Texas House of Representatives District 55 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Texas, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Texas House of Representatives District 55 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Texas House of Representatives District 55

Incumbent Hugh Shine defeated Tristian Sanders in the general election for Texas House of Representatives District 55 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Hugh Shine (R)	61.1	28,868
		Tristian Sanders (D)	38.9	18,409

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 47,277
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Focusing on plans and policies that would make our planet more sustainable

Ensuring equal rights to all and committing to reduce racism in the state.

Establishing free and fair voting rights.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Crime, poverty and economics. We all know these three are intertwined, and I believe that if these three are handled properly, then we would see safer communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Tristian Sanders (D)

I look up to my fellow Piscean presidents because my leadership skills and qualities are similar to those of Washington, Madison, Jackson and Cleveland.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Tristian Sanders (D)

The Bill of Rights.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Courageous, compassionate and sacrificial

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Compassion, sympathy, open and compromising.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Have the heart to do good for the People.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Have more Rainbows of color in office.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Tristian Sanders (D)

The earliest events I remember, both when I was 6 years old, were the 1996 Summer Olympics and the Yugoslav Wars.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Tristian Sanders (D)

My first job was being a cashier at McDonald's. I've held that job for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Tristian Sanders (D)

"Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. I like foreign literature and that book is an intriguing story about a leader.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Carmen Sandiego. I always loved the idea of traveling and seeing the sites and artifacts. Would I take them? No...well, maybe. For fun, like Carmen does it.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Tristian Sanders (D)

"Bote" by Lindita Halimi

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Being taken seriously.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Tristian Sanders (D)

One that is harmonious and mutual. A relationship where they are able to work out any issue with ease.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Tristian Sanders (D)

The rapid growth and changes. New residents moving into Texas, climate change and a high aging population will increasingly become a problem.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Tristian Sanders (D)

The biggest benefit is that it wouldn't take long for leaders to discuss their bills and policies. They would be able to get done with ease.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Not really. They need an UNDERSTANDING of government, politics and their respective communities.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Tristian Sanders (D)

Why of course! Strong relationships help get the bills and policies passed in the legislature.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Tristian Sanders (D)

I favor an independent commission consisting of multiple people from different parties working on the maps.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Yes! I would like to be part of the Elections, Education and General Investigating committees.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Tristian Sanders (D)

N/A

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Yes. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Maybe city council, but other than one no.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Tristian Sanders (D)

All of the stories regarding housing costs have been the most touching.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Tristian Sanders (D)

Why did the monkey fell out of the tree? Because he's died.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Depends on the situation(s).

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Tristian Sanders (D)

Yes! When you have compromise, you have results.

See also

More about these elections:

• Texas House of Representatives elections, 2022

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