These are my responses to a voter from 10/12/26
- Gun Control and School Safety
In your statement on gun control, you mentioned that you once believed in gun control but no longer do. What specifically changed your mind? Would you support restrictions on civilian ownership of AR-15s and similar semiautomatic rifles? If not, what specific measures would you advocate to prevent mass shootings?
My mind changed as I explored the issue further after high school. I had not considered cases like former state representative Suzanna Hupp (https://www.npr.org/2022/05/28/1101921430/30-years-ago-she-survived-a-mass-shooting-now-she-advocates-for-concealed-carry).
I am open to discussing ways to prevent (or at least reduce the risk of) mass shootings. As far as AR-15s, I will admit I do not study gun policy as thoroughly as some of the experts in this area. I do not have specific recommendations, but I question whether restrictions on AR-15s would be enforceable or good policy. It may seem like I am ducking the issue, but in Texas the Governor is not the king of legislation. The legislature along with the Lieutenant Governor have the most legislative power. I will defend gun rights while seeking common ground on gun policy.
- Transgender Policies
I couldn’t find a policy statement addressing transgender issues on your website. Where do you stand on restricting transgender participation in women’s sports, requiring public restroom use according to biological sex, and prohibiting gender-transition surgeries and hormone treatments for minors?
Throughout history, it has been recognized that there are some people that are transgender. These individuals are no less human and have the same rights as I. I do not believe government should grant nor deny rights based on gender.
I do not believe those genetically male should have an advantage competing in female sports.
I do not support performing such life altering procedures on minors without involvement of the parents.
- Education and School Choice
You support allowing education funding to follow students to the schools their parents choose. Would homeschooling families also qualify for this financial assistance?
Yes
- Health Care Reform
Would you support moving toward a health care system where patients pay providers directly for routine medical services at transparent, competitive prices, while insurance primarily covers catastrophic expenses?
Yes, but I do not know if Texas can do this alone without federal action.
Also, do you support maintaining the Affordable Care Act’s protections for people with preexisting conditions? If you favor replacing the ACA, how would you ensure that people with chronic illnesses continue to have access to affordable medical care?
I recognize that pre-existing conditions are a significant provision of ACA. I am running for Governor, and I do not believe the Governor of a state can change or replace ACA. This is better directed toward the Libertarian candidate for US Senate Ted Brown