VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have represented District 142 since 1985.

Preserving the District from any attempt to redraw lines and eliminate District 142. Secondly, public education particularly for our boys by having the accountability system reflect the level of success of our boys.

I bring a combination of education, professional experience, and personal commitment that prepares me to serve effectively. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs with a minor in Business Administration from Texas Southern University, providing a strong foundation in public policy, budgeting, and organizational leadership. My experience includes community leadership, nonprofit and small-business work, real estate and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to solve real-world problems.

I have worked closely with working families, retirees, educators, and labor-aligned organizations, giving me a practical understanding of workforce issues, healthcare, and economic development.

The two most pressing issues are affordability for working families and the security of public services. First, I will focus on rising costs—healthcare, housing, and utilities—by supporting policies that strengthen employer and state contributions to health plans, protect retirees from cost spikes, and invest in affordable housing and infrastructure that creates good-paying jobs. Second, I will work to protect and strengthen public education and essential public-sector services by supporting competitive pay, workforce training, and retirement security. My approach emphasizes collaboration with labor, responsible budgeting, and long-term solutions that put people before special interests.

My training, experience, and characteristics uniquely qualify me to serve as State Representative HD-142. A first-generation graduate, I hold degrees in Chemical Engineering (UH), Library Science (UNT), and Law (TSU), and taught law students for 12 years. As Harris County Education Trustee (2019–2023), I managed a $150M budget and fought for equitable funding. Since 2025, I’ve been Houston’s first Prop A attorney, expanding democracy. As a voter-rights plaintiff and community leader (NSBE advisor and past president of the Houston Lawyer), I run a transparent, grassroots campaign—no corporate PACs. As a Houston-raised husband and father, I bring integrity, listening skills, and bold vision to deliver healthcare, schools, wages, and justice.

The two most pressing issues I'll face in office are chronic underfunding of public education and lack of affordable healthcare access in HD-142, where 20% poverty and 13% uninsured rates hit Black and Latino families hardest. For education, I'll repeal the 2.5% revenue cap, end HISD takeover laws, and push for recurring state funding at a 50% share (closing corporate loopholes), fully funding teacher raises and smaller classes without restrictions. For healthcare, I'll expand Medicaid and champion state-level Medicare for All reforms, redirecting funds to cover the uninsured for preventive care and mental health services. These specific plans—rooted in my experience as a trustee—will deliver equity and opportunity.