Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Texas roundup


Texas is holding elections, including for municipal offices, on May 6, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 28. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

George Ayala (nonpartisan) is running for Northside Independent School District school board District 4 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Ayala responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“School Policy.”

Click here to read the rest of Ayala’s answers.

Ken Bowens Jr. (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Fort Worth and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Bowens responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“Juvenile Adolescence Reform Policies.”

Click here to read the rest of Bowens’ answers.

Jennifer Castillo (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of Fort Worth and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Castillo responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“My passion lies in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth that empower people to create positive change through self-reliance rather than relying on government support. I believe that by creating an environment that encourages and supports entrepreneurship, we can foster innovation, create job opportunities, and increase economic prosperity for individuals and communities. This, in turn, can lead to greater self-determination and resilience, as people become more empowered to take control of their lives and shape their own destinies, while promoting a thriving and dynamic community.”

Click here to read the rest of Castillo’s answers.

David Lara (nonpartisan) is running for San Antonio City Council District 9 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Lara responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“The opportunity to build a strong bridge of trust between law-enforcement and understanding each other. If elected I would represent the community of district 9 to [express] their concerns on this and other issues. I’m confident that I can strengthen the bridge between the city and the county. Working with the mayor on reevaluating property, appraisals to help lower property taxes. Another important issue is keeping our children safe at schools. Making sure Police Dept. is well trained on [their] planned protocol for this type [of situation].”

Click here to read the rest of Lara’s answers.

Jayden Munoz (nonpartisan) is running for San Antonio City Council District 3 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Munoz responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“I am passionate about ‘Proposition A’ because I am FOR PROP A in addition to approving Proposition A and the charter proposes not spending city resources for marijuana arrests and abortions, as well as adopting cite-and-release for low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors. It is also required to ban no-knock warrants and police chokeholds. By doing this we are reducing the risk of police brutality in our communities and the residents most importantly…”

Click here to read the rest of Munoz’s answers.

Jennifer Stephens (nonpartisan) is running for Northwest Independent School District school board Place 5 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Stephens responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

“As an educator and parent, I am personally passionate about the education system being a place of academia where students are equipped with essential critical thinking skills and are well-prepared to compete in the job market. I believe that transparency with parents is crucial to ensure that they are always aware of what is being taught and that schools recognize them as the final authority of their children. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught and to be involved in their education. Additionally, I am passionate about ensuring that the fundamental elements of education, such as reading, writing, and math, are prioritized and that students receive a well-rounded education that includes knowledge of history and government…”

Click here to read the rest of Stephens’ answers.

If you’re a Texas candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

Additional reading: