Issues
Water
Water is life in South Texas, and Don is fighting to make sure we’re never left out. Too many families in our district still lack access to clean, reliable water. Don is fighting to bring basic water infrastructure to these communities and ensure rural South Texas has a voice in every water discussion—not just the big cities.
This session, Don helped pass HJR 7 to jumpstart state investment in water infrastructure—a good first step. But he knows the fight is far from over. Don is your number one fighter for rural Texas, and he’s not slowing down.
He’s also leading efforts to develop brackish water resources, helping secure long-term water solutions for agriculture, industry, and families. Water is the number one issue facing our district and the state, and Don will keep fighting to protect it and make sure South Texas always has a seat at the table.
Keeping Families Safe
In his first legislative session, Don fought to defend Texas from every angle—supporting bail reform, strengthening border security, and passing SB 17 to stop foreign adversaries like China and Iran from buying Texas land.
As a South Texan, Don has seen firsthand the damage caused by illegal immigration, including higher rates of crime, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. That’s why he’s working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement to keep our border secure, improve coordination, and ensure our communities stay safe.
Fighting for Real Tax Relief
Property taxes remain a heavy burden for Texas families, landowners, and small businesses. This past session, Don helped deliver critical tax relief, but he’s not stopping there.
Don is still fighting to rein in runaway appraisals, cut wasteful government spending, and drive down tax bills in a meaningful, lasting way. Texans deserve a system that’s fair, transparent, and doesn’t punish them for simply owning their home or land. That’s the fight Don is taking head-on in Austin.
Jobs, Growth & Lower Costs for Families
As a business owner, Don first ran for office because he saw the need for real economic development and stronger support for small businesses in our community. He understands that when we attract new businesses, it sparks a domino effect—creating good-paying jobs, expanding opportunity, and improving the quality of life for everyone.
Since taking office, Don has worked to build meaningful partnerships between government, businesses, and local organizations to tackle the real issues we face—like mental health, drug abuse, and early childhood education. This session, he helped secure critical operational funding for the mental health hospital he brought to rural Texas.
Don is committed to keeping Texas families strong by fighting to protect local jobs, lower the cost of groceries and gas, and ensure families can afford the goods they rely on. He’ll continue to deliver real results for rural Texas next session.
Education
This session, Don secured over $132 million in historic funding for public schools in House District 80. But there’s more work to do.
The Texas Legislature came close to eliminating the STAAR test, with unanimous support in the House, but the bill didn’t make it across the finish line. Don is ready to return next session and finish the job. He’s committed to real education reform: less teaching to a test, more focus on life skills, financial literacy, and career training so every student is prepared for the real world.