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VOTE411 Voter Guide

State Representative, District 131

Two-year term. The Texas House of Representatives has 150 members from separate districts across the state. With the Texas Senate, the Texas House: enacts and amends laws; passes the state budget and raises or lowers taxes; passes proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution; and redraws congressional and legislative district maps every ten years. The Texas House has the exclusive power to impeach officials. Current annual salary: $7,200, plus $221 for every day the Legislature is in session, including any special sessions.

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    Lawrence Allen, Jr.
    (Dem)

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    TJ Baker
    (Dem)

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    Staci Childs
    (Dem)

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    Crystal Dillard
    (Dem)

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    Erik WIlson
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

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

Issues: What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your "specific" plans/ideas for addressing these issues.

district 131
Education Jesse Jones HS, Bachelor of Science (PVAMU '84), Master of Science (PVAMU, '85 and '93)
Occupation Retired Educator/Administrator, HISD
I spent most of my professional career as a teacher and administrator in the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas. I also served on the Texas State Board of Education for approximately 18 years. I believe my deep knowledge of the public education system makes me the candidate best equipped to face the challenges that our system is currently experiencing. With my training and experience as a public school teacher, I understand the barriers to learning for students, and what it is like to raise four children on a teacher's salary, and as a former administrator and member of the State Board of Education, I also have the benefit of seeing the bigger picture.
The two most pressing issues are public education and environmental justice. I would advocate for fair and adequate school funding, in order to increase teacher salaries, decrease class sizes, expand access to counselors and mental health services, and expand special education support. Our community is suffering from a disproportionate concentration of landfills and concrete aggregate facilities. The current distance requirements are too low, and the penalties and fines are often considered the cost of doing business. I would increase penalties and fines, and increase the required distance from residential neighborhoods.
district Alief ISD
Education GCU*Master of Science in Leadership, and TSU* Bachelor of Fine Arts. Commitment to leadership, education, and community empowerment!
Public Email TJBAKER.HD131@mail.com
Occupation Educator
MSL from GCU & BFA from TSU, providing a strong foundation in ethical leadership & governance aligned with Texas Education Code §11.1511. Served two elected terms as President of the FBEA, operating in compliance with Texas Labor Code §101.003 & Texas Government Code §617. Advanced student safety by spearheading speed bumps at Rosa Parks Elementary under TEC §37.108 & Transportation Code §545. Also led updates; FBISD Employee Handbook policies on sexual harassment & assault, aligning with Labor Code Chapter 21 & TEC §21.006 & advocated for family-friendly employment practices under TEC §21.404. Advocating SPED adult transitions aligns with TEC §29.011–§29.012 & 19 TAC §89.1055. Ready to serve District 131 with integrity & accountability!
The two most pressing issues in District 131 are economic stability for small businesses and financial security for senior citizens. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 481 and Local Government Code Chapter 380, I will support expanded access to grants, low-interest loans, and procurement opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses. For seniors, I will advocate for full use of property tax relief under Texas Tax Code §11.13 and §33.06, and strengthen access to benefits under Human Resources Code Chapter 32. I will also support consumer protections under Business & Commerce Code Chapter 17 to guard seniors against fraud, ensuring economic dignity and stability for our community.
district 131
Campaign X URL @childsfortexas
Education Hampton University, Georgia State University, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Occupation Attorney
I’m an attorney and former public school educator with experience in education law, policy, and governance. I have served on the Texas State Board of Education, where I have worked on curriculum standards, instructional materials, and statewide education policy affecting millions of Texas students. My background includes classroom teaching, legal analysis, and collaborative policymaking. I bring a strong understanding of public education systems, a commitment to equity and transparency, and the ability to work across diverse communities to improve outcomes for students, families, and educators.
One issue is strengthening public education so all students have access to high-quality schools. I will support policies that ensure accurate, rigorous instructional materials, promote transparency in decision-making, and address inequities in student outcomes through targeted academic support and accountability. A second issue is ensuring that public systems support the overall well-being of communities. This includes improving access to affordable, accessible healthcare information and resources, and supporting a fair criminal justice system that emphasizes prevention, rehabilitation, and second chance opportunities. I will work collaboratively with community stakeholders to promote policies that are transparent and evidence-based.
district Fort Bend ISD
Education Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
Occupation Public School Teacher
I'm a 17-year classroom teacher, lifelong community advocate, and proud host of the "Crystal Loves Texas" Podcast. Today, I stand before you as a candidate for Texas House District 131, ready to fight for a future rooted in Opportunity, Affordability, Accessibility, and Equity—My Four Promises.

As an experienced educator, I’ve spent years engaging directly with the concerns and hopes of our community. Through my podcast, I’ve broadened that dialogue, brought more perspectives to the forefront, and connected the greater-Houston area to programs and opportunities they may not have known existed. Now, I’m seeking to serve in the Capitol because District 131 deserves representation that is informed, accessible, and action-driven.
The two issues I believe to be most urgent are Affordability and Accessibility. Affordability means tackling the rising cost of housing, energy, and everyday essentials so families can build real stability. I promise to work hand in hand with municipal officials as well as national level agencies to ensure the availability of affordable housing for purchase and rent such as the expansion of down payment assistance opportunities in an expanded area of District 131. Accessibility means ensuring people can reach the resources they need: healthcare, transportation, higher education, and digital access in the homes of all primary and secondary public school students.
district 131
Education International Business degree from Pepperdine University, JD from the University of Texas Law School
Occupation Lawyer
I have a unique skill set as an attorney that graduated from the University of Texas and being the son of former state representative Ron Wilson. I have worked in both the public sector at the Texas Secretary of State’s office and I am a successful entrepreneur in the private sector. Due to these factors, my knowledge base and breadth of knowledge on the intricacies of getting things done between the public and private sector is second to none. Additionally, I do the work everyday to help the community instead of waiting until I'm in office that helps the residents of district 131.
The current attacks on voter rights and redistricting have hurt people across the state of Texas and have made the system even more restrictive and confusing for Texas residents. I plan to work with other Democrats to fight further restrictions and make voting more accessible for Texas Residents. Secondly, the Democratic Party has been systematically weakened in the state and I intend to bring a new kind of leadership that will actively address our parties shortcomings and try to mend relationships with other legislators to put our party and state back on the right track.