Early voting begins Monday and there are a number of races on the ballot for all levels of government—local, state, and federal. As we always do right before the polls open, we are sending out information to help you know where you can vote and the dates for doing so.

And because I am often asked about who I will cast my vote for, I will share my thoughts on this as well. In all partisan races the choice is clear for me – I will be supporting Republican candidates (especially that James Frank candidate as I do have opponents this time) because I believe conservative principles and vision will provide the best direction for our state in a time of growing federal government and cultural disintegration.

There are however some races that are wholly non-partisan in nature, like that of your local school board. Though I historically do not make endorsements on local races, there are two exceptions on this ballot and they both happen to be for the same name: Jim Johnson. One of the Jims is running for the WFISD School Board District 5 slot. I have known Jim a long time and believe he’d bring his financial acumen and fresh perspective to a school board that needs both.

Additionally, as many of you are aware, the other Jim Johnson that I have endorsed is the Republican candidate to be the next Wichita County Judge. Having worked alongside him for nearly a decade and knowing his talents, character and temperament, I believe with all of my heart that he is the right person for that important job. 

Though federal and statewide elections often get the most media attention and money, it is frequently the local races that have the most impact on our day-to-day lives. Therefore, I strongly urge everyone to take the time to fill out their ballot all the way to the bottom to make sure your voice is heard on local races. 

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide for yourself what candidates will best serve us at all levels and cast your vote for them. We are extremely blessed to be able to choose our representatives in government; let’s take advantage of that blessing.

I know it felt like we just had an election, but we have another one starting today when voters will have the opportunity to vote on two potential amendments to our state constitution. Early voting runs from April 25th through May 3rd and election day itself is on May 7th.

Both of the amendments up for consideration for this election deal with reducing property taxes. The ballot language may seem confusing so here is my take on the amendments–I hope you will consider voting “FOR” these propositions as you cast your ballot!

In plain English, Proposition 1 would lower the cap on taxable value (“freeze value”) for seniors and those with disabilities. If it passes, it will lower school district tax bills for seniors and those with disabilities. Proposition 2 raises the homestead exemption for homeowners from $25K to $40K so that they pay taxes on a smaller amount of their value.

As a reminder, for amendment proposals to make it onto the ballot, they must first be approved in the form of a Joint Resolution by a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the Texas Legislature. It is difficult to get the necessary votes to get an amendment on the ballot. As such, most amendments are fairly non-controversial and easily approved by voters.

Both of the proposed constitutional amendments in this election were passed during the special sessions this past fall.

Additionally, I recently posted a fairly lengthy explainer on Facebook about why the huge increases in property appraisals do not mean commensurate huge increases in your property tax bills next year. We’ve included that post in the body of the newsletter below but the summary is this:

1. The appraised value is just the first step in a 5-6 step process to eventually determine your total tax bill.
2. Unless local taxing entities (county, city, school district) ask for voter approval, they WILL HAVE TO REDUCE TAX RATES substantially specifically because the values have gone up so much.

Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns on these or other topics.

In most of our state the upcoming primary election is much more important than the more talked about general election in November. That is because in the large majority of races across Texas, we know with near certainty which party’s candidate will win regardless of who wins the primary. This is likely true even of the statewide races. The bottom line is that these races are important, since the winner of the dominating party’s primary in any given region will win the general election.

For essentially all of the counties in this district, that means the Republican Primary. For that reason, I will share my thoughts and some picks on the statewide races on the Republican side.

Let me say that my opinion is no more important than yours. I have one vote and you have one vote. The chart on the next page shows you who I will be voting for, with the notable exception of the Attorney General. I am still mulling that decision over, as all four candidates have unique strengths as well as some challenges. I may send an update email if I decide before I enter the voting booth.

I will be voting for both incumbents for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Greg Abbott will win handily, and I believe is in the best position to soundly beat Beto in November. I am still a big fan of Dan Patrick on most policy issues.

Glenn Hegar does a fantastic job as Comptroller of the State and has my vote and unqualified support.

The Office of Agriculture needs a change and James White is the person for the job.

The last race I will comment on is only for my constituents in Wichita County. I strongly believe Jim Johnson is the clear choice in the race for Wichita County Judge. (Though the only thing that really matters is your opinion.)

I hope this helps. If you agree with my thoughts, great. If not, that is the beauty of a free country. You can vote for whomever you want.