Cypress Edition | February 2024

Election

BY DANICA LLOYD & DAVE MANNING

U.S. House of Representatives, District 18, Republican Primary

Lana Centonze Occupation: federal law enforcement o cer

Aaron Ray Hermes Occupation: artist and engineer Relevant experience: human rights advocate; lived through 9/11 in NYC; born and raised Texan; top- tier problem solver www.votehermes.com

Relevant experience: 12 years of experience within the federal government as a federal o cer www.lanacentonzeforcongress.com

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

The biggest challenges facing this district is infrastructure issues, better housing for the community members, investing in the small businesses in the community which helps creating a thriving economy.

Well, it’s taxes, in‡ation, a border crisis, human tra cking, election integrity, prison reform and much more challenging us today. I would start with eliminating the income tax for the bottom 50% of wage earners making under roughly $100K, who only contribute 3% to overall revenue. I would also ’ght in...

U.S. House of Representatives, District 18, Democratic Primary

*INCUMBENT

Robert Slater Occupation: Business owner Relevant experience: life; statistical upbringing; jail; homelessness; redemption; hard work; business founder... www.standwithslater.com

Sheila Jackson Lee* Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Amanda Edwards Occupation: attorney Relevant experience: former Houston City Council member at- large; nonpro’t leader advocating for Houston’s diverse communities www.edwardsforhouston.com

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

Criminal justice reform—Focus on the recidivism crisis; Entrepreneurship expansion—Bringing in funding and resources to support small businesses; Community service—Supporting seniors and those in need with aŸected support and aid on a daily basis, not only in disaster times.

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

My priorities in Congress will be expanding access to quality, aŸordable health care; expanding economic opportunity for small-business owners and those seeking jobs in an evolving economy; lowering the costs of higher education; and securing our democracy, protecting voting rights and ending gerrymandering that dilutes the votes of communities of color.

U.S. House of Representatives, District 38, Democratic Primary

Melissa McDonough Occupation: Realtor and brokerage owner; election judge Relevant experience: lobbying since 2004; election experience; lived in District 38 for 30 years www.melissaforcongress.com

Gion Christopher Thomas Occupation: CEO of Protest Organize Participate Relevant experience: vice president of Katy Area Democrats; worked in politics for over 10 years www.gionfortexas.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style

and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

Just a few of our challenges are inequality in health care cost, homelessness and veterans housing, aŸordable housing, and infrastructure. We need to properly allocate federal funds to local organizations and initiatives, and hold them accountable for those funds, making sure they reach the people of CD-38.

The district grapples with school closures, ‡ooding risks and declining small-business growth. We address these issues by advocating for legislation to ’nancially support our struggling schools; pushing for infrastructure bills to address ‡ooding; and promoting initiatives to bring back manufacturing, support startups and provide federal grants for small businesses.

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