{"id":467734,"date":"2026-10-16T10:36:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/467734\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T10:36:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:36:38","slug":"texas-state-board-of-education-candidates-2026-voter-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/467734\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas State Board of Education candidates: 2026 voter guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy<\/a>, and give us feedback<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note:\u00a0To help readers learn more about the candidates running for statewide seats, The Texas Tribune is sharing information about the Republican, Democratic and third-party candidates. For more information on midterms and the voting process, check out our election resources\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

About the elected seats:<\/p>\n

Texas has 15 regional districts<\/a> within the State Board of Education<\/a>, which sets standards for what public schoolchildren should learn and approves instructional materials. The board works closely with the commissioner of education and Texas Education Agency to develop policies and approve new charter schools<\/a>. Eight seats on the board are up for election for four-year terms.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The District 4 seat is also up for election after former SBOE member Staci Childs stepped down to run for a Texas House seat. Whoever wins the District 4 election will complete the remainder of Childs\u2019 term until 2028.<\/p>\n

Seven seats are currently held by Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott\u2019s temporary appointment for District 4, and two by Democrats. Only four incumbents are seeking re-election. And conservative political action committees are pouring thousands of dollars to keep several seats with outgoing Republicans red \u2014 District 2 along the Texas coast, District 6 in the Houston area and District 9 in North and East Texas.<\/p>\n

The districts are drawn by the Legislature and are part of the redistricting process required by the federal law after the Census. The districts are similar in population size, though geographically some sprawl through many rural counties and others only cover portions of densely populated counties and cities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What\u2019s at stake:\u00a0<\/p>\n

The State Board of Education sets standards known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, which outline what schoolchildren should learn in each grade. The board members are in the early stages of revamping math<\/a> standards after passing sweeping changes to social studies for students in kindergarten through high school earlier this year. They also approved a new required reading list that includes Bible<\/a> stories such as those about Adam and Eve, the eight Beatitudes and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Both changes will begin to take effect in the 2030-31 school year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The recent moves sparked contention<\/a> as hundreds of students, educators and community members attended the board meetings to speak on the changes. Critics say the updated social studies lessons and reading list minimized racial, geographic, cultural and religious diversity. Supporters say they will ensure students learn about Texas\u2019 and the United States\u2019 exceptionalism relative to the rest of the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a rundown of all the candidates. Use our ballot look-up tool below to see if your district\u2019s State Board of Education seat is up for election this year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering the Rio Grande Valley counties of Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy and the coastal counties of Kennedy, Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio, Refugio, Aransas, Calhoun, Victoria, Jackson, Wharton and Matagorda.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Thomas Ray Garcia<\/p>\n

Democrat<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $2,426<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers COPE Fund \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Alan Tijerina, teacher for Edinburg CISD\u00a0 \u2014 $4,000<\/p>\n

Leonel Tijerina, teacher for Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD \u2014 $3,050<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

English adjunct professor and professor at South Texas College, 2022-23 and 2024-present<\/p>\n

Founder and director of College Scholarship Leadership Access Program, a nonprofit aiming to increase college enrollment rates in the Rio Grande Valley, 2013-23<\/p>\n

Instructor at University of California, Los Angeles, 2018-20<\/p>\n

Teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, 2016-17<\/p>\n

Author<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Democrat<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Against state school voucher program<\/p>\n

Against Bluebonnet curriculum<\/p>\n

Against using STAAR for accountability scores<\/p>\n

Supports funding increases for public schools, pay increases for school workers<\/p>\n

Supports health classes as a high school graduation requirement<\/p>\n

Supports having ethnic studies courses (Mexican-American, African-American, Native-American studies) count as social studies credits rather than electives<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Mothers Against Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Blue Horizon Texas\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gun Sense Voter<\/p>\n

Run for Something<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

info@thomasraygarciatx.com<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Victoria Hinojosa<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $9,204<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Texans for Educational Freedom, conservative political action committee \u201ccommitted to fighting against Critical Race Theory\u201d \u2014 $120,606<\/p>\n

Elect Adam Hinojosa Campaign \u2014 $10,000<\/p>\n

Monty Bennett, founder and CEO of Ashford real estate company, publisher of conservative news site the Dallas Express \u2014 $10,000<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

Six years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard<\/p>\n

Political ideology: According to her campaign website, one of Hinojosa\u2019s campaign priorities is \u201crestoring strong Texas family values in our public schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

She says if elected, she will review charter applications to \u201censure alignment\u201d with conservative educational goals and will ensure textbooks are free of inappropriate material.<\/p>\n

Says she would \u201ccontinue to build opportunities for trade school and college credit programs, so our students have a faster (and more affordable) pathway.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Protecting Texas Children<\/p>\n

Los Fresnos Mayor Alejandro Flores<\/p>\n

Texas Home School Coalition PAC<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

Campaign website contact form<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering parts of central and eastern Harris County.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Coretta Mallet-Fontenot<\/p>\n

Democrat<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Oct. 5: $4,709<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

Organizer, per state filings<\/p>\n

Bachelor\u2019s in elementary education, master\u2019s in secondary education, education doctorate in professional leadership<\/p>\n

27 years of educator experience with positions in elementary, middle and high schools in the Houston area<\/p>\n

Houston Federation of Teachers executive council member<\/p>\n

Experience serving on district advisory and shared decision-making committees<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Mallet-Fontenot says she wants to share her classroom experience with State Board of Education members who may not have such background. She says \u201cschools have been hit hard by extremist views and those who would erase the history of African Americans and other marginalized groups,\u201d according to her website.<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Supports fully funded Pre-K<\/p>\n

Supports pay raises for school employees<\/p>\n

Believes school curriculum should be based on science and facts<\/p>\n

Says standardized tests, such as STAAR, do not accurately measure intelligence<\/p>\n

In the news:<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

U.S. Rep. Christian D. Menefee, D-Houston<\/p>\n

Zeph Capo, President TX AFT\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jackie Anderson, President Houston Federation of Teachers<\/p>\n

Candis Houston, President Aldine AFT<\/p>\n

Shonda Below, President Northeast AFT<\/p>\n

State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City<\/p>\n

Houston Councilwoman Carolyn Evans Shabazz<\/p>\n

Councilwoman Arnetta Murray, Iowa Colony\/Brazoria County<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

info@corettaforsboe4.com<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tammie Nielsen<\/p>\n

Republican, incumbent<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $0<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

Abbott temporarily appointed Nielsen to represent District 4 in August, filling the vacancy left by Staci Childs who resigned to run for the Texas House. Nielsen\u2019s temporary appointment is set to end by the end of the year or until her successor takes office.<\/p>\n

Nonprofit executive with a certificate from Rice University\u2019s Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives.<\/p>\n

Held leadership positions at the Pasadena nonprofits and emergency shelters New Beginnings Sarah\u2019s House and Bridge Over Troubled Waters.<\/p>\n

Served as the district director for former Republican state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, during the 2019 legislative session and for former Republican state Rep. Ken Legler, R-Pasadena, from 2009 to 2012.<\/p>\n

She was a community liaison for former Republican Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman from 2013 to 2019.<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Nielsen says her \u201cChristian faith is the foundation to her life and service\u201d and that it guides her to \u201clead with integrity, accountability and compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances: <\/p>\n

Nielsen says she is \u201ccommitted to educational excellence, supporting parents and teachers, and helping ensure every Texas student has the opportunity to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Houston Region Business Coalition<\/p>\n

San Jacinto Conservatives<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

tammiewestnielsen@gmail.com<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering the Central Texas counties of Travis, Hays, Bastrop, Blanco, Guadalupe and Caldwell.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $9,101<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Campaign account of Rebecca Bell-Metereau, the outgoing SBOE\u00a0 member and Democrat representing District 5 \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Robert S. McNally, Austin attorney \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Association of Texas Professional Educators PAC \u2014 $2,500<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

Bond election coordinator at Gallagher Construction, 2021 to present<\/p>\n

Executive director of foundation and development for Pflugerville ISD, 2011 to 2019<\/p>\n

Statewide director of development for Generation SERVE, a youth volunteering organization, 2020<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Democrat; describes herself as a \u201cformer educator and proud union member\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances: <\/p>\n

Supports policies that \u201creduce paperwork, provide resources, improve retention, and restore dignity\u201d for teachers\u00a0<\/p>\n

Opposes \u201cunlimited expansion\u201d of charter schools at expense of public schools<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

The Austin Chronicle<\/p>\n

Mothers Against Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Education Austin<\/p>\n

Rebecca Bell-Metereau SBOE member, district 5<\/p>\n

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

Campaign website contact form<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $493<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Dee Anderson, mortgage underwriter at BFF Mortgage \u2014 $377 (includes an in-kind dinner)<\/p>\n

Diane Johnson, retired \u2014 $120<\/p>\n

Susan Wilson, retired registered nurse \u2014 $100<\/p>\n

Experience:<\/p>\n

Her website states she has \u201cover 30 years in the classroom\u201d as an educator and has worked alongside students, parents, and teachers<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Republican who says she is \u201cguided by service, faith, and a deep belief that every child deserves a strong foundation for their future\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances: <\/p>\n

Her priorities include school safety, teacher support, including parents in key decisions and responsible spending<\/p>\n

According to her website, she aims for schools to \u201creturn to strong, measurable curriculum standards that prepare students for real academic and career success\u201d<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

Contact form on campaign website<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering large portions of Harris and Montgomery counties.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $22,274<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Audrey Nath, Houston neurologist \u2014 $1,586<\/p>\n

Lesley Briones, Harris County Commissioner \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Paul Morgan, Houston resident \u2014 $684<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

History and government teacher. Since 2009, she has taught a variety of subjects including math, English Language Arts and social studies.<\/p>\n

Says she\u2019s working on getting a master\u2019s in American history and government<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Democrat who says there are \u201cseveral areas in which the curriculum can be changed to more accurately reflect both the values of Texans and the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Accountability in how charter schools handle special education<\/p>\n

Emphasizing consent in health class lessons, teaching climate change in science classes<\/p>\n

Wants to remove mentions of Moses, the National Rifle Association and the Heritage Foundation from U.S. history lessons<\/p>\n

Wants to ensure students learn how to analyze historical documents and primary sources<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

Houston LGBTQ+ Caucus<\/p>\n

Houston Black American Democrats<\/p>\n

Vote ProChoice<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tiffany Nelson<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $14,488<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Texans for Educational Freedom, a conservative political action committee \u201ccommitted to fighting against Critical Race Theory,\u201d\u00a0 \u2014 $90,387 (includes in-kind texting services)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Charter Schools Now PAC \u2014 $2,500<\/p>\n

Texans United for a Conservative Majority, West Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn\u2019s political action committee<\/a> \u2014 $2,500<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Previously on the Conroe ISD board<\/p>\n

Founded and leads a nonprofit consulting firm<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

While a Conroe ISD trustee, passed policy against \u201cRadical Gender Ideology, aligning with President Trump\u2019s executive order not to fund, sponsor, or support any efforts related to the gender transition of minors\u201d and secured funding for posting of Ten Commandments in every classroom, according to her site.<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

\u201cRemoving liberal indoctrination\u201d including critical race theory, gender ideology and anti-American narratives from Texas schools<\/p>\n

Empowering parents, increasing transparency, fighting wasteful spending<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick<\/p>\n

Julie Pickren, SBOE member<\/p>\n

Brandon Hall, SBOE member<\/p>\n

Texas Right to Life PAC<\/p>\n

How to contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n

TiffanyNelsonforTexas@gmail.com<\/p>\n

Campaign address: Tiffany Nelson for Texas, 100 Glenborough Drive, Suite #403 R Houston, TX 77067<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

District 7<\/p>\n

Covering the Southeast and coastal counties of Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Jefferson, Orange, Liberty, Hardin, Tyler, Jasper and Newton.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $8,978<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Catherine Lustgarten, Denton resident \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Terry Kosobud, member of Grandparents for Public Schools \u2014 $2,400<\/p>\n

Bill Myers, business owner at Aquarium Systems \u2014 $1,250<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Founder of an online tutoring and test preparation company<\/p>\n

Assistant director of Study Abroad and previously an English instructor at Lamar University<\/p>\n

Taught high school English at Monsignor Kelly Catholic School and Port Neches-Groves High School<\/p>\n

Holds a master\u2019s of arts in English and a master\u2019s of education in educational leadership at Lamar University\u00a0<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Democrat who says she believes \u201cevery child deserves an honest, high-quality education that prepares them to think independently, solve problems, and participate fully in our democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Says she believes Texans deserve public schools \u201cfree from partisan political agendas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will make a motion on \u201cday one\u201d to amend the TEKS approved by the previous board \u201cto restore political and religious neutrality\u201d<\/p>\n

Says she will ensure school curriculum includes \u201cevidence-based science\u201d and \u201chonest-history\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

CAIR Action<\/p>\n

Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

Texas Progressive Caucus<\/p>\n

Secular Houston<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

info@tiffanyperkinz.com<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Julie Pickren<\/p>\n

Republican, incumbent<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $62,217<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Nachiketa Bhatt, philanthropist and doctor in Kentucky \u2014 $100,000<\/p>\n

Nancy Best, Dallas philanthropist \u2014 $15,000\u00a0<\/p>\n

Vernadette Broyles, attorney in Georgia \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Previous Alvin ISD trustee from 2015 to 2021<\/p>\n

Appointed to the U.S. Department of Education Workforce Development Commission in January\u00a0<\/p>\n

SBOE member since 2023, vice chair of committee on school initiatives<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Anti-abortion<\/p>\n

Sees having God in schools and school choice as solutions<\/p>\n

In favor of increasing police presence, prosecuting violent crime, securing our border<\/p>\n

Supports small government and decreasing taxes<\/p>\n

Policy stances: According to her website, her priorities are increasing investment in education, \u201crestoring values,\u201d fighting against crime and corruption, and supporting \u201csmall and medium-sized enterprises\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

President Donald Trump<\/p>\n

Robin Armstrong, national committeeman of the Republican Party of Texas<\/p>\n

Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education<\/p>\n

Ben Carson, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development<\/p>\n

Conservative Republicans of Texas<\/p>\n

Texas Right To Life<\/p>\n

How to contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n

info@juliepickren.com<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering the counties of Walker, Houston, Polk, Trinity, San Jacinto, Grimes, Waller and portions of Harris and Montgomery counties.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dana Van De Walker<\/p>\n

Democrat<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 30: $1,330<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Shahzeb Meghani, senior application analyst and former SBOE candidate \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Walker County Democratic Club \u2014 $500<\/p>\n

Catherine Olson, professor at Lone Star College \u2014 $300<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oversees a student program at Lone Star College<\/p>\n

Has a doctorate of education in higher education leadership<\/p>\n

Worked in international education at Sam Houston State University<\/p>\n

Taught elementary and middle school English as a second language in Korea<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Democrat who says she\u2019s \u201ccommitted to serving the interests of all community members.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

According to her website, her priorities are affordable and accessible education for all Texans, separation of church and state and investment in Texas public schools.<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

Texas Progressive Caucus<\/p>\n

Moms Demand Action<\/p>\n

Asian American Democrats of Texas<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Audrey Young<\/p>\n

Republican, incumbent<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $25,437<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Sangita Kejrwal, medical doctor in Dallas \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Charter Schools Now PAC \u2014 $5,000<\/p>\n

Moak Casey, education consulting and lobbying company \u2014 $2,500<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

SBOE member since 2021<\/p>\n

Was a local school trustee for six years<\/p>\n

Served as director of student support services for Nacogdoches ISD<\/p>\n

Former speech language therapist\u00a0<\/p>\n

Has a doctorate of education<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Republican<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Wants to \u201ckeep conservative Texas values at the heart of Texas public education;\u201d opposed Common Core curriculum\u00a0<\/p>\n

Prioritizing career and technical education programming<\/p>\n

Using federal dollars to fund dyslexia services<\/p>\n

Encourages policies that expand access to National Board certification programs<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n

Texas Alliance for Life<\/p>\n

Texas Home School Coalition<\/p>\n

How to contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n

dryoung@sboe8.com<\/p>\n

P.O. Box 2683, Trinity TX 75862<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

District 9<\/p>\n

Covering the North Texas counties of Nacogdoches, Shelby, Wood, Kaufman, Van Zandt, Upshur, Camp, Franklin, Titus, Morris, Cass, Marion, Gregg, Harrison, Smith, Cherokee, Panola, Angelina, San Augustine, Rockwall, Rains and Sabine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $637<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

Regina Montoya, Dallas lawyer \u2014 $500<\/p>\n

Rockwall County Democratic Party \u2014 $420<\/p>\n

Nacogdoches County Democratic Party \u2014 $350<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Royse City ISD teacher, head ESL testing coordinator and ESL director<\/p>\n

Candidate for Rockwall County Precinct 4 Commissioner in 2022<\/p>\n

Founder of Ledferd PR agency<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Democrat who has volunteered for Democratic candidate campaigns<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Protecting public schools from privatization<\/p>\n

According to her website, another priority is guiding Texas through the AI era responsibly<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Dallas County East Democrats<\/p>\n

Texas Progressive Caucus<\/p>\n

Gun Sense Voter<\/p>\n

How to contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n

edferd4sboe9@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Kason Huddleston<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $6,342<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Texans for Educational Freedom, conservative political action committee \u201ccommitted to fighting against Critical Race Theory\u201d \u2014 $99,695 (includes in-kind texting services)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texans United for a Conservative Majority, West Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn\u2019s political action committee<\/a> \u2014 $20,000<\/p>\n

Republican Party of Rockwall County \u2014 $7,000<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Senior pastor and founder at Freedom Place Church in Rowlett<\/p>\n

Former pastor and founder at the River Church in Rowlett<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Republican<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Defend conservative values \u2014 \u201cfight against government overreach and woke agendas\u201d<\/p>\n

Strengthen Texas schools<\/p>\n

Protect parental rights<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick<\/p>\n

Julie Pickren, SBOE member\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brandon Hall, SBOE member\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas Homeschool Coalition<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

info@huddlestonfortexas.com<\/p>\n

P.O. Box 855 Rockwall, TX 75087<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering large portions of Dallas and Tarrant counties.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tiffany Clark<\/p>\n

Democrat, incumbent<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $1,864<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this year:<\/p>\n

James Talarico, Austin state representative and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate \u2014 $2,000<\/p>\n

Oliver Black, principal in Dallas \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Campaign of state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas\u2013 $200<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Six years as a DeSoto ISD trustee\u00a0<\/p>\n

SBOE member since 2025 after she ran unchallenged and was elected to fill an unexpired term<\/p>\n

Has a doctor of education\u00a0<\/p>\n

Runs a nonprofit leadership development program for teenage girls<\/p>\n

Was an elementary, middle and high school counselor, as well as adjunct professor at University of North Texas at Dallas<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Democrat<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Opposed Bible stories added to this year\u2019s approved state reading list<\/p>\n

Opposes book bans<\/p>\n

Her priorities include emphasizing college and career readiness programs, with a focus on access to community-based training, advocating for the mental health of both students and teachers, as well as acknowledging and protecting \u201cthe diversity of students and cultures in public education.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

James Talarico, state representative and U.S. Senate candidate<\/p>\n

Rebecca Bell-Metereau, SBOE member<\/p>\n

Marisa Perez-Diaz, SBOE member<\/p>\n

Staci Childs, former SBOE member<\/p>\n

Gustavo Reveles, SBOE member<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Dallas County East Democrats<\/p>\n

Dallas Southern Pride<\/p>\n

Asian Texans For Justice Action Fund<\/p>\n

Tejano Democrats of the 23rd Senatorial District<\/p>\n

Texas State Teacher Association<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

Campaign website contact form<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Carlos (Charlie) Garza<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

No reports found as of Oct. 12<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Garza replaces April Williams Moore on the Republican ballot after Moore withdrew from the race because she lived just outside of the District 13 boundaries<\/p>\n

Garza was previously elected to the State Board of Education in 2010 to represent the West Texas border region from El Paso to south of Laredo but lost re-election in the historically Democratic district in 2012<\/p>\n

Garza is a former naval submarine officer, according to his website<\/p>\n

Garza is a retired teacher, according to state candidate filings, and has experience as an instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent<\/p>\n

Political ideology: Garza says he is running because \u201cchildren deserve schools that challenge them, believe in them, and prepare them for life after graduation.\u201d When he previously served on the State Board of Education, he sided<\/a> with social conservatives on issues such as evolution, climate change and sex education.<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Wants schools to reassess and reduce the use of technology in the classroom<\/p>\n

Wants schools to better prepare students for college so that they don\u2019t need \u201cnon-credit remedial math and English,\u201d including by reviewing the use of Advanced Placement courses and expanding dual-credit courses so \u201cat least half of high school students complete college-level coursework before graduation\u201d<\/p>\n

Says Texas law should be amended so that elected SBOE members are the ones that decide whether a struggling public school district gets taken over<\/p>\n

Wants statewide curriculum standards to focus \u201con rigorous academics, informed citizenship, and respect for civic traditions,\u201d including through a required \u201ccivics course grounded in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other founding documents, while preventing political advocacy from replacing objective instruction\u201d<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Former District 13 candidate April Williams Moore<\/p>\n

Texas Values Action<\/p>\n

True Texas Project<\/p>\n

Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

charlie.garza@outlook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Covering the counties of Clay, Montague, Jack, Wise, Palo Pinto, Eastland, Erath, Comanche, Bosque, Hamilton, Mills, Coryell, McLennan, Hill, Ellis and Navarro.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $4,302<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Grace Anne McKay, Denton teacher \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Matthew Albanese, attorney in Massachusetts \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas PAC \u2014 $300<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Seventh grade English teacher<\/p>\n

More than 15 years teaching in North Texas<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Democrat<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Against school vouchers<\/p>\n

Supports opt-out rights for required reading but says school book review committees should include librarians, teachers and parents<\/p>\n

Supports state-funded teacher pay raises, increasing contributions to educator health insurance<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

Texas State Teachers Association<\/p>\n

Mothers Against Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas<\/p>\n

Asian American Democrats of Texas<\/p>\n

How to contact:<\/p>\n

Campaign website contact form<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mindy Bumgarner<\/p>\n

Republican<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n

Cash on hand as of Sept. 24: $87,440<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n

Denton County Republican Lincoln Cabinet \u2014 $17,000<\/p>\n

Monty Bennett, founder and CEO of Ashford real estate company, publisher of conservative news site the Dallas Express \u2014 $10,000<\/p>\n

Maureen Haddad, Big Spring resident \u2014 $1,000<\/p>\n

Experience:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Holds a master\u2019s degree in mental health counseling psychology as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology from Argosy University<\/p>\n

According to her website, she has \u201cworked hands-on developing 504 plans\u201d<\/p>\n

Political ideology:\u00a0Republican who believes \u201cevery child deserves a strong education built on the basics, not politics\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy stances:<\/p>\n

Supports school choice and public charter schools<\/p>\n

Supports full transparency in school curriculum<\/p>\n

Says she aims to shift focus in classrooms from testing to curriculum<\/p>\n

In the news:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Endorsements:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gov. Greg Abbott<\/p>\n

Texas Home School Coalition<\/p>\n

Charter Schools Now PAC<\/p>\n

How to contact:\u00a0<\/p>\n

mindy@mindybumgarner.com<\/p>\n

Jaden Edison contributed reporting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":467735,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[155380,27,155381,29,28,6748],"class_list":["post-467734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-texas","tag-candidate-guides","tag-texas","tag-texas-2026-elections","tag-texas-headlines","tag-texas-news","tag-well-b-homepage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=467734"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467734\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/467735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=467734"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=467734"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=467734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}