The following is a guest column submitted by Meagan Tehseldar, Democratic candidate for Texas Governor. TX3DNews invites candidates from all parties to share their perspectives. Op-eds are published as submitted and do not represent the views or endorsement of TX3DNews or its staff.
Op-Ed by Meagan Tehseldar, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Texas
Why I’m Running for Governor
When I launched Love Over Labels Advocacy, it wasn’t because I had time to spare. I was a full-time working mom with chronic illness, navigating the maze of the special education system after my daughter was diagnosed with autism. I didn’t come from money. I didn’t have a political team. I had a laptop, lived experience, and a fire in my chest to make sure no other family had to fight that hard just to be seen.
And now, I’m running for Governor of Texas with that same fire.
People ask why I’m starting my political journey at the top. Here’s the truth: I don’t have time to wait my turn. The systems failing our families don’t have time either. I’m running because disabled children can’t afford more budget cuts. Caregivers can’t afford to burn out in silence. Teachers can’t afford to be blamed while being starved of funding.
I’ve spent over a decade in Texas classrooms—teaching, writing curriculum, and training thousands of educators statewide. I’ve worked side by side with teachers who pour their paychecks into classroom supplies and stay up late modifying lessons for kids with no other supports. I’ve also sat across from parents during IEP meetings who are made to feel like their child’s needs are a burden instead of a right.
The truth is: our public institutions have been intentionally gutted by those in power, while working-class Texans are told to stretch thinner and smile through it.
That’s why my campaign is centered on a “radical” idea: care is infrastructure.
I’m fighting for a Texas where every family has access to high-quality public education, inclusive classrooms, and affordable mental health care. Where the dignity of disabled people isn’t debated, and caregiving is treated as the essential labor it is. Where the power grid works, the water is clean, and the government actually serves the people, not the donors and lobbyists behind closed doors.
This race isn’t about me. It’s about the single mom on hold with Medicaid. The teacher breaking down in her car during lunch. The parent filling out another denial letter for services their child needs to survive.
I’ve been all of them.
That’s what makes me dangerous to the political status quo—and why I won’t be backing down.
Learn more about Meagan Tehseldar’s background and platform in her candidate profile.
TX3DNews welcomes op-eds from any candidate running for office where TX-03 residents can cast a vote—including local, state, and statewide races. If you’d like to submit a column or profile for consideration, email contact@tx3dnews.com.
Editor’s Note:
A previous version of this article included an incorrect file uploaded by our staff. The mistake has been corrected and the op-ed now appears as originally submitted by Meagan Tehseldar. We apologize for the oversight.