PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION VOTER'S GUIDE
Early Voting: May 16th - 20th | Election Day May 24th, 2022
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ALVIN
May 16th - 20th, 2022
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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MANVEL
May 16th - 20th, 2022
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: All candidate information provided in this voters guide was provided by the candidate's campaign and is not the opinion or political views of any chamber staff or member. |
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Ken Paxton
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
In November 2014 Ken Paxton became the 51st Attorney General of Texas after over a year of campaigning to earn the votes of Texans across the state. The son of an Air Force veteran, General Paxton is consistently recognized as a conservative, stalwart leader with a deep passion and respect for our U.S. Constitution through his previous service in the Texas House and Senate and now as Attorney General. He is known for his principled and uncompromising devotion to America’s founding values.
Once elected, Ken immediately went to work fulfilling his campaign promises to protect the 10th Amendment, fighting efforts by President Obama and his administration to infringe upon Texas’ state sovereignty. He has been a prominent voice in the defense of religious liberty during multiple attacks by the Obama Administration and also more recently supporting the current Administration’s policies defending religious liberty. A defender of our free enterprise system, General Paxton also continues to fight against overreaching government regulations which harm Texas jobs and economic growth.
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George P. Bush
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
George Prescott Bush is a native Texan, born in Houston on April 24, 1976. Bush received his undergraduate degree from Rice University. After graduating, he taught history to at-risk students before earning a Juris Doctorate at The University of Texas School of Law.
Bush is the grandson of President George H.W. Bush, the son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and the nephew of President George W. Bush. He lives in Austin with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons.
Bush was first elected the 28th Texas Land Commissioner on Nov. 4, 2014, and was overwhelmingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. He received the second-highest vote total of any candidate running statewide.
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Joe Jaworski
Democratic Party
Occupation: Attorney
Joe Jaworski is a third-generation Texas trial attorney and former Mayor of Galveston, Texas. Joe’s term as mayor was defined by his unwavering support for and success in rebuilding Galveston’s storm-devastated public housing; a political choice that made a positive difference for thousands of Island residents but cost him a second term.
Joe earned his bachelor’s from North Carolina Davidson College and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. In between college and law school, Joe played drums for four years in a national touring and recording band – North Carolina’s “Other Bright Colors.”
In 2022, he enters his thirtieth year of practice, a career that began as a law clerk to United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit Judge John R. Brown, followed by a robust Admiralty defense trial practice representing Gulf Coast maritime interests and, then, a rewarding plaintiff’s trial practice representing injured maritime workers. From these various career experiences, he finally found his niche.
Joe owns The Jaworski Law Firm, headquartered in Galveston, and his practice is 100% mediation. He specializes in mediating Defense Base Act claims, mediating hundreds of claims annually domestically and abroad; these are the claims brought by military contractors for personal injuries arising from the War on Terror.
Joe and his wife Rebecca have two children and live in Galveston.
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Rochelle Garza
Democratic Party
Occupation: Attorney
Rochelle Garza is a fronteriza and lifelong fighter for the border communities of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She believes that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, everyone deserves a fair shot to get ahead.
Rochelle was raised in Brownsville, Texas, the sister city to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She is the daughter of two public school teachers. Rochelle’s mother was raised by a WWII veteran and a hard-working mother who became the manager of a municipal credit union after raising three children. Rochelle’s father was raised on a farm by an immigrant mother and a father whose family had worked the land for multiple generations. Her father became a teacher, a lawyer and then served in South Texas as an elected State District Judge for 21 years. Together, they taught Rochelle to have faith, work hard, and that every person is deserving of dignity and respect.
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Mike Collier
Democratic Party
Occupation: Financial Accountant
Mike first entered politics for one reason: to fight for Texas public schools. After seeing money gutted from our public schools year after year, he put his career aside to run for office and hold our state leaders accountable. Because of his extensive experience as an auditor, he knows the Texas budget like the back of his hand. Mike knows why our schools are underfunded and he has a plan to fix it without raising taxes on ordinary Texans. For instance, by closing just one corporate tax loophole that benefits big corporations, Mike would increase funding for Texas schools by nearly $5 billion.
Honest, sensible, and fighting for Texas families — not corporations and lobbyists.
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Michelle Beckley
Democratic Party
Occupation: Texas State Representative
Representative Michelle Beckley was elected to serve House District 65 in the Texas House of Representatives on November 8, 2018. She was inspired to run for office after attending the Dallas Women's March in 2017.
Representative Beckley has lived in her district for her entire life. The daughter of Jim and Terrie Beckley, she attended public school in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. After graduating from Newman Smith High School, Representative Beckley attended Texas A&M University, receiving a degree in Biomedical Sciences in 1992.
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Commissioner of the General Land Office |
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Tim Westley
Republican Party
Occupation: Educator
I am a veteran of the U.S. Army, author of five books, and a graduate of Wayland Baptist University whereby I obtained a B.S. in Religion and a master of Christian Ministry. I've also earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Trident University International.
One of my greatest honors was being able to pastor Shepherd’s Vineyard Christian Church for over 12 years. I am still active as a minister of the gospel on my journey through life. I spent a brief chapter of my life as a public-school teacher at both the Elementary and Middle school levels. However, I found a long time home at the college/university level as an instructor and former Area Chair. One of my favorite courses to teach was Critical Thinking which is greatly needed in Texas and our nation!
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Dawn Buckingham
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
Dr. Dawn Buckingham’s close supporters, family, and friends were not surprised she made history in 2016 when she triumphed in a tough campaign to earn a place in history as the first Republican from Travis County ever elected to the Texas Senate, and the first woman ever elected to represent Senate District 24. Dr. Buckingham’s independent spirit and tenacious nature made her a natural Texas Senate leader on strengthening border security, keeping taxes low, protecting life, defending the 2nd amendment, and improving public education.
Dr. Dawn Buckingham was one of the first and most vocal physicians to stand up against Obamacare. Her outspoken voice led to Bloomberg news publishing her perspective that “Obamacare would be the downfall of the American healthcare system.” Since then, she has continued to be a strong conservative fighter against the liberal Austin and Washington, DC elite. Additionally, President Donald Trump tapped into Dr. Buckingham’s health care expertise during a White House healthcare meeting. In her continued relentless fight she is not afraid to stand up for Texans and has proven herself a conservative fighter for Texas values locally, statewide, and nationally.
Dr. Buckingham’s family were among the first settlers to Texas seven generations ago, and that tough, independent, pioneer spirit is deeply rooted in her personality. True to her Texas roots, her commitment to service began early, serving as a volunteer firefighter, and attending the Texas A&M Fire School. She is also an avid hunter and outdoorswoman.
Dr. Buckingham is instinctively fiscally conservative and averse to debt. Thus when there wasn’t enough money to fund a traditional college experience, she chose to live at home and work two jobs to pay for college at UT-Austin. With endurance of spirit she graduated Magna Cum Laude and debt-free. It was during college that she met the love of her life and husband of 30 years, Ed Buckingham. Dawn and Ed both received their medical degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and they have two children. Her commitment to service and recognition for her work has allowed her to hold leadership positions in local, state, and national organizations.
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Jay Kleberg
Democratic Party
Occupation: Managing Director of Explore Ranches
My name is Jay Kleberg. I’m a father to three beautiful daughters, Sophia, Katherine, and Amelia, and a husband to my wonderful wife, Chrissy Kleberg. I’m running for Texas Land Commissioner because I believe that the science behind climate change is real, and we don’t have time for inaction. We have so many beautiful, vital landscapes in our state, and I want my daughters to be able to share this beauty with their kids
I believe loving Texas and accepting the science behind climate change go hand-in-hand. Equipped with land management experience, a deep understanding of our state’s environmental challenges, and an MBA from the University of Texas, I’m ready to get to work. We need a Land Commissioner who will be a steward of Texas’ 13 million acres of public lands and invest in our future, our veterans, and our public education system.
Together, we can help protect and invest in the Texas we know and love.
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Sandragrace Martinez
Democratic Party
Occupation: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Sandragrace Martinez is a political Candidate with the Democratic Party of Texas, and we need your help in making history by electing the first bilingual Hispanic woman to the Texas Commission of the General Land Office (GLO). This is a State-wide elected Executive position that provides funding for our Elementary and Secondary public education, Veterans benefits, producing Alternative Energy, and delivering relief to Texas when hit by a natural disaster. We have an opportunity to take this elected office and make meaningful changes that will support our children and our communities; but we are up against big money interests, so we are reaching out to you, our people, our voters, because you will decide this election.
Sandragrace Martinez was born and raised in Bexar County, a 1st-generation Hispanic, and was one of only twelve students chosen to receive the first coveted Gregory Luna Fellow and Scholar award. This award was created for recruiting high academically-proven Hispanic College students and providing them with the opportunities to work at the Texas Legislature ground floor. The intention behind the award was to develop and inspire more Hispanics to enter the political process and empower minority activism. Her candidacy demonstrates the Scholar award program is beginning to show signs of success. Together we can make that success real.
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Comptroller of Public Accounts |
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Janet Dudding
Democratic Party
Occupation: CPA
Janet Dudding is a CPA who began her governmental accounting career with the Office of the State Auditor investigating allegations that governmental officials had embezzled taxpayer money or taken kickbacks. She’s spent her professional life holding governments accountable to people, not special interests. As a single mother, she earned her BSBA-Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi and her MBA from Millsaps College.
Janet’s Texas roots run deep through her maternal grandmother, a first-generation Texan born in El Campo over 125 years ago, and her paternal great-grandmother, who was born in Texas over 170 years ago.
Janet took early retirement from Texas A&M University (through Teachers’ Retirement System) to run for office. She attended Annie's List Campaign School during the summer of 2018 and in 2019 attended PCCC's National Candidate Training and completed She Should Run and Ready.Set.Run candidate training. Janet has served as a Democratic Precinct Chair and a Member of the Texas Democratic Women Executive Board. As a Delegate from Brazos County to the 2018 Texas Democratic Party State Convention, she won a seat on the Rules Committee. She is currently president of the Texas Democratic Women of the Brazos Valley. Janet is also treasurer of the College Station Noon Lion’s Club, on the Executive Board of the Brazos County Branch of the NAACP, and a member of the Bryan Rotary Club, the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, Governmental Financial Officers Association of Texas, the Texas A&M Women’s Club, the A&M Garden Club, the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, the Brazos Valley African American Museum, and Brazos County Retired School Personnel. Janet was also a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Janet and James are members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Bryan.
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Angel Luis Vega
Democratic Party
Occupation: Finance
Angel Vega was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Vega earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in 2008 and a master's degree in business administration from Webster University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a business strategist, an executive advisor, a professional development coach, and an author. Vega has served on the Young Leaders for Inclusion Council, the advisory board of Prospera USA, and the board of directors of the International Hispanic Art and Culture Association.
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Commissioner of the Railroad Commission of Texas |
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Wayne Christain
Republican Party
Occupation: Rail Road Commissioner
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Throughout his first term, Christian developed a strong record of fighting against frivolous regulations and standing strong for free markets and American Energy Dominance!
Since taking office, Commissioner Christian has been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission as the Official Representative of Texas. Through this role, Christian has been a national leader at the forefront of fighting against Biden Administration efforts like the Green New Deal, CLEAN Future Act, and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Christian understands that big government increases costs for consumers and kills high-paying jobs, while harming our economy and national security. He believes all regulations should be consistent, predictable, and based on sound science.
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Sarah Stogner
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
With your vote, I pledge to lead us to a place where the industry is strong and our environment is safe for future generations. I'm not your typical politician - rather a mom who's fed up with the pay to play system in Austin. My opponent is part of the corruption. We need honesty and integrity in Austin. I have actual oil & gas experience. My opponent is a career politician. I respect private property rights. He will trade your rights for campaign donations. We don't need regulations - just enforce those on the books.
Texans have tolerated crony capitalism far too long. I graduated at the top of my law school class from LSU in 2008. For the past 14 years I have represented operators, service companies, and landowners in complex legal disputes. My opponent may be an award winning gospel singer, but he has no oil and gas experience. I wake up every morning wondering if it's going to smell like hydrogen sulfide when I step outside. I am "the oil and gas unicorn." I have the unique ability to facilitate practical resolutions where my opponent has failed. I'm ready to help usher in the next era of energy independence in Texas. I'm not accepting campaign donations from the industry I will regulate.
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District Judge, 149th Judicial District |
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Jessica Pulcher
Republican Party
Occupation: Prosecutor
My name is Jessica Pulcher and I am running for the 149th District Court Judge. I have been a licensed attorney for 25 years and a prosecutor in Brazoria County for 21 years. I have been a member of the Texas State Board since May 1996. I am the only candidate who has worked for Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office and tried felony cases. Of those 173 cases, I tried 160 felonies. I have tried 19 murders including two capital murders and one attempted capital murder. I have also tried 36 crimes against children including two cases that resulted in the death of a child. I am the only candidate that has received multiple life sentences in Brazoria County including two life without parole verdicts.
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Michelle R Townsend
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
Michelle began her legal career as a civil litigator with Taunton, Snyder, & Parish, where she handled complex commercial and construction litigation, personal injury, and insurance defense. Since leaving TSP, Michelle has been both a prosecutor and small business owner, running her own law firm. Michelle has tried cases as both a prosecutor and solo practitioner in the State’s County and District courts. While in private practice, Michelle also served as a Judge for the municipal court of the City of Angleton and is pleased to be able to provide Brazoria County’s voters a candidate for Judge of the 149th District Court who possesses prior judicial experience.
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Brazoria County - County Court at Law No. 2 |
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Natalie Broaddus
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
After receiving her license to practice law, Natalie moved back home and began serving the citizens of Brazoria County by working in the District Attorney’s Office. She started her civil service career as a criminal prosecutor, trying misdemeanor and felony cases in the various county District Courts and County Courts at Law. She then moved into the county’s Civil Division where she counseled elected and appointed officials on a wide range of legal matters, tried civil cases on behalf of the citizens, and litigated cases in federal trial and appellate courts. After six years of service with the District Attorney’s Office, Natalie then went to work in the private sector, representing clients in criminal matters, general civil litigation, and family law.
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Thomas Pfeiffer
Republican Party
Occupation: Attorney
In 1995, Thomas graduated from Calhoun High School in Port Lavaca, Texas. He went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 2000, obtaining a degree in criminal justice. He received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston in 2003.
Brazoria County has been home to Thomas, his wife, Carolina, and their two daughters since 2006. Thomas is a faithful member of his church where he has served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and in numerous other ways. He is a Christian seeking to serve.
Thomas is running for Judge for the same reason he decided to be an Assistant District Attorney 17 years ago – it is a calling. Thomas’ career is deeply marked with public service in our local courts as well as our military. Thomas is asking each voter to place their confidence in his extensive and balanced experience, proven competence, and willingness to serve and would be honored to be elected as Judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2.
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Brazoria County - District Clerk |
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Dana Read
Republican Party
Occupation: Work Activity Coordinator
I bring with me over 30 years of management skills and experience and the willingness to work hard to make the Brazoria County District Clerk’s Office friendly to the public, easily accessible to attorney’s and private citizens, and a great place to work. As we team up with the rest of the county’s departments and implement state and national law, I aim to make the District Clerk’s department the most efficient, friendliest office in Texas government.
I am a proud Constitutionalist in political belief, hold on to conservative Christian values in my life and actions, am a true Patriot, and deeply love my family and community. I believe Brazoria County is the greatest county in Texas and want to do all I can to keep it that way. With your help, we will do just that.
Remember Dana Read for Brazoria County District Clerk in 2022.
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Cassandra Tigner
Republican Party
Occupation: Supervisor for Brazoria County-County Clerks Office
I am a lifelong resident of Brazoria County. My husband is Williams Tigner. We have two amazing kids. I am currently employed with the Brazoria County-Clerk's Office for the last 8 years. I have 15 Years of Administrative Experience, 8 Years of Courtroom Experience in the County/District Courts, 6 Years of Financial Institution Experience, 6 Years of Human Resources Experience.
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Early Voting Begins Monday May 16th |
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