Republican incumbent Tony Tinderholt is running against Democrat Denise Wilkerson, as he seeks reelection to the House seat he’s held since 2015.
Tinderholt, an Air Force veteran and business owner, did not respond to the Star-Telegram’s candidate questionnaire. Some of the policy stances listed on his campaign website include border security and public safety, abolishing the property tax system in Texas and greater funding and reforms “that leave no veteran forgotten.”
Wilkerson, a retired attorney, names public school funding and stopping vouchers, improving health care outcomes for women and children and fighting corruption as top three priorities.
Tony Tinderholt
Political Party: Republican
Did not respond to candidate questionnaire.
Denise Wilkerson
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 63
Campaign website: https://www.denisefor94.com
Best way for voters to reach you: dw@denisefor94.com
Occupation: Retired Attorney
Education
BA Journalism University of Oklahoma, JD Law University of Oklahoma
Have you run for elected office before?
No
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism:
Tarrant County Sexually Oriented Business Permit License & Review Board; Women Inspiring Philanthropy; Arlington Mayor’s Women’s Advisory Council; Legal & Legislative Liaison-Arlington Mayor’s Council on People with Disabilities; Active Member-Fielder Church; Speaker on “Waco & the Branch Davidians”; Member–Arlington Chamber of Commerce; Member–HEB Chamber of Commerce; Member–Arlington Neighborhood Leadership Network.
Past civic involvement/accomplishment:
Volunteer-Refugee Services of Texas; Volunteer-Legal Aid of NW Texas; Volunteer-Serendipity Equine Haven; Texas Bar College; Local Government Fellow–International Municipal Lawyers Association; Published articles on the Americans with Disabilities Act; Speaker-Dallas Federal Bar and Local Government Lawyers; Instructor: Arlington Police Department Supervisors School; Executive Board-Hill Elem PTA; Numerous leadership positions in AHS booster clubs and PTA; USNA Parent’s Club; Briefed two US Supreme Court cases; Foster parent.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No, except in my work as an attorney
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:
No, except in my work as an attorney
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Carter Wilkerson, Walter Horton, Jordan Villarreal
Why are you seeking this office?
After a long career in public service, I realized my work wasn’t done. That’s why I’m running to represent District 94 in the Texas House. I’m running because I believe our district should be known for opportunity—not the political nonsense that too often distracts from the real issues facing Texans.
Our district deserves leadership that focuses on real solutions—education, health care, and accountability—not the distractions and divisive policies that are holding Texas back. Together, we can create a district known for opportunity, growth, and fairness.
What are your top 3 policy priorities?
My top priorities are clear:
Fund Our Public Schools / Stop Vouchers: I will fight to fully fund public schools and stop the private voucher schemes that siphon resources from our children’s education. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, and that starts with quality public education in every neighborhood.
Improve Health Care Outcomes for Women and Children: I’m dedicated to ensuring better health care for women and children. We must address Texas’s high maternal mortality rate, expand access to essential services, and protect health care rights for all families.
Fight Corruption: Texans deserve a government that works for them, not for special interests. I’ll fight corruption and push for stronger ethics laws and transparency in government.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Unlike the incumbent, I will effectively represent all the people of this district. I won’t resort to grandstanding because I’m a work horse not a show pony. In his 8 years in office, he alienated his collogues, R and D alike. The only legislation he passed benefits himself and made our children less safe. He’s had ample time to get the job done, but he hasn’t learned how. He’s proud of his ability to kill legislation.
Worse yet, he panders to a billionaire who’s funneled over $400,000 into his campaigns—leaving our district behind in favor of special interests. Instead of working to improve our schools, health care, or local economy, he wastes time on divisive red-hot culture issues that don’t solve our real problems.
With my background, I know how to work with anyone to get results. I’m focused on creating opportunities in our district, improving public education, expanding health care access, the economy, and fighting corruption—because that’s what our community deserves.
What is the biggest challenge facing the district where you’re running, and what is your plan to address it?
The most significant challenge facing District 94 is the underfunding of public schools. This impacts the quality of education, available resources for teachers, and our community’s economic future. Without adequate funding, schools struggle to provide essential services, retain qualified teachers, and maintain safe facilities, depriving students of opportunities vital for their growth and readiness for higher education or the workforce.
Voting against vouchers is crucial because they divert funds from public schools to private institutions, burdening taxpayers. By rejecting vouchers and increasing per-student funding, we can ensure our schools serve all students effectively and strengthen our community. Constituents don’t want their tax dollars supporting private schools—they want to invest in our local schools and support the quality teachers who educate our children.
How would you measure your success as a state legislator?
As a state legislator, I’d measure success through results, not empty promises. First, I’d avoid Texas Monthly’s “Worst Legislators” list unlike my opponent (2X), by focusing on effective, responsible governance. Success means passing meaningful legislation that benefits our district, like protecting public schools, improving women and children’s health care, and fighting corruption. I’ll secure the resources District 94 needs, from infrastructure to education funding. Building coalitions and working across the aisle will be key to getting things done. I’ll remain accessible and responsive to constituents, making sure their voices are heard. Success means sticking to my principles while finding practical solutions.
Do you support vouchers or voucher-like programs, such as education savings accounts? Why or why not?
I don’t support vouchers. First, they divert much-needed funding away from public schools, which already face significant underfunding, weakening our public education system. Vouchers primarily benefit families who are already sending their children to private schools, adding an unnecessary tax burden on the rest of us. They also funnel taxpayer dollars into private religious schools without accountability or oversight, meaning there’s no guarantee these schools meet educational standards or serve all students equally. Vouchers exacerbate inequality by prioritizing select students over the majority who rely on public education. They fail to address the core issue of improving educational outcomes for all students, and instead, they weaken the very schools that serve the majority of Texas children. Finally, my constituents are proud of their local schools and teachers, and they believe investing in public education is a more fiscally responsible and equitable use of our tax dollars.
What is your plan to fund Texas public schools?
My plan to fund Texas schools focuses on reducing the homeowner tax burden while ensuring more equitable funding. First, we must rework the state’s broken school finance system, which relies too heavily on property taxes, placing an unfair burden on homeowners. I propose increasing the state’s share of funding for public schools, shifting away from local property taxes to a more balanced, statewide approach. We can also close corporate tax loopholes that allow large businesses to avoid paying their fair share, redirecting those funds to our schools. Additionally, I support increasing the state’s Rainy Day Fund contributions for education, ensuring long-term investment in our children’s future. By equitably distributing funds based on need, especially in low-income areas, we can provide all students with quality education while lessening the pressure on property owners. This approach ensures that our schools are funded adequately without overburdening local taxpayers.
Has the state done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, even in tight grid conditions? What more should be done?
No, the state has not done enough to ensure a steady supply of electricity, especially in tight grid conditions. Texas experienced devastating blackouts during Winter Storm Uri, and while some reforms were made, they don’t go far enough. We need to prioritize grid reliability and resilience. This means incentivizing the construction of new, weatherized power plants and modernizing existing infrastructure to handle extreme weather conditions. We also need to diversify our energy mix by investing in renewable energy and battery storage to ensure power is available even when traditional sources fail. Strengthening interconnections with neighboring states’ grids could also provide backup power during emergencies. Moreover, more stringent oversight of ERCOT and utility companies is necessary to hold them accountable for preparedness. These steps are essential to protect Texans from future grid failures and to ensure a stable, reliable energy supply in all conditions.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address road infrastructure?
Texas must prioritize addressing road infrastructure to keep pace with population growth and economic development. First, the state should increase funding for road repairs and expansions, focusing on areas with high traffic congestion and aging infrastructure. To ease the burden on taxpayers, the state can explore public-private partnerships for major projects and utilize bonds to fund long-term improvements.
Additionally, we should invest in smart technologies, such as traffic management systems and improved road materials, to make our roads more efficient and durable. Expanding public transportation and increasing incentives for carpooling and electric vehicle usage can also reduce traffic and wear on roads. Finally, funding should be distributed equitably to both urban and rural areas, ensuring that all Texans benefit from safer, better-maintained roadways. A comprehensive, forward-looking strategy will reduce traffic, improve safety, and support economic growth statewide.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address the supply of water in Texas?
Texas faces a growing gap between water supply and demand, with demand projected to increase from 17.7 million acre-feet in 2020 to 19.2 million by 2070, while supply declines from 16.8 million to 13.8 million. This 5.4 million acre-foot shortfall by 2070 poses significant risks to both communities and the economy. To address this, Texas needs a comprehensive plan that includes continuing effective planning through the Texas Water Development Board, promoting conservation efforts, investing in desalination technology, enhancing aquifer storage and recovery, and building new reservoirs. By taking action now, the state can secure its water future and ensure sustainability for generations to come. Working together with local governments and communities will help create fair and lasting solutions for water distribution, especially in underserved and rural areas.
What should the state do in the coming legislative session to address border security along the Texas-Mexico border and immigration?
Immigration is a federal issue, with Congress responsible for regulations and resources. Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, which has cost Texas billions, has shown little success. Despite deploying thousands of state troopers, National Guardsmen, and building a small state-controlled border wall, arrests under Abbott’s program only account for 1% of Border Patrol encounters. Instead, Texas can play a vital supportive role.
1. Texas can provide resources to complement federal security efforts, focusing on enhancing patrols and surveillance without competing with federal authority.
2. Cross-border trade is crucial for Texas’ economy. The state can work with federal authorities to maintain security while ensuring trade and travel efficiency by investing in border infrastructure.
3. Texas should push Congress for increased federal funding, personnel, and technology to address border challenges and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform to improve security and asylum processing.
What should the state legislature do to address property taxes and affordable housing for Texans in the coming legislative session?
To solve Texas’ housing affordability crisis and reduce property taxes, we need a few key changes:
Build More Affordable Housing: Texas needs to increase the supply of affordable homes by encouraging developers to build more housing, especially in high-demand areas. This could involve offering incentives for building affordable units and reducing unnecessary regulations that slow down construction.
Reform Property Taxes: To lower property taxes, the state can shift some of the school funding burden from local home property taxes to the state budget. This would help reduce the pressure on homeowners while still supporting schools.
Expand Housing Assistance: Provide more support for low-income families through affordable housing programs and housing vouchers to help them cover rent or mortgages.
These steps can help make housing more affordable and ease the burden on working Texans.
Should Texas make any changes to its current abortion laws. Why or why not, and what changes would you support?
Yes, Texas should make changes to its current abortion laws to protect women’s lives, individual freedom, and ensure access to reproductive healthcare. The Texas abortion ban has caused the maternal mortality rate in Texas to increase by 56%, compared to 11% nationwide. The state’s restrictive abortion laws limit a woman’s right to make personal medical decisions, infringing on her freedom to choose what’s best for her body and life circumstances. I support the idea that decisions about pregnancy should be between a woman and her doctor, not the government.
Changes should include restoring the right to safe and legal abortion under Roe v. Wade, protecting access to contraception, IVF, and ensuring healthcare providers can offer care without fear of criminal punishment. By restoring the reproductive rights Americans have had for fifty years, Texas can safeguard the freedom of its citizens to make deeply personal decisions about their own lives and health.
What’s an issue that doesn’t make as many headlines but is important to you? Why is it important?
One issue that’s critically important but doesn’t get enough attention is local control, which the Texas Constitution guarantees but was undermined by the “Death Star” bill. This legislative power grab strips cities of the ability to make decisions that reflect their unique needs and citizens’ priorities. For example, Arlington once had over a dozen strip clubs, but thanks to city ordinances and enforcement, that number is now down to one. Arlington isn’t Dallas or Houston, and local control lets our elected city council govern according to our community’s values. In Texas, we say, “Don’t mess with Texas,” but this bill does just that—messing with local decisions. Once people realize the “Death Star” bill leaves city councils powerless to address local problems, they’ll be frustrated. Instead of quick local solutions, they’ll have to wait until the next state legislative session to push for change.
What steps will you take to communicate with constituents about their concerns, needs and the actions of the state legislature?
Regular town halls will be held to provide an opportunity for direct conversations about local concerns and state legislature actions. Newsletters and social media will be used to share updates and information, keeping everyone informed about what’s happening in Austin. Constituents will be encouraged to reach out by phone or email to share their thoughts and ideas. Collaboration with local community leaders will help ensure that the issues most important to Texans are heard. Being present and available in the community when the legislature is not in session, is a priority. The goal is to ensure strong communication and transparency with everyone in the district.
