Darlene Breaux

I would support a strong, science-based response that gives Texas the tools to contain the New World screwworm outbreak quickly while protecting our livestock, food supply, and economy. That includes increased funding for surveillance and testing, rapid reporting of suspected cases, coordinated response teams, appropriate livestock movement controls in affected areas, and expanded access to proven tools such as sterile fly releases. USDA and Texas officials are already using surveillance, trapping, and coordinated federal and state response efforts, and those efforts should have the resources necessary to respond quickly as conditions change.

I would also support stronger education and assistance for ranchers, veterinarians, and livestock owners so they can recognize infections early, properly care for wounds, and report suspected cases immediately. Texas A&M AgriLife emphasizes that early detection, regular animal inspection, wound care, and proactive livestock management are important parts of reducing the risk of infestation.

As a legislator, I would look to guidance from USDA APHIS, the Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M AgriLife, veterinarians, agricultural producers, and other qualified experts when determining the appropriate response. Even in a district like House District 149, protecting Texas agriculture matters because disruptions to livestock production can affect food costs, jobs, and families across our state. Good policy should be driven by reliable evidence, early action, accountability, and cooperation between state, federal, and local partners.

Keywords: “Protecting Texas agriculture means protecting Texas families, jobs, and our economy.”, “Ranchers and veterinarians need the tools and information to respond quickly.”, “Good policy starts with reliable information and people who understand what is happening on the ground.”, “When state, local, and federal partners work together, Texas is better prepared.”, “We should always be proactive when our food supply and economy are at risk.”

I support responsible data center development that brings jobs and investment to Texas without shifting unnecessary costs onto families and small businesses. Texas should welcome innovation, but growth must be planned around the capacity of our electric grid, water supply, and local infrastructure. ERCOT’s forecasts show how quickly large electricity demand is growing, which makes long-term planning and grid reliability even more important.

I would support requiring large data center projects to provide clear information about their projected energy and water needs before receiving major state incentives. Texas already provides sales tax exemptions for qualifying data centers, including exemptions on certain equipment and electricity. I believe incentives should be tied to measurable benefits such as job creation, infrastructure investment, responsible water use, and efforts to reduce strain on the electric grid.

I also believe residential customers and small businesses should not be expected to carry an unfair share of infrastructure costs created by extremely large new energy users. Data centers that require significant new transmission, generation, or other infrastructure should contribute fairly toward those costs.

Water must also be part of the conversation. Texas already collects and analyzes water use information for statewide planning, and that same evidence-based approach should guide decisions about large developments that may place additional pressure on local water supplies.

My approach would be simple. Texas can support economic growth and new technology while still protecting our water, maintaining a reliable electric grid, and keeping utility costs affordable for working families.

Keywords: Data centers, grid reliability, water conservation, utility affordability, responsible growth, infrastructure investment, tax incentives, energy demand, working families, economic development

Texas needs a long-term water strategy that addresses flooding, drought, aging infrastructure, and water quality at the same time. I would support investments to repair and modernize water systems, improve drainage and flood control, reduce water loss from aging pipes, expand conservation and reuse programs, and strengthen efforts to keep pollutants out of our waterways.

I also believe communities should have reliable information about the quality of the water they drink and use. When contamination is identified, state and local governments should have the resources to respond quickly and protect public health.

Agriculture must be a partner in this work. Farmers and ranchers are essential to the Texas economy, and conservation policies should recognize the realities they face. I would support voluntary conservation programs, incentives for more efficient irrigation, improved water management technology, and partnerships that help producers conserve water without threatening their ability to remain productive.

My approach would be guided by science, local water conditions, long-term population growth, and the economic impact on families, farmers, and communities. We should protect our water supply while making sure the people who grow our food are part of the solution.

Keywords: Water infrastructure, flood control, drought preparedness, water quality, conservation, agriculture, efficient irrigation, groundwater protection, aging infrastructure, long term water planning

I support a balanced approach that strengthens the Texas power grid, keeps utility costs affordable, and prepares our state for continued population and economic growth. Grid reliability is not optional. Families and businesses need to know that when temperatures rise or demand increases, the power will stay on.

I would support continued investment in transmission infrastructure, additional reliable generation capacity, energy efficiency, and a diverse mix of energy sources. Texas should use every responsible resource available to strengthen the grid and reduce the risk of outages.

I also believe large energy users, including data centers and other major industrial developments, should contribute fairly toward infrastructure costs created by their demand. Those costs should not simply be passed along to residential customers and small businesses.

My approach would be guided by ERCOT demand forecasts, reliability data, consumer costs, population growth, and input from communities and energy experts. Texas can continue growing, but we must make sure our infrastructure grows with it and that working families are not left paying the price.

Keywords: Grid reliability, affordable energy, transmission infrastructure, reliable generation, energy efficiency, consumer protection, data center demand, infrastructure investment, population growth, working families

Texas should protect the research institutions that are driving medical breakthroughs, creating jobs, and training the next generation of scientists and health professionals. I support stable federal research funding and believe decisions about research costs should be based on evidence and the actual cost of maintaining laboratories, equipment, technology, safety systems, and the staff necessary to support quality research.

I would oppose arbitrary funding changes that could destabilize universities, hospitals, and research institutions that have already planned their work around negotiated agreements. NIH proposed replacing negotiated indirect cost rates with a standard 15 percent rate in 2025, but a federal appeals court affirmed the permanent injunction blocking that policy in January 2026.

At the state level, I would support strengthening Texas research investments and exploring temporary support when sudden federal funding changes threaten important research projects or jobs. We should also make sure smaller institutions, including historically underfunded universities, have a fair opportunity to compete for research dollars.

Texas has some of the best universities, hospitals, researchers, and medical professionals in the country. Protecting that research infrastructure is an investment in our economy, our workforce, and most importantly, the health and future of Texas families.

Keywords: NIH funding, medical research, research infrastructure, Texas universities, hospitals, scientific innovation, job creation, stable funding, research equity, public health

I believe public health works best when people trust the information they are receiving. When parents and community members have questions about vaccines or infectious diseases, we should listen to their concerns, provide clear information, and make sure they can speak with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other trusted health professionals. The CDC has emphasized working with trusted community voices and using culturally appropriate outreach during measles outbreaks.

Texas experienced 762 confirmed cases during the 2025 measles outbreak, along with 99 hospitalizations and the deaths of two school-aged children. That experience shows why prevention and early response matter.

I would support evidence-based vaccination policies, stronger public health education, better access to vaccines and preventive care, and adequate resources for schools and local health departments to respond when outbreaks occur. Texas should also make sure families receive accurate and understandable information about vaccine benefits, risks, and existing requirements.

My goal is not to dismiss people who have questions. It is to make sure those questions are answered with facts and compassion. Protecting children and vulnerable members of our communities requires trust, access to care, and public health decisions that are guided by the best available science.

Keywords: Public health, vaccine safety, community trust, accurate information, preventive care, measles prevention, child health, local health departments, evidence based policy, access to care

Scientific evidence and expert input should play an important role in policymaking because elected officials have a responsibility to understand the likely consequences of the decisions we make. On issues such as public health, energy, agriculture, education, and the environment, I would seek input from qualified experts, review credible research, and also listen to the people and communities who will be directly affected.

When scientific claims are competing or uncertain, I would look at the quality of the evidence, whether findings have been independently reviewed or repeated, the qualifications of the experts involved, and whether there is a broader body of research supporting a conclusion. I also believe policymakers should be transparent when the evidence is still developing and be willing to revisit policies as better information becomes available.

Public opinion matters because government serves the people, but public policy should not ignore established evidence simply because an issue is unpopular or misunderstood. When scientific consensus and public opinion differ, I believe the responsibility of a policymaker is to listen, explain the evidence clearly, address legitimate concerns, and make decisions that protect the long term well being of the public.

Keywords: Scientific evidence, expert input, credible research, public trust, transparency, evidence based policy, community input, scientific consensus, responsible leadership, informed decision making