El Paso Matters sent questionnaires to every candidate in a contested primary race to help you decide who you want to represent you. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and to fit the word count.

Texas House District 75: Democratic Primary

The 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives consider proposed laws and resolutions, decide whether to refer proposed constitutional amendments for submission to the voters and appropriate all funds for the operation of state government.

Who’s running for this seat?

Mary González

Mary González (incumbent), 38, is executive director of the Mexican American School Board Association and an organizational consultant.

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Rene Rodriguez

Rene Rodriguez, 48, is the owner of Pinnacle Collision Center and a former city of Socorro alderman.

González

Serving eastern El Paso County has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. For the last 10years, I have been dedicated to advancing our community with specific focus on state appropriations, higher and public education, agriculture, and social justice. Based on my work in the legislature, I have had the privilege of various leadership positions that have benefited the borderland. I am running for re-election to continue to do the work that is needed for our community.

Rodriguez

I believe I am the best candidate in this race. My opponent has done nothing for District 75. This district comprises five cities and county areas. What has she done for us all? I have built roads, sidewalks and brought multiple projects to the city of Socorro. Millions of dollars. And I will do the same in District 75.

González

Priority #1: Crafting a budget that better serves the real needs of the people of eastern El Paso County and our fellow Texans, including increased spending for public and higher education, health care, and water and wastewater infrastructure. Priority #2: Protecting our neighborhood schools against privatization efforts.

Rodriguez

Hard question but would bring fast internet connection to 75. The pandemic showed us that this district had a big problem with all the students at home trying to get an education over the web. Another would bring jobs and boost people’s wages and skills.

González

As one of a small number of Democrats in the Texas Legislature representing largely rural districts, but yet an area growing rapidly, I’ve looked beyond party labels since beginning my service in the legislature. I’ve worked to craft innovative solutions to meet real needs and brought many of them successfully through a conservative legislature with bipartisan support.

Rodriguez

It does not matter if you are in the minority or majority. When you are elected to do a job you need skills that I have obtained in office to work with others. I would not walk away from negotiations like my counterpart. I will stay and fight to have our voices in District 75  heard.

González

First it is important to note that the current state border policy disregards the U.S. Constitution and threatens basic human rights. The first priority of the legislature should be reversing current policy and centering a new policy on human rights, the Constitution, compassion, and being nuanced to recognize the complexity of the issue. Additionally, the State of Texas should be working with the Federal Government to address the complex border issues.

Rodriguez

Texas should hire more Border Patrol and give them all the tools necessary to continue to do the job.

González

As an individual, my main priority is creating a more socially just and humane world. My work on social issues centers this goal. I am disheartened that the 87th legislative session centered social issues as opposed to focusing on real issues impacting our community and other Texans. Public policy should be centered on treating all people with dignity and fairness.

Rodriguez

I will not focus on the past issues when we are facing other issues at this time! That in no way means that I will bring some bills for amending past bills that have hurt and discriminate against a certain group or race and gender.

González

The diversity in age groups in HD 75 and my time as a legislator have taught me that multiple forms of communication are necessary and encouraged to reach all of my constituents. For these reasons my communication extends from phone calls to my District Office, Town Halls, Social Media Posts across all platforms and Press releases through local and state media.

Rodriguez

This is a good lesson that I have learned. Residents of 75 will be informed of every meeting, town hall, bills I will introduce. We will do so by using every tool possible. websites, social media platforms, groups setting, etc.

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