Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I grew up working on my family ranch, researched water and agriculture policy, and serve as the Texas Farmers Union Secretary. I know agriculture from the pasture to public policy.
Food Assistance for Children and Schools
How would you ensure the nutritional needs of Texas children are met year-round?
for free school meals for every child and defend summer food assistance. I will work to replace ultra-processed school foods with healthy meals sourced from Texas farmers and expand school community gardens. I will also allow qualified nonprofits to use school kitchens to prepare meals for children when school is out.
Health
In what ways can the Texas commission work to improve nutrition and public health outcomes?
I will use the Texas Department of Agriculture to improve the food Texans eat by strengthening food safety, removing harmful chemicals and highly processed foods from school meals, and rebuilding local food systems. I will also use the State Office of Rural Health to expand access to affordable healthcare in rural communities.
Protecting Herds and Crops
What would you do to protect Texas ranches and farms from invasive pests (such as the New World Screwworm) and disease?
I will use every proven tool available to protect Texas agriculture from invasive pests and disease. For New World Screwworm, I support combining sterile flies with SWASS rather than relying on one method alone. I will I will fight also push to maintain permanent response capacity so Texas can act quickly when the next biological threat emerges.
Water
What policies would you support to balance water usage between the needs of farmers and the development of data centers?
I will put Texas agriculture and our water supply ahead of irresponsible data center development. Data centers should not compete with farmers, ranchers, or families for drinking water. I support requiring sustainable water plans, protecting farmland and aquifers, and using brackish or other non-drinking water for responsible projects.
