Star-Telegram endorsement: Best GOP choice to replace Goldman in Texas House | Opinion
The next Texas House member from District 97, covering west Fort Worth, Benbrook and most of Crowley, faces the tough task of replacing a steady Republican who climbed the ladder of leadership and contributed to several major issues in his time in the Legislature.
As Rep. Craig Goldman likely heads to Washington, the Republican with the best chance of filling his shoes is lawyer Leslie Robnett. The Ridglea resident, who turns 42 just before early voting starts, would hit Austin with a head start, having served as a top legislative aide to then-Rep. Phil King and a state Supreme Court clerk and engaged with state agencies as a regulatory lawyer.
In our interview with the candidates, Robnett displayed firm knowledge of the major issues facing the district and the state. She showed potential for digging in and finding solutions for long-standing problems, such as student achievement in public schools, while remaining anchored to conservative principles.
Cheryl Bean, a 67-year-old resident of the Tanglewood area, boasts the backing of Attorney General Ken Paxton and County Judge Tim O’Hare. As a construction business owner with defense industry experience, she has a long record of civic, education and business engagement, as well as roots in the district.
John McQueeney, a 43-year-old River Hills resident who owns a small freight and transportation business, brings important perspective about the state’s economy and business climate, especially the continuing effect of property taxes. He understands that District 97 needs continued transportation investment and better performance from public schools.
But in terms of immediate effectiveness, Robnett is best positioned to serve the district on Day One.
Early voting in the primary starts Feb. 20 and ends March 1. Election Day is March 5. If no candidate secures more than half the vote, a runoff between the top two will determine the GOP nominee in May, and that winner will face the victor among three Democrats in the fall.
Editor’s note: A previous version said that Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed Cheryl Bean in the District 97 race. Abbott has not backed a candidate in this race.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
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.
This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 5:28 AM.