Kristen Washington

As a mother and a candidate, I believe that elective abortion is a deeply personal decision. It should be allowed when a woman’s health or life is at risk, in cases of rape or incest, or when there are severe fetal abnormalities. Every woman deserves the right to make informed choices about her body with guidance from her healthcare provider, free from political interference. My focus is on ensuring that women have access to safe and compassionate care in these difficult situations.

Strongly Agree

Ensuring the safety and well-being of women is a priority, and these measures help provide the necessary safeguards while allowing women to make informed decisions about their health.

Disagree

I disagree. I believe that healthcare providers, including Planned Parenthood, play an essential role in offering comprehensive reproductive and healthcare services, including cancer screenings, contraception, and prenatal care. Denying taxpayer funds to these organizations could limit access to crucial healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals. It's important to ensure that funding supports a wide range of healthcare needs, not just abortion services.

Agree

I understand the deeply personal nature of end-of-life decisions, and I support compassionate, patient-centered care. While "aid in dying" laws can provide relief for those suffering from terminal illness, I believe any legal framework must include strong safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure informed consent. My priority is to ensure people have access to quality palliative care and the support they need to make difficult decisions with dignity and respect.

Agree

I agree. Free enterprise and the right to private property are key components of a productive economic system. They foster innovation, personal responsibility, and economic growth by allowing individuals and businesses to thrive. However, it's also important to balance these rights with protections that ensure fairness and opportunity for all, especially in rural areas like ours, where equitable access to resources and opportunities can strengthen the community as a whole.

I believe the minimum wage should be a living wage that allows hardworking individuals to support themselves and their families. It’s essential to ensure fair pay that keeps pace with the cost of living, especially in rural communities like ours.

Yes

I believe environmental and social factors should be considered when investing public funds, as they reflect long-term sustainability and ethical practices. However, financial responsibility must remain a priority to ensure that public investments benefit communities effectively. Balancing both allows for responsible growth while supporting values that protect our environment and promote social equity.

As a minister and advocate for religious freedom, I believe government intervention in closing churches should be extremely rare and only under circumstances where public health and safety are at serious risk, such as during a pandemic or emergency. Churches play a vital role in our communities, and any decision to close them should be approached with great care, ensuring that the rights of congregants are respected while protecting the well-being of the broader community.

Disagree

I disagree. I believe individuals and businesses should have the right to practice their moral and religious beliefs. However, it's important to find a balance that ensures no one is denied essential services or discriminated against, especially in public accommodations. We should strive for policies that respect both personal freedoms and protect individuals from unfair treatment.

I support option B. I believe healthcare is a human right and that government-funded healthcare should be available for all who want it, while also allowing for private options. It’s essential that we ensure everyone has access to affordable, quality care, while respecting individual choice. I’ve seen firsthand how lack of access impacts rural communities, and I will fight to expand healthcare options, including Medicaid, to make sure no one is left behind.

Vaccinations should be required when public health is at serious risk, like during outbreaks of contagious diseases. Protecting the health of our communities, especially vulnerable populations, must be balanced with personal freedoms.

Choose not to answer

I believe the U.S. relationship with Israel is important, but I want to ensure I fully understand the complexities of this issue. I’m committed to taking the time to research and engage with experts before offering a more informed perspective on this topic.

Agree

I agree that the U.S. should do more to secure the southern border, but it must be part of a broader, more humane immigration reform plan. Physical security is important, but we also need to invest in modern technology, streamline legal immigration, and address root causes like poverty and violence in neighboring countries. A balanced approach ensures safety while treating people with dignity and compassion, rather than relying solely on physical barriers.

Disagree

I disagree with this approach. While I fully support parents' right to choose the best educational path for their children, diverting public funds to private schools or homeschooling weakens our public education system, which serves the majority of students. Instead, we should focus on improving public schools, ensuring they have the resources to provide every child with a quality education, regardless of where they live or their family’s income.

Agree

I agree that children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from all forms of abuse. However, we must be careful not to use terms like "gender ideology" to stigmatize or harm children who may be exploring their identity. Our focus should be on ensuring every child is safe, supported, and respected, with decisions about their well-being made in collaboration with parents and trusted healthcare professionals.

Agree

I agree that parents should have the primary right to make decisions for their minor children. However, these decisions should always be in the best interest of the child, and in some cases, expert guidance from educators or healthcare professionals may be necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. My goal is to support parents while also ensuring that children have the resources and protections they need to thrive.

Neutral

I believe taxpayer funds should focus on providing equitable healthcare services for all, ensuring people get the care they need. When it comes to gender transition services, I support decisions being made between patients, their families, and their healthcare providers. It's important that healthcare policies respect individual rights and ensure that all people, especially the most vulnerable, have access to compassionate, necessary care.

Agree

I believe in the sanctity of marriage within my faith. However, I also believe that in a diverse society, government should not impose one definition of marriage on everyone. Marriage equality is about ensuring that all people, regardless of gender, have the legal right to marry the person they love. It’s important that we respect both religious beliefs and individual rights in our laws.

As a lifelong member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and a minister, my faith is central to who I am. It shapes my commitment to service, compassion, and justice. I believe in loving my neighbor, standing up for what's right, and creating a community where everyone feels valued. My spiritual beliefs guide my dedication to family, my work ethic, and my desire to improve lives in Texas House District 2. I lead with integrity, humility, and a heart for service in everything I do.

Strongly Agree

I believe voting is a fundamental right, and we should make it as accessible as possible. While ensuring the integrity of our elections is important, we must also ensure that no one is disenfranchised due to a lack of photo ID. There are other ways to verify identity, and we should work to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot without unnecessary barriers, especially for those in rural areas, the elderly, and those with limited access to ID services.

Agree

When racial divisions and discrimination persist, they fuel distrust, inequality, and violence, which weakens our communities and undermines the unity needed for a secure and just society. Racism can lead to hate crimes, systemic inequities, and tensions that threaten public safety. Addressing racism is critical not just for social justice, but for building a more secure and cohesive nation where everyone feels safe and valued.

Agree

I agree that we need to acknowledge and address systemic racism within our institutions. Critical Race Theory is one framework that helps us understand how historical injustices continue to impact our society today. I believe that by having open and honest conversations about these issues, we can work together to create meaningful change. My commitment is to promote policies that foster equity and justice for all members of our community

Neutral

I believe this is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While I understand concerns about fairness and safety in women's spaces, it's also important to ensure that everyone's rights are respected and that we avoid discrimination. We need thoughtful policies that prioritize fairness, inclusion, and safety for all individuals involved. It's important to find solutions that respect both privacy and dignity for everyone.

I would select B and D. I believe stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost because protecting our environment is crucial for future generations. Climate change is real, and we must take urgent policy action to address it. We can create a sustainable future while also developing a strong economy by investing in clean energy and green jobs that will benefit both our planet and our communities.

I agree. Renewable energy, like solar and wind, paired with modern storage solutions, is key to meeting the growing demand for electricity in rural communities. These sources create jobs and provide reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective power.

No

No

I believe the general purpose of government is to serve the people by ensuring fairness, protecting rights, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. Government should work to uplift communities, provide essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and ensure safety and justice for all. It’s about bringing people together, solving problems, and making sure that every voice is heard, especially those in underserved areas like rural communities.

Lean Liberal

Disagree

I believe in a balanced approach to public safety. While I support increasing investment in community programs like mental health services and youth outreach, I don’t believe in defunding the police. Our communities need well-resourced law enforcement to ensure safety, but they also need strong social services to address the root causes of crime. The goal should be collaboration between law enforcement and community support systems to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.

As a candidate for Texas House District 2 and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe in responsible gun ownership. However, to protect public safety, we need common-sense restrictions like universal background checks, closing loopholes, and ensuring firearms don’t end up in the hands of those with a history of violent crime or mental illness. These measures don’t infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens but help keep our communities safe while respecting individual freedoms.

No

I disagree with the idea of teachers carrying guns in schools. Our focus should be on creating safe, nurturing environments for our children, not placing the burden of armed security on our educators. Teachers should be focused on teaching, not handling firearms. Instead, we need to invest in stronger security measures, mental health resources, and effective school safety programs to protect our children and ensure their well-being.