Matthias Early
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?
The spread of screwworm through livestock is a regulation issue. Texas can combat that by fulfilling the role of the FDA by regulating livestock corporations to protect the Texas livestock industry. We can expand the list of pathogens that corporations need to regulate in Texas to combat both historical outbreaks and possible unknown outbreaks. The evidence that would support my approach to legislation would be, “What kind of livestock diseases are being spread across the world that are coming back to Texas?” In knowing this, we can support policies that combat these specific diseases. I would also take into account research papers that identify what kind of livestock conditions create more opportunity for diseases.
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?
Data centers need to pay for their own electricity and water. There needs to be deep regulation on how the water is disposed of because we can not allow forever chemicals to disrupt the Texas ecosystem. I support Texas being a leader in technological innovation however, that technological innovation has to show a direct benefit to Texas and Texans. This article supports my position: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-are-contributing-to-pfas-forever-chemical-pollution
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?
To support the improvement of Texas’s water infrastructure, I would focus on policies that improve the efficiency of Texas water pipes. I would support improving agriculture to shift to water efficient crops. As well as, supporting sustainable water infrastructure that can be used to clean Texas water and support the Texas ecosystem.
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?
At the same time as water and electric infrastructure issues, college graduates have issues getting into entry level jobs. So, I would support funding programs that allow college students, and people looking to enter the workforce, opportunities to help manage and support the development of water and electric infrastructure. Specifically, building high voltage power lines, to ease congestion to move electricity from generation hubs to growing cities, and enforcing strict weatherization standards.
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?
The strong research programs of Texas not only drive scientific innovation within Texas, it also brings students into the Texas college systems. Texas needs to continue to invest in research to continue being an economic leader. I would support having a minimum federal grant attached to every budget, that includes, research awards to universities in leading industries to ensure research development is protected.
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?
There is no reason why measles should be having a resurgence anywhere. To engage with communities, I would require education classes for K-12 and offer vaccine education classes for parents and communities. I would support policies that require MMR vaccines to apply for any state or federal sponsor program, ex Medicaid, Medicare, or public schools. I believe that vaccines are a requirement to support a healthy society with high density populations.
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?
I would highly respect the input of scientific studies to sway my opinion on the best way forward for how I feel morally. If public understanding and scientific understanding compete, it is the job of the government to educate communities on why the initial assumption may not be the correct one.