By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
As early voting approaches, Democratic candidates running for offices ranging from the Texas Legislature to Congress and statewide positions addressed voters during a multi-race forum in Collin County, outlining their backgrounds, priorities, and reasons for entering the race.
The event brought together candidates from local, state, and federal contests, giving attendees an opportunity to hear directly from those on the ballot ahead of the Democratic primary. Candidates introduced themselves and responded to questions on public education, growth and local control, affordability, civil liberties, and voter participation.
Public education, affordability, and local control dominate House races
Across the Texas House races represented at the forum, candidates repeatedly returned to public education, affordability, and local decision-making as core priorities.
Jordan Wheatley, a former public school teacher running for Texas House District 67, tied his candidacy to his experience in the classroom and opposition to school vouchers. “I’m running because the future of Texas is sitting in my classroom,” Wheatley said, later adding that his top legislative priority would be to “get rid of the vouchers.”
House District 61 candidates emphasized rising costs and voter frustration with state policy. Brittany Black called for “a new generation of leadership,” saying she understands why many voters feel disconnected. Jackie Bescherer focused on household finances and education funding, saying, “I feel every day the skyrocketing cost of food, healthcare, and housing,” and warning that public schools are “under attack.”
Orlando Lopez, running for Texas House District 33, connected growth and immigration to democratic stability. “I support our immigrants, and I believe they help drive our economy,” Lopez said.
Angie Carraway, a candidate for Texas House District 89, said her campaign centers on working families and public education. “I want to stand up for the working class who continues to go unheard and unseen,” Carraway said.
State Rep. Vicky Goodwin, who also addressed the forum, emphasized the Legislature’s role in funding public schools and opposing voucher programs, arguing that education policy decisions should prioritize students and local communities.
Congressional candidates address wages, healthcare, and civil liberties
Candidates running for Congress broadened the discussion to national policy issues, including civil liberties, economic security, and democratic norms. Evan Hunt, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Texas’ 3rd District, framed his campaign around freedom, accountability, and civil rights.
“What makes America great is not uniformity — it is freedom,” Hunt said, defining that freedom as the ability “to say what you want to say, love who you want to love, worship how you want to worship, and be who you want to be.”
Hunt drew sustained applause after criticizing immigration enforcement practices, saying, “We should not have masked agents grabbing people off the street.” He said accountability and transparency are necessary to maintain public trust in government institutions.
Accountability also surfaced in discussion of executive power. Several congressional candidates said they would support impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump or members of his administration, describing such action as a constitutional response rather than a partisan one.
Economic policy rounded out the congressional discussion. Jason Pierce, running in Texas’ 4th District, spoke about personal financial strain and called for a $20 minimum wage and universal healthcare. Andrew Rubell, also running in the 4th District, emphasized restoring trust in government, while Anthony Bridges, a candidate in Texas’ 32nd District, said the minimum wage should increase with inflation to keep pace with the cost of living.
Statewide candidates stress governance and outcomes
Statewide candidates used the forum to address trust in government and policy priorities. Gubernatorial candidate Bobby Cole framed his campaign around working-class representation and accountability.
“This campaign is about returning power to working Texans,” Cole said. “No more backroom deals. No more partisan theater.” He added, “It’s time for working Texas to take back their power.”
Chris Bell, also running for governor, urged voters to focus on outcomes rather than rhetoric. “Outrage without substance doesn’t lead to change,” Bell said. He emphasized education as a priority, adding, “We need to make our schools the best in the country, not the bottom.”
Additional candidates address a range of local and statewide issues
In addition to the races highlighted, the forum featured remarks from several other Democratic candidates running for local, judicial, legislative, and statewide offices. Those candidates addressed issues including public safety, judicial accountability, voting access, infrastructure, healthcare affordability, and the role of local government in rapidly growing communities.
While policy priorities varied by office, speakers consistently emphasized voter engagement, transparency in government, and the importance of participating in the upcoming primary election.
Party chair urges Democratic primary participation
The forum concluded with remarks from Collin County Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Sutka, who cautioned against voting in the Republican primary as a strategy to influence outcomes and encouraged Democratic voters to participate in their own primary.
“Voting in the Republican primary to try to influence their race doesn’t work,” Sutka said. He urged attendees to vote early, adding, “This is how we build our team for November.”
Editor’s Note: This article is part of TX3DNews’ ongoing coverage of candidate forums and public events aimed at giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of elections.