Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Texas State House District 125

2-year term. Legislative authority and responsibilities for the 150 representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, originating spending bills, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Chuck Mercer IV
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Ricardo 'Rick' Martinez
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Qualifications: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

Business: What, if any, regulation is needed for Data Centers?

Education: What role do you think the State Legislature should have in school district policies?

Water: What are your ideas for ensuring that Texans have affordable and safe water, while balancing the desire for economic development?

Hunger: How do we ensure no child goes hungry in the State of Texas?

Voter Rights: Would you support legislation that requires documented proof of citizenship when registering to vote? Please explain your answer.

My qualifications for Texas House District 125 combine finance, education, and community roots. As a financial advisor for 10 years, I've helped families with budgeting and planning—skills key for state fiscal responsibility and tax relief. I taught for 2 years and have earned a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology, giving me direct insight into classrooms and reform needs related to the needs of our state's children.
Data centers fuel Texas jobs and growth, so I favor minimal regulation to stay business-friendly, but the "Twitter Files" revealed big tech-government censorship collusion. I'd support targeted rules: transparency in content moderation, free speech protections against viewpoint bias, and bans on foreign adversaries owning infrastructure.
Local school districts should select from State Board of Education (SBOE)-approved materials, adapt to community values, and incorporate supplements, with accountability via parental input and elections to preserve educator professionalism and local flexibility. This parent-prioritizing framework safeguards against the biases you describe through state rigor and community choice.
To secure affordable, safe water for Texans while fueling economic growth, I'd maximize the $20B Texas Water Fund for desalination (brackish/seawater) and reuse projects—drought-proof supplies without tax hikes. Prioritize low-interest loans for leak repairs, conservation incentives to cut bills, and streamlined permits for private innovation. Enforce strict TCEQ safety standards and rural aid.
I advocate robust promotion of the Summer Meal Programs (via TDA sites, non-congregate options in rural areas) and incentives for faith-based groups, nonprofits, and food banks like Feeding Texas to distribute meals—leveraging private donations and volunteers. In light of some emergencies, using state bonds to supplement year-round food programs would ensure we may appropriately budget and assist children in need.
I do support such legislation. This is in line with every member of the OECD nations that are our economic and political partners. This would be in line with every developed nation which has rigorous same day voting and counting. We have known from Romania, Moldova, and now here in the United States, that if there is no proof; local counters and officiators are free to commit rampant voting fraud.
I bring over 20 years of experience building and managing successful businesses, creating jobs, and navigating real-world regulations and budgets. As a business owner, community advocate, and family man, I understand the challenges working families and small businesses face. My experience has taught me accountability, problem-solving, and leadership rooted in service—not politics.
Data centers should follow reasonable regulations that protect local infrastructure, water resources, and the power grid without discouraging investment. Transparency on energy and water use, coordination with local utilities, and fair taxation are important, but Texas should remain business-friendly and avoid overregulation that drives jobs elsewhere.
The Legislature should set basic standards for accountability and transparency, but decisions about education should remain as close to parents and local school districts as possible. Local communities know their students best, and the state’s role should be limited to supporting strong academics—not micromanaging classrooms or imposing one-size-fits-all mandates.
Texas must invest in infrastructure upgrades, conservation, and long-term planning to protect water supplies. Economic development should not come at the expense of residents’ access to clean, affordable water. Responsible growth means planning ahead, protecting resources, and holding polluters accountable.
No child should go hungry in a state as prosperous as Texas. We must strengthen school meal programs, support local food banks, and partner with nonprofits and faith-based organizations to reach families in need—while ensuring programs are efficient, accountable, and focused on children.
Yes. I support requiring documented proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Voting is a fundamental right of U.S. citizens, and clear safeguards help protect the integrity and confidence of our elections. Any requirements should be applied fairly, securely, and without unnecessary barriers for eligible voters, ensuring lawful elections while maintaining access for all qualified citizens.