State Representative, 53rd District · Texas 2026 General Election

Kathryn Hartmann

Democratic

Physical therapist

The gist

Supports more school funding for students with disabilities.
Supports expanding Medicaid in rural Texas.
Supports increasing SNAP benefits and expanding WIC.
Supports funding flood warning systems and infrastructure.
Opposes building a border wall across Big Bend.

More about Kathryn

View sources (1)

Supports more school funding for students with disabilities.
Kathryn Hartmann for HD 53
Campaign website · kathrynhartmannhd53.com
“I will work to increase funding for students with disabilities so public schools can hire quality staff”
Supports expanding Medicaid in rural Texas.
Kathryn Hartmann for HD 53
Campaign website · kathrynhartmannhd53.com
“I will work to increase and expand Medicaid in rural Texas.”
Supports increasing SNAP benefits and expanding WIC.
Kathryn Hartmann for HD 53
Campaign website · kathrynhartmannhd53.com
“I will work to increase SNAP benefits and expand benefits to hard working families … increase and expand the WIC program to children 0-5 years and the elderly”
Supports funding flood warning systems and infrastructure.
Kathryn Hartmann for HD 53
Campaign website · kathrynhartmannhd53.com
“I will work to increase funding and make sure the warning systems and infrastructure are in place”
Opposes building a border wall across Big Bend.
Kathryn Hartmann for HD 53
Campaign website · kathrynhartmannhd53.com
“Building the wall across Big Bend or in the Rio Grande Valley will compromise the native animal species of these areas.”

Wes Virdell

RepublicanIncumbent

State representative; trucking business owner

The gist

Supports eliminating property taxes.
Opposes government restrictions on firearm ownership.
Supports increasing penalties for voter fraud.
Supports parents' authority over their children's education.
Opposes abortion.
Authored a bill to ban weather modification.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Wes

View sources (3)

Supports eliminating property taxes.
Legislative Priorities — Wes Virdell
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“Property Tax is one of the most egregious forms of taxation.”
Wes Virdell: Fighting for Texas
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“putting an end to property taxes”
Opposes government restrictions on firearm ownership.
Legislative Priorities — Wes Virdell
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“The 2nd Amendment is a restriction on the government. It is not a restriction on the citizen.”
Bills authored by Rep. Wes Virdell, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)
Government record · Texas Legislature Online · capitol.texas.gov
“federal authority to regulate the manufacture, possession, sale, or use of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition in this state is not recognized”
Supports increasing penalties for voter fraud.
Legislative Priorities — Wes Virdell
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“Wes will fight to increase penalties for voter fraud.”
Supports parents' authority over their children's education.
Legislative Priorities — Wes Virdell
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“Parents have a God-given, fundamental right to make decisions for the well-being and education of their own children.”
Bills authored by Rep. Wes Virdell, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)
Government record · Texas Legislature Online · capitol.texas.gov
“Relating to the formation of a public education scholarship program.”
Opposes abortion.
Legislative Priorities — Wes Virdell
Campaign website · virdellfortexas.com
“he will never be ashamed of standing up for the unborn”
Authored a bill to ban weather modification.
Bills authored by Rep. Wes Virdell, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)
Government record · Texas Legislature Online · capitol.texas.gov
“Relating to a prohibition on weather modification and control; creating a criminal offense.”