Texas is holding elections, including for mayor of Houston, on Nov. 7, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of Sept. 11. To read each candidate’s full responses, click his or her name at the bottom of the article.
Gaylon Caldwell (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Houston, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Caldwell responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Priority 1 – Save Black Male Youth, Priority 2 – Marijuana Friendly Policing, Priority 3 – Gun Control through Firearm Safety, Education, and Awareness, Priority 4 – Safety Parks Initiative, Priority 5 – Expand the staffing and capabilities of the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, Priority 6 – Houston Fire & Houston EMS, Priority 7 – Holding Businesses, Apartment Complexes, and HOAs accountable for Public Safety, Priority 8 – Downtown Expansion, Priority 9 – Littering / Dumping, Priority 10 – Vacant Businesses / Homes, Priority 11 – Annex, Priority 12 – Stop Harming our Children, Elderly, and Police Officers”
Click here to read the rest of Caldwell’s answers.
Annie Garcia (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Houston, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Garcia responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“All of my interest in public policy derive from one source- inequality and injustice.
The forced state takeover of HISD is one example in an ever-growing list of the injustices that are being inflicted on the most vulnerable in society. The schools that have been taken over are in underresourced Black and Brown communities, largely on the east side of the city. …
Whereas compassionate conservatism of yesteryear touted ‘No Child Left Behind’, today’s GOP leaves the most vulnerable behind by design, so long there is money to be made.”
Click here to read the rest of Garcia’s answers.
Kathy Lee Tatum (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Houston, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Tatum responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Domestic Violence Survivors, Human Trafficking Survivors, Veterans Services, ReEntry Programs, Nonprofit funding, No Kill Animal Shelters, Mental Health Wellness Centers”
Click here to read the rest of Tatum’s answers.
Roy Vasquez (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Houston, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Vasquez responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Homelessness: Addressing homelessness requires a compassionate and comprehensive approach. I’m passionate about collaborating with social services organizations to provide stable housing, mental health support, and pathways to employment for our most vulnerable residents. …
Affordable Housing: Every Houstonian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. … I am passionate about creating policies that ensure housing affordability, empowering families to live in stable communities, and providing opportunities for all residents to thrive.
Animal Welfare: Our city’s compassion extends to all living beings, including our beloved animals. I’m passionate about advocating for the welfare of our furry and feathered friends. … Together, we’ll build a community that cares for both its human and animal residents.”
Click here to read the rest of Vasquez’s answers.
Robin Williams (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Houston, and the general election is on Nov. 7. Here’s how Williams responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“… My goal is to highlight a few of the most pressing issues that need immediate attention in Houston, TX. The first subject, Mental health, details a plan to address the crisis. Houstonians are suffering from mental illnesses and are not getting the attention they need. Instead, residents of Houston are being cycled in and out of jail and not being accepted by some health facilities. The second subject, Bridging The Gap Between Police Officers And Houstonians. It is no secret that Officers and the residents of Houston no longer trust each other. We must take policing back to the basics and allow Houstonians to express themselves without consequences. … The third subject, Flooding In Communities. Historical neighborhoods such as 3rd and 5th Ward continue to flood during Hurricane season. The flooding in those neighborhoods are permanently destroying historical homes.”
Click here to read the rest of Williams’ answers.
If you’re a Texas candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.
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