The Gist
Home

State

State Representative, 57th District

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
3
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.

Denton County: Corinth, DISH, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, Lakewood Village, Oak Point, Ponder and Shady Shores; most of Hackberry and Little Elm; part of Argyle, Copper Canyon, Cross Roads, Denton, Highland Village, New Fairview and Northlake.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Taxes & budget

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    • Supports a simpler tax code with lower rates.
    • Pledges a balanced budget and spending cuts.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    • Supports continued property tax relief.

Education

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    • Supports fully funding public education.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    • Supports charter schools and homeschooling but opposes vouchers.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    • Supports sensible student testing and school safety.

Economy & jobs

Roads & infrastructure

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    • Supports high-speed internet in every neighborhood.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    No documented position found.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    • Supports expanding road, power and water capacity for growth.

Health & human services

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    • Supports faster benefits and mental health services for veterans.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    No documented position found.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    • Supports lowering insurance rates and health-care costs.

Government & transparency

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    • Supports stronger digital privacy protections.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    • Authored a bill against censorship on social media platforms.In office

Courts & justice

  • Ray StithDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Darren HamiltonLibertarian

    • Supports criminal justice reform focused on rehabilitation.

  • Richard HayesRepublican

    No documented position found.

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.