The Texas state government creates and enforces the laws that shape life across the state. The Legislature writes and approves laws and the state budget, the Governor leads the executive branch and carries out those laws, and the courts interpret them within the statewide judicial system. Together, these branches oversee public education, transportation, public safety, health services, natural resources, and the many state agencies that serve Texans every day.
Once you select your candidates, remember to visit our elections page to find polling locations, sample ballots, and more. Early voting starts February 17th.
Texas State Representatives
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House, elected every two years to write state laws, shape the budget, and serve their district. Representatives introduce bills, serve on committees, help residents navigate state programs, and hold unique powers like originating revenue bills and initiating impeachment. District 25 and 29 represent Brazoria County.
District 25 Candidate: Mike Meadors
District 29 Candidate: Karen Reeder
Texas Senate District 11
Texas Senate District 11 is represented by one of 31 state senators who write state laws, shape the budget, and serve communities in Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris counties. Senators serve four‑year terms, work on key committees, and help residents navigate state agencies.
Candidate: Shannon Dicely
State Board of Education
District 7
The Texas State Board of Education sets the policies and standards that guide public education statewide. It decides what students learn by adopting curriculum standards, approves textbooks and instructional materials, sets graduation requirements, oversees the multibillion‑dollar Permanent School Fund, and reviews new charter school applications.
Candidates: Debra Drake Ambroise, Tiffany Perkinz
Commissioner of Agriculture
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner oversees the state’s agriculture, food safety, and rural development programs, supporting farmers, enforcing consumer protection laws, and helping keep Texas’s food system stable and strong.
Candidates: Clayton Tucker
Commissioner of the General Land Office
The Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office (GLO) oversees the state’s public lands and major revenue that funds public schools, manages coastal protection and energy leases, administers veterans’ programs and the Alamo, and leads key disaster recovery efforts that shape Texas’s long‑term resilience.
Candidates: Benjamin Flores, Jose Loya
Texas Comptroller
The Texas Comptroller serves as the state’s chief financial officer, managing taxes, revenue estimates, and state investments. The office also oversees key small‑business taxes and now runs the state’s private‑school voucher program, giving it major influence over both tax policy and how public dollars flow to private schools.
Candidate: Sarah Eckhardt
Texas Railroad Commissioner
The Texas Railroad Commissioner regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, natural gas utilities, pipelines, and surface mining. Despite the name, the office no longer oversees railroads. The Commission sets and enforces safety rules, monitors drilling and production, protects land and water from industry impacts, and oversees pipeline and gas utility safety across Texas.
Candidates: Jon Rosenthal
Attorney General
The Texas Attorney General is the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for representing Texas in civil court, defending state laws, and providing legal advice to state agencies and officials. The office issues formal legal opinions, oversees consumer protection and child support enforcement, and handles major lawsuits involving the state. While the Attorney General has limited criminal authority, they may assist local prosecutors when requested.
Candidates: Joe Jaworski, Nathan Johnson
Lt. Governor
The Texas Lieutenant Governor is one of the most powerful officials in the state. They preside over the Texas Senate, appoint committee chairs and members, decide which bills move forward, and cast tie‑breaking votes. The Lt. Governor also helps shape the state budget as co‑chair of the Legislative Budget Board and serves on key bodies that influence policy and redistricting. If the Governor is unable to serve, the Lt. Governor steps in as acting Governor.
Candidates: Courtney Head, Vikki Goodwin, Marcos Isaias Velez
Governor
The Governor of Texas serves as the state’s top executive, charged with implementing state laws, proposing budget priorities, overseeing major state agencies, and commanding the Texas Military Forces during emergencies. The governor can approve or veto bills, issue executive orders, call special legislative sessions, and fill certain vacancies through appointments. This role carries significant influence over statewide policy and long‑term direction, especially through appointments to key boards and commissions.
Candidates: Bobby Cole, Gina Hinojosa, Chris Bell, Carlton W. Hart, Patricia Abrego, Andrew White (Ended Campaign), Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz, Jose Navarro Balbuena, Zach Vance
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