

Tan Parker
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Tan Parker
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 12
Incumbent
Yes
EDUCATION
University of Dallas, Irving, Bachelor, 1993
London School of Economics, London, England, Masters, 1994
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
University of Dallas, Board of Trustees, Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas
Advisory Board, Communities in School of North Texas, Advisory Board
Ranch Hand Rescue, Advisory Board
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Texas State Representative, House District 63, 15
Texas Senator, District 12, 2
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Texas State Senator, District 12, 4
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (8)
Texas Right to Life
Texas Home School Coalition (THSC)
Greg Abbott
Life PAC
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
OTHER (2)
Texas Alliance for Life PAC (TAL)
Irving Fire Fighters 2073
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (43)
Brent Hagenbuch (2024)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2024)
Republican Women's Organizations (2024)
State Republican Party Organizations (2024)
Denton County Conservative Coalition (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (65)
Henry Ross Perot (2024)
Republican Women's Organizations (2024)
Blakemore Public Affairs (2023)
Bracewell LLP (2023)
Brent Hagenbuch (2023)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
North Texas Leadership PAC (2018)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Texas Sands (2024)
American Association for Justice (2023)
International Union of Police Associations (2023)
Texas Trial Lawyers Association (2023)
San Antonio Fire and Police Pensioners Association (2022)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate graded C+ by pro-marijuana group NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).
Key Votes from Vote Smart.
Candidate is the 10th most conservative in the Texas Senate according to the 2023 Rice University analysis.
Discussed crisis at the border, election integrity, and the Heartbeat Bill while participating in the Republican Club Candidate Forum. 5 Jan 2022.
Candidate was endorsed by the LIBRE Initiative, an hispanic out-reach group affiliated with Americans For Prosperity. The candidate publicly renounced LIBRE's support of him.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
None
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Texas thrives with free market principles, letting businesses grow without wage mandates. Minimum wage laws can hurt small businesses and cause job losses. Our approach empowers employees and job creators, building a stronger economy for all Texans.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Under no circumstance should the government be allowed to close churches.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I oppose broad vaccine mandates based on unproven or hastily developed science. Texans deserve the freedom to make informed healthcare choices, with respect for personal beliefs, religious exemptions, and individual liberties.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The U.S.-Israel relationship is crucial. As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel is a key ally in a strategically important region. This partnership boosts our national security, promotes stability, and advances shared values like democracy and human rights. Israel’s innovation in technology and defense strengthens both nations, while our bond is rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to peace and prosperity.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian who is guided by my faith in every area of life. It is my heart and my purpose to serve the Lord and show His love to others through my thoughts, acts, and deeds.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism undermines our society and threatens domestic security by fostering division and distrust. As Texans and Americans, we must unite against racism, valuing dignity and respect for all. Rejecting racism is essential for our nation's safety and prosperity, and we must remain vigilant against divisive ideologies like DEI and CRT that exploit differences instead of celebrating our shared values as Americans.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. & Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Energy independence is essential for economic strength. We must protect our infrastructure and expand reliable natural gas production. Overreliance on wind and solar has led to shortages and instability. Texas needs dependable, dispatchable power.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The government's primary role is to protect citizens' rights and freedoms while ensuring safety and promoting the common good. As Ronald Reagan said, "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives."
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Convicted felons and violent criminals should not have access to firearms.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
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