Brett Robinson
DemocraticQ1 In June 2026, USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas livestock for the first time in decades; as of early July, dozens of infestations have been confirmed across South Texas (USDA APHIS , 2026). USDA estimates a full-scale outbreak comparable to past infestations could cost the regional economy billions of dollars (USDA APHIS). What policies, if any, would you support to respond to the current outbreak and improve Texas’s agricultural biosecurity (practices and safeguards that prevent pests and diseases from spreading through livestock populations), and what evidence or considerations would inform that approach?
We must incentivize ranchers to report screwworm in their own livestock. As it is now, ranchers who do the right thing are risking their livelihoods, while the ones who choose not to report stay in business and endanger the public. As the question mentions, we haven’t had this problem in decades. I consider myself a progressive in many ways, but on this particular issue, we need to go back to what we were doing before. We had a sophisticated program in place that controlled the screwworm population, but our leaders cut that program because they didn’t understand the threat. Let’s not make the same mistake again. We must trust the experts and fully evaluate programs before cuts are made.
Keywords: We must incentivize ranchers to report screwworm in their own livestock.
Q2 Texas is on track to become the nation’s leading data center market within the next three years (Bloom Energy, 2026). The state’s grid operator has more than doubled its 2030 forecast for data center power demand over the past year (ERCOT, 2025). Such growth brings economic opportunity while placing significant demands on water, land, and energy systems, raising questions about tax incentives, utility costs, and local community impacts. What policies, if any, would you support around water/energy allocation, tax incentives, or utility costs for data center development in Texas, and what evidence informs that position?
I am fully against data centers in Texas because I hear the outcry from our local communities. The working people of this state have been exploited by multibillion dollar corporations for decades. Data centers are just another instance of large corporations siphoning our resources as our leaders invite them to screw us over. Data centers may create construction jobs temporarily, but they are not job creators in the long run. My campaign is all about fighting for the working class because I believe an economy is best built from the bottom up, and our local communities need fighters more than ever. As State Representative, I will fight to end Governor Abbott’s tax breaks because I am tired of footing the bill for multibillion dollar corporations.
Keywords: I am fully against data centers in Texas because I hear the outcry from our local communities.
Q3 Texas faces flooding while simultaneously experiencing water scarcity driven by drought, groundwater depletion, and population growth (TWDB, 2024). Hundreds of Texas waterways are listed as impaired for bacteria, mercury, and other pollutants, threatening water quality for communities across the state (TCEQ, 2024). Agriculture is the largest consumer of the state’s groundwater, yet it is also well positioned to be a valuable partner in conservation efforts. What policies, if any, would you support to improve Texas’s water infrastructure, and what considerations would guide your approach to the state’s agricultural economy?
I am in favor of establishing a statewide “water grid” so local communities like Corpus Christi do not bear the brunt of this crisis. I also support desalination where it makes sense for the local community. While I hear desalination doesn’t work everywhere, converting saltwater to freshwater is powerful technology that I hope will one day ensure a future-proof supply. As it is now, Texas is heavily reliant on aquifers, which will run dry soon with current climate projections.
Keywords: Statewide “water grid” and desalination where it makes sense
Q4 The Texas power grid continues to face strain from extreme heat and increasing demand, including from data centers. What policies, if any, would you support to improve grid reliability for Texas consumers and businesses?
I recall reading stories of the elderly being trapped in senior living facilities with nowhere to go as they froze to death. Not only do we need to address increasing demand, we need to ensure the tragedies we saw during winter storm Uri do not happen again. Step one is to invest in weatherizing the grid against extreme heat and cold. I also support connecting to the national grid, as it is in our safety and economic interest. During times of crisis, we would be able to get the help we need from other states. Meanwhile, during normal operating conditions, Texas would be making money by selling our power nationwide. Lastly, we need to continue making progress in the adoption of renewable energy as we decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.
Keywords: Connect to the national grid
Q5 Texas universities and hospitals receive approximately $1.9 billion annually in NIH funding across 118 research sites, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and driving medical and scientific innovation (FASEB, 2025). NIH grants reimburse institutions for both direct research costs and indirect costs, the facilities, administration, and support infrastructure that make research possible. A 15% indirect cost cap proposed by NIH in 2025, currently blocked by federal courts, would sharply reduce this reimbursement below the rates Texas institutions have negotiated, cutting an estimated $300 million in annual support that institutions would need to absorb or backfill (Kamerlin & Elias, 2025). What policies, if any, would you support at the state or federal level to protect the long-term stability of Texas’s research infrastructure, and why?
I am running for a state office, which does not have the power to determine the level of NIH funding. But with that said, there are ways we can address this problem on a state level that can make up for NIH shortcomings. Texas can enter its own partnerships with NIH, where both parties can negotiate and agree where we should pitch in. Personally, I see a need for stable careers for working people my age. If NIH is skeptical about funding, I would advocate that they invest in scholarships, internships, and pipeline programs.
Keywords: NIH should be investing in scholarships, internships, and pipeline programs.
Q6 Texas kindergartners’ measles vaccination rate fell to 93.24% in the 2024-2025 school year, a decline from prior years amid a national resurgence (Texas Department of State Health Services, 2025). That year, Texas recorded 762 confirmed measles cases, including the deaths of two unvaccinated school-age children, in the state’s largest outbreak since 1992 (Texas DSHS, 2025). Measles can cause serious complications: roughly 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract it are hospitalized, and it can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, or death (CDC). As a policymaker, how do you approach engaging with communities that have concerns about infectious disease outbreaks and vaccine safety, and what policies, if any, would you support related to these issues, and why?
When it comes to diseases and outbreaks, we are all in this together, and our leaders need to govern as such. Right now, the negligent actions of a handful of individuals are putting us all at risk. The measles vaccine has been proven safe and effective over decades, and is well worthy of being a required vaccination for kids entering elementary school.
Keywords: The measles vaccine has been proven safe and effective over decades, and is well worthy of being a required vaccination for kids entering elementary school.
Q7 Scientific evidence is generated through the systematic testing and evaluation of ideas. It provides knowledge the helps us understand the world and predict the likely consequences of different choices, such policy making related to public health, energy, agriculture, and environmental regulation. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you evaluate competing or uncertain scientific claims when making policy decisions? What role, if any, should that process play when scientific consensus and public opinion diverge?
When in doubt, follow the money. I find that understanding the financial stakeholders to any given policy decision will always reveal ulterior motives. If we are to trust any experts, it should be the ones with lifelong careers in public service without conflicts of interest.
Keywords: When in doubt, follow the money.