Texas cannot set federal immigration policy, the state does have a duty to protect its residents from the consequences of illegal immigration. I do not support illegal immigration in any form. It places significant strain on public schools, emergency rooms, housing, and social services—costs that are ultimately borne by Texas taxpayers.
As a legal immigrant, I respect the rule of law and the process required to enter and remain in this country legally. My own family still lives in the Czech Republic, and I do not support policies such as chain migration that expand immigration without regard to capacity or accountability. I would support policies that strengthen cooperation with law enforcement, protect state resources, and ensure taxpayer-funded services prioritize legal residents while pressing the federal government to do its job.
What, if anything, should the Texas Legislature do in the way of hemp and marijuana policy?
I do not support the legalization of recreational drugs, including marijuana or high-THC products. I have never used drugs, and I believe legalization—particularly of THC—leads to increased dependency, normalization of drug use, and broader public health and safety consequences. We have seen in other states how expanded legalization correlates with higher rates of addiction, impaired driving, and negative impacts on youth.
That said, I do support narrowly tailored exceptions for legitimate medical use of THC when prescribed and regulated under strict medical supervision. Compassionate care for patients with serious medical conditions should not be confused with broad commercialization of drugs.
The Texas Legislature should prioritize public safety, protect children, close loopholes in hemp laws that allow high-THC products to be sold recreationally, and ensure that any medical exceptions remain tightly controlled and evidence-based.
