State
State Senator, District 18
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate, which writes and votes on state laws and the state budget and confirms many of the Governor's appointments.
Covers all of Aransas, Austin, Burleson, Calhoun, DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Lavaca, Lee, Refugio, Victoria and Washington counties, and part of Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties.
Public safety
Erica GillumDemocratic
No documented position found.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
- Sponsored law raising penalties for some intoxication manslaughter.In office
Education
Erica GillumDemocratic
- Pledges to fully fund neighborhood schools and raise teacher pay.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
- Sponsored law moving UH-Victoria into the Texas A&M System.In office
Housing
Erica GillumDemocratic
No documented position found.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
- Sponsored law restricting land purchases by certain foreign buyers.In office
Economy & jobs
Erica GillumDemocratic
- Supports small businesses and job training for young adults.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
Erica GillumDemocratic
- Secured $9 million for Hempstead drainage as mayor.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
No documented position found.
Environment & parks
Erica GillumDemocratic
- Pledges to secure rural water supplies and services.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Erica GillumDemocratic
- Pledges to lower housing, child care and prescription costs.
Lois W. KolkhorstRepublican
- Sponsored 2025 food labeling and nutrition standards law.In office
- Sponsored law requiring health facilities to disclose costs.In office
- Sponsored law prioritizing child-care workers' children for aid.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.