Both candidates running in the May 6, 2023, general election for Arlington City Council District 3 — Incumbent Nikkie Hunter (nonpartisan) and Marvin Sutton (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Hunter:
“Public Safety, Economic Growth, Infrastructure.”
Sutton:
“I am passionate about public safety, infrastructure, the environment, the economy, neighborhood enhancement, and upholding public policies.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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?
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?
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].”
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…”
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…”
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.
Indiana is holding elections, including for municipal offices, on May 2, 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 27. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Andy Nielsen (D) is running for Indianapolis City Council District 14 and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Nielsen responded to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
“I’m Andy Nielsen and I am running for Indianapolis City-County Council District 14 on the Eastside of Indianapolis in the 2023 municipal elections. I am a proud Democrat, a career public servant, an anti-poverty advocate, and a community leader. I have more than a decade of experience working in government, constituent services, and advocacy to make sure our government and laws are working better for people, and I plan to make it my full-time job to make sure that happens for the Eastside.”
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (R) is running for mayor of Indianapolis and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Shabazz responded to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
“Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is an attorney, award-winning political writer, and commentator. He has been covering and writing about state and local government in Indiana since 2004 and, before that, in Illinois—for nearly 30 years…He hosts the ‘Abdul at Large’ talk show on WIBC-FM 93.1. He writes opinion pieces for various news publications across the state, including the Indianapolis Business Journal and the Statehouse File. He’s a frequent [panelist] and contributor to Fox 59’s IN Focus and ‘Inside Indiana Business.’…Abdul is also licensed to practice law in Indiana and Illinois. And he holds teaching positions at the University of Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College.”
If you’re an Indiana 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.
The general election for Jacksonville, Florida, was on March 21, 2023. The filing deadline to run passed on Jan. 13.
Candidates ran for property appraiser, city council, and mayor. The general elections for sheriff, supervisor of elections, and tax collector were canceled after no more than one candidate filed to run for each race. Incumbent T.K. Waters (R), Jerry Holland (R), and incumbent Jim Overton (R) won the sheriff, supervisor of elections, and tax collector elections, respectively, without appearing on the ballot.
Donna Deegan (D), Audrey Gibson (D), LeAnna Cumber (R), Daniel Davis (R), Al Ferraro (R), Frank Keasler (R), Omega Allen (Independent), and Brian Griffin (Independent) (Write-in) ran for mayor of Jacksonville. Deegan and Davis advanced to the general runoff election after neither received a majority of the general election vote. Deegan received 39.5% of the vote, while Davis received 24.8%.
The runoff election is scheduled for May 16, 2023. In addition to mayor, runoffs will be held for property appraiser and the following city council seats: At-large Position 5, District 2, District 7, District 8, District 9, District 11, and District 14.
Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and the 12th-largest city in the U.S. by population.
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 21. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.
Incumbent Alan Blaylock (nonpartisan) is running for Fort Worth City Council District 10 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Blaylock responded to the question: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
“Reducing Property Taxes, Public Safety, Improving Roads.”
Click here to read the rest of Blaylock’s answers.
Natalie Carter (nonpartisan) is running for Humble Independent School District school board Position 7and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Carter responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“In the current political environment, candidates often rely on ideals- based on political affiliation, religious beliefs, environment, etc.-instead of providing ideas to solve the problems we face as a community. Our schools face the same obstacles, no matter where you are or where you come from; that is why it is so important that we expect more from our candidates at every level. The real value of a candidate is their ability to turn their words into actions.”
Jarrett Lipman (nonpartisan) is running for San Antonio City Council District 9 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Lipman responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Education, Water Management, Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Urban and Regional Planning.”
Christopher Schuchardt (nonpartisan) is running for mayor of San Antonio and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Schuchardt responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“Economy. Law and Order.”
Click here to read the rest of Schuchardt’s answers.
Amanda Smith (nonpartisan) is running for Northwest Independent School District school board Place 5 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Smith responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
“School [safety], keeping great teachers, and school funding.”
Joel Solis (nonpartisan) is running for San Antonio City Council District 10 and the general election is on May 6. Here’s how Solis responded to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
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.
Both of the candidates running in the April 4, 2023, general election for Madison Common Council District 3 — Matt Van Eperen (nonpartisan) and Derek Field (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
“Housing Affordability / Security. As our city (and county) continue to grow, we need to ensure that there is sufficient housing inventory and that such inventory is affordable. Currently, Madison is facing a crisis as there is low total housing inventory, and affordable housing is even more scarce. We need to ensure folks that want to live here can.
Public Safety / Justice. While Madison is generally ranked high on the safest places to live, that does not mean we shouldn’t focus on criminal behavior or the underlying factors that put public safety at risk. We need to build trust and engagement between community and law enforcement, ridding the city of bad policing tactics but ensuring that law enforcement has the tools it needs to work with the community towards the goal of safety. We also need to examine underlying causes of crime (e.g. mental health, food security) and other non-criminal public safety risks (e.g. transportation, environment).
Economic & Social Mobility / Equity. We need to support good jobs at fair wages. We need to ensure equitable access by small businesses to the resources it may need to grow, and remove barriers to small business growth. The city’s budget should reflect diverse needs and not create further disparities between folks in our community.”
“Madison is experiencing a housing crisis that we all feel impacting our household budgets. The supply of homes and apartments doesn’t meet the demand for housing, pushing prices far too high, far too quickly. I support responsible development and zoning tools that will bring more housing options to Madison – including options at lower price points.
Public trust in the safety of our water supply is essential. With PFAS and other contaminants being found in our public wells, we must be diligent in adding treatment systems and other infrastructure upgrades that protect the health and safety of our drinking water supply. We cannot afford to take this essential natural resource for granted.
Residents around the district are increasingly concerned about traffic safety where we see high speeds and dangerous driving behavior on our main roads through Far East Side neighborhoods. I support measures that will slow these drivers down, including traffic safety improvements like radar speed signs, redesigned intersections, and speed bumps. Our neighborhood roads must be safe for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Both of the candidates running in the April 4, 2023, general election for Denver City Council District 5 — Incumbent Amanda Sawyer (nonpartisan) and Michael Hughes (nonpartisan) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
“Solutions for a Safer City: As a parent, I understand the challenges that have led many Denver families to move to the suburbs, like our crime rates and traffic concerns. Over my first term, I have worked hard to implement solutions to these challenges, and I’m proudly endorsed by the Denver Police and Denver Firefighters. In my next term, I will continue to address neighborhood and transportation safety issues in District 5.
Thoughtful About Development: Denver is going to continue to grow, but we need to be thoughtful about our City planning and the consequences those decisions have on our neighborhoods. I’ll continue to vote only for smart housing solutions that fit Denver’s needs, and continue to use tools like legislative rezonings to ensure thoughtful growth in District 5 with an eye to maintaining the unique character of our neighborhoods.
Representing Your Voice: I have earned a reputation as a fair and collaborative Councilmember who is willing to listen to all sides. I have consistently represented your voice through my votes, been responsive to your outreach, and explained the reasons for my decisions. We may not always agree, but you will always know where I stand and why. I’ll continue to find solutions to Denver’s challenges in the next four years.”
“To have a representative who will engage everyone in the community respectfully to work together, solve problems and move Denver forward
Denver needs housing that current and future residents can afford – in places where we have the infrastructure to build without increased congestion
Civility, inclusion, representation, and true engagement are the skills of my profession; it’s time to bring these to the work that lies ahead for the mayor and council.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) issued two executive orders from March 13-19. As of March 19, Hochul has issued nine executive orders in 2023 — five fewer than she did at this point a year ago.
Executive Order 27, where the governor declared a state disaster emergency for 37 counties affected by a winter storm.
Executive Order 3.18, where the governor extended a state disaster emergency due to gun violence.
Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of March 13-19, the nation’s governors issued 25 executive orders. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued the most with nine. Governors in 39 states issued the fewest with zero. Democratic governors issued 13 of the 25 orders, while Republican governors issued 12.
Hochul has served as governor since Aug. 24, 2021. She issued 64 executive orders in 2022 and 25 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 345 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 210, while Democratic governors issued 135. New York is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued nine executive orders from March 13-19. As of March 19, DeSantis has issued 58 executive orders in 2023 — 16 fewer than he did at this point a year ago. Three of nine executive orders are below:
Executive Order Number 23-54, where the governor assigned Brian Kramer as state attorney for the case involving Thomas Frank Clark in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Executive Order Number 23-55, where the governor extended the assignment of Susan Lopez as state attorney for the case against Daniel Michael Farris in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Executive Order Number 23-58, where the governor amended Executive Order 22-148 to include a citation for failure to register a vehicle. He also reaffirmed the newly amended order.
Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of March 13-19, the nation’s governors issued 25 executive orders. DeSantis issued the most with nine. Governors in 39 states issued the fewest with zero. Democratic governors issued 13 of the 25 orders, while Republican governors issued 12.
DeSantis has served as governor since Jan. 8, 2019. He issued 272 executive orders in 2022 and 246 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 345 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 210, while Democratic governors issued 135. Florida is a Republican trifecta, meaning Republicans control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) issued two executive orders from March 13-19. As of March 19, Cooper has issued five executive orders in 2023 — seven fewer than he did at this point a year ago.
Executive Order No. 278, where the governor directed and authorized the director of the Office of State Human Resources to emphasize in job postings that experience can replace formal education.
Executive Order No. 279, where the governor directed the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to establish the North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention.
Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of March 13-19, the nation’s governors issued 25 executive orders. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued the most with nine. Governors in 39 states issued the fewest with zero. Democratic governors issued 13 of the 25 orders, while Republican governors issued 12.
Cooper has served as governor since Jan. 1, 2017. He issued 31 executive orders in 2022 and 58 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 345 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 210, while Democratic governors issued 135. North Carolina is a divided government, meaning neither party holds trifecta control.
