AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both Republican and Democratic voters will decide who they think is best to represent parts of the Hill Country in the Texas House of Representatives.
The sprawling Texas House District 19 spans west of Austin and includes Burnet and Fredericksburg. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates vying for an opportunity to advance to the general election.
Republican candidates
Ellen Troxclair (incumbent)
State Rep. Ellen Troxclair, a former member of Austin City Council, is aiming to hang onto her seat. Troxclair said she’d keep pushing for school choice for children across Texas who are trapped in failing school districts if voters send her back to the Texas Capitol.
Kyle Biedermann
Kyle Biedermann, a retired state representative, will also be attempting a political comeback after previously serving for six years in the Texas House. He retired from his seat in 2022. Biedermann said during his campaign he’d like to focus on water, density and growth issues in the Hill Country. He also supports what Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is doing at the border to deal with an increase in migrants crossing into the country.
Manny Campos
Manny Campos also jumped into the primary against Troxclair and Biedermann. Campos said some of the main issues his campaign focuses on are advocating for small businesses and border control. He added his campaign is all about connecting with his followers rather than placing signs and billboards up.
Democratic candidates
Dwain Handley
Issues such as climate change, immigration and religious freedom are listed as priorities on Dwain Handley’s website. According to his website, he said above all those important issues — keeping democracy is at the top of his list. He also mentions how he will lead his campaign by not seeking large corporate donations. Instead, it will be conducted “by recruiting and activating grassroots volunteers.”
Zach Vance
Running against Handley is former U.S. Marine Zach Vance. According to his website, Vance’s campaign strives to bring in new voters and target those “nonvoters” as well as “right wing” voters and try to get them to vote Democrat. Other issues he hopes to tackle are culture wars in Texas.