Six candidates vying for the Texas 30th District state senate seat gathered in Wichita Falls on Tuesday night to make their case to voters. The candidates, four Republicans and two Democrats, participated in a forum at Midwestern State University, where they discussed various issues and answered questions from a panel.
One of the most prominent topics of discussion was border security, with all six candidates sharing their views on the matter. Republican Brent Hagenbuch, former chair of the Republican Party in Denton County, referred to the influx of migrants into Texas as an “invasion” and emphasized the need to stop it. Hagenbuch has received endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Fellow Republican Jace Yarbrough, a Denton attorney, also expressed concerns about the border situation, calling it a “crisis” that requires immediate attention. Yarbrough proposed creating a unit with aggressive rules of engagement to capture and detain unauthorized immigrants. He also advocated for banning foreign adversaries and their agents from owning land in Texas.
Cody Clark, a business operator and former Denton police officer, suggested that if the federal government fails to address the issue, Texans should take matters into their own hands. Clark proposed deploying the Texas National Guard alongside DPS troopers to prevent unauthorized crossings. He also supported requiring employers to use an electronic verification system to discourage migrants from coming to Texas.
Carry DeMoor, a Frisco physician and business operator, shared her firsthand experiences with mass migration as an emergency room doctor. She highlighted the negative impacts, such as human trafficking and increased costs for schools and emergency departments. DeMoor emphasized the importance of ensuring that people enter the country legally and called for measures to address these issues.
The two Democratic candidates, Dale Frey and Michael Braxton, offered different perspectives on border security. Frey criticized Texas Republicans for pursuing actions that he believes are intended to generate negative publicity rather than finding effective solutions. He also expressed opposition to the use of razor wire in the Rio Grande River. Braxton, on the other hand, sympathized with individuals who are willing to work and contribute to the U.S. economy, even if they have to walk long distances to do so.
In addition to border security, the candidates discussed other topics, including education and the economy of the Wichita Falls area. They shared their views on school vouchers, with some expressing support for giving parents more power in choosing their children’s education. The candidates also addressed the need for economic growth in Wichita Falls and the importance of water resources for the region’s future.
Overall, the forum provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and gain insights into their positions on key issues. The party primaries on March 5 will determine which Republican and Democratic candidates will face off in the November election to replace outgoing Republican state senator Drew Springer.