OP/Ed Response to Dirty Politics, I Stand on My Record Texas State Representative District 23 Terri Leo Wilson

My Record Speaks for Itself

Recently, many of my constituents received a political attack text filled with distortions and lies. It was not an accident. It was another so-called “in-kind” contribution to my opponent, who continues to benefit directly from this outside money..

The text message itself was carefully crafted to avoid accountability. It offered no facts only citations of record votes that could easily be checked by voters. That was intentional. When campaigns hide details, it is usually because the truth does not fit their narrative. You know my record.

Property Tax Relief

In 2023, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 2. It raised the homestead exemption to $100,000, compressed school tax rates, capped appraisal increases, and provided additional protection for seniors and Texans with disabilities.

In the 89th Legislature, I co-authored House Bill 9 and co-sponsored SB 23 to raise the homestead exemption again to $140,000, with even higher exemptions for seniors and disabled homeowners. I also co-sponsored SB 4 to buy down school district tax rates, reducing the school portion of property taxes for families across our district.

Additionally, I voted for SB 1, the State Budget, which included funding bringing the total investment in property tax reduction to over $51 billion since 2019.

The Electric Grid

Another claim in the text message involved my vote on SB 6. I did vote against that bill, and I will tell you exactly why.

Like many conservative members of the Texas House, I had serious concerns about its overreaching regulations on private businesses and energy users. While grid reliability is critical, SB 6 imposed new fees, mandates, and complex regulatory structures that risked driving up costs for Texans and discouraging investment.

I strongly support strengthening our electric grid. That is why I voted for SB 1789, which holds utilities accountable and strengthens reliability standards. It is why I co-authored HB 14 to encourage nuclear power development and joint-authored HB 3556 to establish clear rules for coastal wind projects.

Support for Law Enforcement and First Responders

Across the 88th and 89th legislative sessions, I supported dozens of bills expanding benefits for police officers and firefighters, improving training and safety, strengthening penalties for crimes against officers, increasing compensation and retirement benefits, funding equipment grants, improving school safety, and expanding health screenings and cancer studies for firefighters.

A Choice for Voters

Campaigns reveal character. Mine is built on showing up, telling the truth, and doing the work. My opponent’s campaign is increasingly built on anonymous texts, outside money, and political action committees funded by gambling interests headquartered overseas.

I trust voters to recognize the difference. And if you ever have a question about how I voted or why, you do not need to wait for a political text message. Just ask me.

— Rep. Terri Leo Wilson