Newcomer, Texas House incumbent battling in north Tarrant. Here’s our recommendation
State Rep. Stephanie Klick nearly won the Republican nomination in House District 91 in the initial primary vote, taking nearly 49% of the vote.
But now, she’s in a runoff against David Lowe, a military veteran and stay-at-home dad, who took 39% in the first round.
Lowe’s service and ability to garner a sizable chunk of votes as a first-time candidate are admirable, but we still recommend Klick, who has held the seat since 2013.
Klick, 65, was a registered nurse for 35 years before she stepped into politics. Now, her niche is legislative work. As chairwoman of the House Public Health Committee, she has presided over lively debates and spearheaded several solid initiatives.
In 2021, she authored a law expanding just how low-level THC cannabis to be used as a treatment for certain medical conditions. She has also supported funding for border security and authored a bill making it a felony to knowingly block an ambulance from getting to hospitals — a response to protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd.
Lowe, 38, of North Richland Hills, has argued that Klick hasn’t gotten enough done while in office, particularly on the issue of child gender transition. Klick has a solidly conservative record, and her leadership role gives her clout that benefits the district.
District 91 covers Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Watauga, most of Haltom City, and parts of Fort Worth and Hurst. With no Democrat running, the runoff winner is likely to win the Nov. 8 general election.
Early voting is May 16-20. Election Day is May 24.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.