State
State Representative, District 50
- 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.
Part of Travis County. Open seat: incumbent James Talarico is not on the general-election ballot.
Public safety
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
No documented position found.
Howard OlsenRepublican
- Pledges support for firefighters, paramedics and 911 operators.
Education
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
- Supports indexing the school basic allotment to inflation.
- Supports restoring in-state tuition for dreamer students.
Howard OlsenRepublican
- Supports more resources for teachers in overcrowded classrooms.
Housing
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
- Supports housing affordability for essential workers.
Howard OlsenRepublican
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
- Supports a stronger, more resilient energy grid.
Howard OlsenRepublican
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
- Supports protecting reproductive freedom and health access.
Howard OlsenRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Samantha Lopez-ResendezDemocratic
No documented position found.
Howard OlsenRepublican
- Supports help for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
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; 6 issues covered in this race.