Voters in Texas House District 149 will choose a new representative on Nov. 3. The race pits Republican Dave Bennett, a critical‑infrastructure and electrical engineer who also runs a small business and serves on a school board and HOA board, against Democrat Darlene Breaux, a school‑board trustee and leader in the Texas Association of School Boards. Both candidates answered a series of short questions designed to give residents a clear view of their priorities.
Why they’re running
Dave Bennett says his decision was sparked by a frustrating legislative session in Austin where he felt his former representative was absent and unresponsive. “Our community needs someone who will find solutions to reduce crime, lower the cost of living, and fund public‑school improvement initiatives,” he wrote.
Darlene Breaux emphasizes her deep roots in the district, noting her family has lived there for more than three decades. She argues voters deserve a legislator who turns policy into action. “As a school‑board trustee and TASB leader, I’ve done the work, and I’ll bring that same commitment to Austin,” she said.
Top challenges identified
Both candidates agree that public‑school funding and safety are pressing concerns, but they frame the issues differently.
Bennett identifies crime as the district’s biggest problem, citing felons preying on small‑business owners and neighborhoods. He quotes a former police officer who said, “the system is broken, I can’t help,” and notes the officer has since left for another city.
Breaux points to underfunded schools, rising housing costs, and safety worries for families. She also highlights the district’s diverse population, noting that nearly half of residents are foreign‑born and deserve dignified treatment.
Plans for small businesses and economic growth
Bennett argues that small businesses and residents pay 178% more for electricity than large Texas corporations, calling it the nation’s highest gap. He says he helped pass a bill to address the disparity and urges follow‑up action.
Breaux proposes investing in infrastructure along Main Street corridors, cutting red tape for entrepreneurs, and expanding workforce‑training programs so businesses can hire locally.
Legislative priorities
Bennett calls for “common‑sense solutions” to crime, a reformed judicial system in Houston, lower taxes, reduced electric bills, and funding for public‑school improvement projects.
Breaux would prioritize the Public Schools First Act, the Safe Apartments and Homestead Relief Act, affordable‑housing protections, modernizing aging infrastructure, and securing fair power bills for families.
Election context
Incumbent Representative Hubert Vo was defeated in the May primary, opening the seat for a fresh contest. The district spans portions of Katy and southwest Houston, areas that have seen rapid growth and increasing demand for reliable public services.
Both candidates were asked to keep their responses under 50 words and avoid attacking each other. Their answers were edited for style and clarity, but the core messages remain intact.
How to vote
Registered voters in District 149 can cast their ballots on Nov. 3 at any designated polling location. Early voting begins Oct. 20, and absentee ballots are available upon request. For the latest voting information, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
