State
State Representative, District 17
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 2 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state representative votes on Texas laws and the state budget in the Texas House of Representatives.
All of Bastrop, Caldwell, Milam, Burleson and Lee counties.
Public safety
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
No documented position found.
Stan GerdesRepublican
- Authored bill increasing penalties for illegal entry offenses.In office
Education
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
- Supports more public school funding and teacher pay.
Stan GerdesRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
No documented position found.
Stan GerdesRepublican
- Authored bill on prohibited acts involving cell-cultured protein.In office
Roads & infrastructure
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
No documented position found.
Stan GerdesRepublican
- Authored bill requiring voter approval for new toll projects.In office
Environment & parks
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
- Supports pausing groundwater export projects like Vista Ridge.
- Supports revising Texas's rule of capture groundwater law.
Stan GerdesRepublican
- Authored law on water-loss reporting by city-owned utilities.In office
Health & human services
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
- Supports strengthening the ACA and continuing Medicaid expansion.
- Supports repealing SB 8 and HB 1280 abortion laws.
Stan GerdesRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Mary Elizabeth KlenzDemocratic
- Pledges to oppose unwarranted local cooperation with ICE.
- Pledges to repeal HB 2127 and restore local control.
Stan GerdesRepublican
- Authored law requiring lobbyist registration for foreign adversary work.In office
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.