By Chase Rogers
Local candidates looking for a win during the March 3 Texas primaries showed up in force at the Hays County League of Women Voters candidate forum Feb. 13.
But only one of five candidates seeking the State Rep. District 45 positions showed up at the event.
Candidates vying for Hays County sheriff, Hays County court-at-law and Hays County constables for precincts one and three attended the event to field questions from LWV and prospective constituents.
Five candidates are running for TX45, including incumbent State Rep. Erin Zwiener, who is facing Liliana Posada in the Democratic primary, and Kent “Bud” Wymore, Carrie Isaac and Austin Talley, who are competing in the Republican primary.
Zwiener, D-Driftwood, was the only candidate to attend the forum, with Posada, Talley and Isaac submitting prepared statements for the moderator to read. Zwiener opened the forum citing legislation she contributed to during the spring session in the house after winning the seat in 2018 and issues she hopes to push in a second term.
“(The legislature) allocated another $6 billion for public education and another $5.5 billion dollars to buy down property taxes. Those are both areas where we still have more work to do, but it's a critical start that I'm eager to build on next session,” Zwiener said. “We still have more work to do, particularly on health care and I would love all your support for another term in the Texas House.”
Zwiener touted her background as an environmental conservationist and her decision to spearhead the fight against Kinder Morgan Permian Highway Pipeline.
“I also established myself as an environmental champion in the legislature as the only member with a professional conservation background,” Zwiener said. “I killed a bill that would have eliminated most of our local water quality protections and led the fight against the Kinder Morgan Permian highway pipeline.”
Isaac, wife of former TX45 State. Rep. Jason Isaac, provided a statement listing several high-profile endorsements from elected officials and organizations.
“(Isaac) a leader in the House District 45 community who will fight to cut property taxes, secure the border, support teachers and students defend and protect Second Amendment rights,” Issac’s statement reads. “(Issac) is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, Texas State Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Texas Right to Life … (Texas) Attorney General Ken Paxton, Agricultural Commissioner Sid Mille, Commissioner Wade Christian and, most importantly, over 200 local conservative leaders.”
Talley, a U.S. Navy and army veteran, supplied a prepared statement expressing his willingness to support fellow veterans and their families.
“(The people) want an entrepreneur who is a devoted advocate for veterans and their family. I plan to continue fighting for our community as a Texas legislator,” Talley’s statement reads.
Wymore, former chairman of the Hays County Republican Party and owner of The Wymore Law Firm, did not provide a statement to LMV.
Early voting is slated to began Tuesday, Feb. 18 and ends Friday, Feb. 28, and Election Day is Tuesday, March 3.
