2026 Texas General Election

2026 Texas General Runoff

Nonpartisan

First, let me be very clear about this: I am many things, but one thing I am NOT is a politician. By profession, I am a data analyst, statistician, and database engineer. I am a Marine, a husband, father, and grandfather. I am an autistic and a video gamer.

Meet Darren

5. Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in the importance of strong family relationships, and that we should help those in need, and engage in community service and humanitarian efforts.

iVoterGuide Questionnaire

Darren Hamilton is a husband, father, and grandfather. He is a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I served in the United States Marine Corps before and during the Gulf War era, including at Operation Desert Storm. The Marine Corps teaches two lessons that will stick with me for life: responsibility matters, and excuses don’t fix problems.

Darren Hamilton

Darren Hamilton works as a data analyst, statistician, and database engineer. He served in the United States Marine Corps before and during the Gulf War era, including during Operation Desert Storm.

Darren Hamilton - Libertarian Party

State Legislature (52% reporting)
State Senator, District 12

(R) Tan Parker: 161,695 votes, 61.7%

(D) Francine Ly: 100,324 votes, 38.3%

State Rep., District 57

(R) Richard Hayes: 29,602 votes, 64.9%

(L) Darren Hamilton: 15,987 votes, 35.1%

Republicans win big in Denton County

In the race for the Texas House of Representatives seat for District 57, Democrat Collin Johnson and Libertarian Darren Hamilton are challenging incumbent Republican Richard Hayes’ reelection bid.

Meet the Candidates: State House District 57

Darren ran for the Texas House of Representatives seat for District 57 in 2024. He previously ran for the seat in 2022 but did not win.

Republicans win big in Denton County | Flower Mound | News

If elected, I would advocate for reducing property taxes, eliminating unnecessary regulations that stifle local businesses, and ensuring that education remains a choice-driven system that empowers parents and students rather than bureaucracies. I would push for criminal justice reform to decriminalize non-violent offenses and ensure that law enforcement focuses on protecting citizens rather than enforcing unnecessary regulations.

Denton Record-Chronicle Candidate Questionnaire

My economic strategy includes advocating for tax reforms that benefit individuals and small businesses alike. By simplifying the tax code and lowering tax rates, I believe that Texans will have more disposable income and small businesses will be better positioned to invest and grow.

Wages should be determined by the market, where employers and employees negotiate based on supply and demand. Both should be free to set wages without governmental interference and should have the autonomy to negotiate their own terms of employment.

My suggestion: just as alternative party and independent candidates are required to pay a specified filing fee tied directly to the level of office, they are seeking simply to appear on the general election ballot, campaign funding (which is monitored by the Texas Elections Commission) should be capped at a specific amount that is also wholly dependent upon the level of office being sought. In addition to "leveling the playing field", this would also require at least some accountability toward where these funds are being spent.

AMR Interview

Advocates for reducing property taxes and unnecessary regulations affecting local businesses.

Advocates for simplifying the tax code and lowering tax rates for individuals and small businesses.

Believes wages should be set through voluntary negotiations between employers and employees without government interference.

Proposes campaign-finance caps that vary by office sought.

- Advocates for reducing property taxes and unnecessary regulations affecting local businesses.
- Advocates for simplifying the tax code and lowering tax rates for individuals and small businesses.
- Believes wages should be set through voluntary negotiations between employers and employees without government interference.
- Proposes campaign-finance caps that vary by office sought.

Economy

As I have related before regarding on this specific topic (see the link below), I have two points toward decriminalizing drug use, and neither of them is an attempt to make drugs into "a good thing". The first point is that police and other authorities should be prioritizing prevention of crimes like human trafficking, domestic violence/child abuse, and identity theft, all of which are arguably far more insidious to our cities and communities. The second (and probably more widely discussed) point is that we should not be trying to control anyone's personal choices and decisions through law. That's been tried before (i.e., the 18th Amendment) and it failed spectacularly.

Police State

2. What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

Access to firearms is crucial to self-defense and personal security, so excessive regulations infringe upon individual rights and may not address issues of public safety. Enforcing laws related to violent crime and addressing societal issues that contribute to crime can be more effective than imposing restrictions on gun ownership. Overly restrictive gun laws reduce the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves while doing little to disarm criminals who do not follow the law.

Advocates for decriminalizing nonviolent offenses and drug use while directing law enforcement toward violent and exploitative crimes.

Opposes excessive firearm regulations and favors enforcing violent-crime laws rather than restricting gun ownership.

- Advocates for decriminalizing nonviolent offenses and drug use while directing law enforcement toward violent and exploitative crimes.
- Opposes excessive firearm regulations and favors enforcing violent-crime laws rather than restricting gun ownership.

Public Safety

1. Prohibiting abortion after a baby's heartbeat is detected, with limited exceptions such as to save a mother's life or in cases of rape or incest.

[Oppose] In my opinion, prohibiting abortion beyond heartbeat detection (which is relatively early in the gestation process) is an equivalent to slavery. Each woman should have the time and ability to decide their own actions without interference by governmental entities. Yes, there should be restrictions (which can be discussed), but these restrictions should be more of a guideline for doctors and their patients and should absolutely NOT be determined by any governmental entity.

Alliance Defending Freedom Voter Guide Questionnaire

I believe that every individual is entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and I want everyone to have the freedom to make their own decisions.

Ultimately, once someone allows themselves to step back and look at this issue without a predetermined agenda, the "heartbeat law" currently enabled within Texas (and other states') law can only be seen as a deliberate attempt by one group to force their beliefs on someone else whether the second group agrees with it or not. This is referred to as "monoculturalism" (the policy or process of supporting, advocating, or allowing the expression of the culture of a single social or ethnic group). Not only should this authoritarian mindset be unwelcome in Texas, but by legislating this specific version of morality as being superior to all others, this law is simply another example of a "prohibition law" that I believe should (very much like the 18th Amendment) be repealed.

The Abortion Access Debate

3. Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Agree. Taxpayer monies should not be used to fund organizations that provide services like abortion, including Planned Parenthood. This is rooted in my belief that individuals should not be compelled to support through their taxes any activities that they may morally or ethically oppose.

3. Allowing voluntary physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.

[Support] Regarding physician-assisted suicide, I believe that each person should have the ability to decide for themselves the choices of their lives. Personally, I disagree with the idea of suicide (assisted or otherwise), but neither I nor anyone else should be allowed to direct someone else in what they should or should not do with their lives.

2. Under what circumstance (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Government mandates to require vaccinations infringe upon personal freedom and autonomy. Health decisions, including vaccinations, should be made by individuals based on their own circumstances and values rather than being imposed by the government.

1. What most closely matches your view on healthcare? A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option (includes "universal healthcare", "Medicare for all", etc.); B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded healthcare should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

C. Healthcare should be provided through the free market rather than through government funding. People should be free to choose their own healthcare plans and providers, and should not rely on government subsidies. However, it should also be realized that not everyone has this ability, so programs such as Medicare and Medicaid should continue to be available for the foreseeable future.

3. Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree. My position is that taxpayer funds should not be used for gender transition services, aligning with my personal belief in minimal government intervention and personal responsibility. I believe in the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies, including gender transition. However, I also believe in the principle that individuals should generally be responsible for financing their own personal choices.

Opposes Texas' abortion ban after cardiac activity is detected and calls for repealing the Texas heartbeat law.

Opposes taxpayer funding for organizations that provide abortion services, including Planned Parenthood.

Supports allowing voluntary physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.

Opposes government, school, and employer vaccination mandates.

Favors a free-market healthcare system while retaining Medicare and Medicaid for the foreseeable future.

Opposes taxpayer funding for gender-transition services while supporting individuals' ability to make their own healthcare decisions.

- Opposes Texas' abortion ban after cardiac activity is detected and calls for repealing the Texas heartbeat law.
- Opposes taxpayer funding for organizations that provide abortion services, including Planned Parenthood.
- Supports allowing voluntary physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.
- Opposes government, school, and employer vaccination mandates.
- Favors a free-market healthcare system while retaining Medicare and Medicaid for the foreseeable future.
- Opposes taxpayer funding for gender-transition services while supporting individuals' ability to make their own healthcare decisions.

Healthcare

My stance on education underscores my belief in parental choice and local control. I support policies that allow families to choose the best educational paths for their children, whether that means expanding access to charter schools or supporting homeschooling, but does not extend to providing educational vouchers.

10. Allowing the use of tax credits, vouchers, and/or education savings accounts to cover the cost of children attending the school of their parents' choice, including private religious schools.

[Oppose] Regardless of the euphemism used, all of these simply steal monies from public education and give them to private schools with no guarantees on the quality of education that the child receives.

12. Directing schools to inform parents of any mental, physical, or emotional health information and treatment that a child is receiving at school.

[Support] Parents should always be informed of information regarding their students but should also have a voice in the determination of the student's treatment.

13. Giving parents access to the curriculum, presentations, and activities that their children are learning in school and allowing them to opt their children out of school extra-curricular activities, presentations, or specific lessons to which the parents object.

[Support] As governmental officers, we may not agree with the role that some parents play in their child's education, but the government's agreement or disagreement in that role is inconsequential.

2. Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?

Teachers, if properly trained and willing, should have the option to carry firearms as part of their responsibility to protect themselves and their students. Local communities and school boards are better equipped to address their own security needs, but a balanced approach needs to be emphasized to ensure that such policies are implemented effectively and responsibly.

Supports charter-school access and homeschooling while opposing education vouchers and similar private-school subsidies.

Supports requiring schools to inform parents about students' health information and treatment and giving parents a role in treatment decisions.

Supports parents' access to school curriculum and their ability to opt children out of specified lessons or activities.

Supports allowing trained, willing teachers to carry firearms at school, with local school boards setting security policies.

- Supports charter-school access and homeschooling while opposing education vouchers and similar private-school subsidies.
- Supports requiring schools to inform parents about students' health information and treatment and giving parents a role in treatment decisions.
- Supports parents' access to school curriculum and their ability to opt children out of specified lessons or activities.
- Supports allowing trained, willing teachers to carry firearms at school, with local school boards setting security policies.

Education

1. Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.

A & D. Libertarians emphasize the importance of economic freedom and innovation while being cautious about the negative impacts of extensive governmental interventions. Innovations driven by profit motives can address environmental issues more efficiently. Strict environmental regulations can lead to job losses and hinder economic growth by increasing operational costs for businesses. Research and development in clean energy technologies can be more effective than imposing strict regulations.

2. What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

Until nuclear fusion technology matures, our best option is to continue to rely on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas with its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and its flexibility in balancing intermittent renewable sources.

Says climate change requires urgent action but favors market-driven innovation and clean-energy research over strict environmental regulations.

Supports continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, until nuclear fusion technology matures.

- Says climate change requires urgent action but favors market-driven innovation and clean-energy research over strict environmental regulations.
- Supports continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, until nuclear fusion technology matures.

Energy & the Environment

2. States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.

Strongly disagree. I believe that the Electoral College is well-designed, but very badly executed. At the heart of this dilemma is the "winner-take-all" rule, which I want to eliminate here in Texas. This rule essentially turns Texas into just another "fly over" state. The rule itself only benefits one group, and that's the reason I want to eliminate it: because I believe that ALL of Texas's voters deserve a voice in who they want to be the President of our great nation.

In politics, the first method would be difficult to achieve, especially when the higher ground actively resists your leveling efforts. But the second method would be easier to achieve. More to the point, the single, most equalizing idea I have is to remove the Old Parties' system of primary elections and require them to nominate their candidates in a convention, just like the rest of us are required to do. I believe that this single action, if enabled, will create the largest step toward leveling the playing field for all party or independent candidates.

I would hold regular town hall meetings and forums to create a platform for open dialogue, encouraging citizens to share their unique perspectives and concerns. This inclusive approach helps me understand the specific needs of various groups, allowing me to advocate for policies that reflect our communities' diversity.

Opposes joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and wants Texas to eliminate winner-take-all Electoral College allocation.

Proposes replacing major-party primary elections with party conventions.

Plans to hold regular town halls and forums for constituent dialogue.

- Opposes joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and wants Texas to eliminate winner-take-all Electoral College allocation.
- Proposes replacing major-party primary elections with party conventions.
- Plans to hold regular town halls and forums for constituent dialogue.

Voting & Elections

Twitter

YouTube

LinkedIn

- Proposes replacing major-party primary elections with party conventions.
- Plans to hold regular town halls and forums for constituent dialogue.

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Alejandra Gracias

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Ray is a 2006 graduate of West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and earned his MBA from Trident University. He is an author and continues to encourage and push individuals to seek ways to improve themselves in both the mind and body. Ray resides in Argyle, TX with his wife and two children.

Ray Stith (HigherEchelon)

Ray Stith lives in Argyle, Texas, with his wife and two children.

Ray Stith - HigherEchelon

Ray Stith is a father, veteran, business leader, coach, and lifelong believer in service. He graduated from West Point and served as a U.S. Army officer — including a deployment to Afghanistan — where he learned that leadership means putting others first. After returning home, Ray built a successful career in business and now serves as a Leader of Human Resources, helping lead in a privately held company.

Meet Ray | Ray Stith For Texas | District 57

Ray currently serves as a human resources leader at a privately held company. He previously served as a U.S. Army officer, including a deployment to Afghanistan.

Ray currently serves as a human resources leader at a privately held company. He previously served as a U.S. Army officer.

Supports expanding job training and apprenticeships.

Prioritizes competitive wages and workplace fairness.

- Supports expanding job training and apprenticeships.
- Prioritizes competitive wages and workplace fairness.

As of July 22, 2026, Ray Stith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to veteran and military family care through faster access to state and federal benefits, mental health services and support, civilian job opportunities, and resources for military families.

- Wants to veteran and military family care through faster access to state and federal benefits, mental health services and support, civilian job opportunities, and resources for military families.

### Education & Workforce

We must fully support public schools and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Home | Ray Stith For Texas | District 57

Supports public schools and preparing students for future jobs.

Seeks to build partnerships between schools, colleges, and employers.

- Supports public schools and preparing students for future jobs.
- Supports fully funding public education.
- Seeks to build partnerships between schools, colleges, and employers.

Seeks to improve roads and transportation access and seeks to establish reliable water and utility systems.

- Seeks to improve roads and transportation access and seeks to establish reliable water and utility systems.

Ray Stith

- Supports public schools and preparing students for future jobs.

Ray is a cofounder and operator of an event venue. He previously served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army for six years and worked in corporate roles in San Jose, California.

Ray Stith's campaign for Texas State Representative, District 57 is his first entry into politics.

Ray is the owner of an event venue business. He has run the company for more than a year. He previously served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army for six years.

Ray Stith is married. He has a son and daughter. 

Ray is a business leader and the owner of an event venue. He previously served in the U.S. Army as an air defense artillery officer for six years.

Ray Stith's campaign for Texas House District 57 is his first time running for public office.

Rep. Richard Hayes represents Texas House District 57, which was created by the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021. District 57 comprises a swath across mid-Denton County and includes all of Corinth, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, Shady Shores, Oak Point, Lakewood Village, Ponder, Dish, Paloma Creek, and Savannah; most of Little Elm and Hackberry; and parts of Denton, Argyle, Highland Village, Northlake, New Fairview, Copper Canyon, Cross Roads, and Frisco.

Biography

Richard Hayes represents Texas House District 57.

Rep. Hayes, Richard - District 57 - Texas House of Representatives

A Texas native and real estate and business trial lawyer, Rep. Hayes is founding partner of Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, L.L.P., a respected law firm serving the North Texas region since 1985. Rep. Hayes is a strong advocate for reducing government bureaucracy, significant property tax reduction, parental school choice and curricula reform, and securing Texas' southern border. A strong Second Amendment supporter, Richard is a Life Member of the Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association.

Advocates reducing government bureaucracy and significantly lowering property taxes.

- Advocates reducing government bureaucracy and significantly lowering property taxes.

Issues
Secure the border & eliminate magnets causing our border crisis
Make voter fraud a felony & protect election Integrity
Protect Second Amendment & precious unborn life
Eliminate Critical Race Theory & allow school choice

Issues

Calls for securing the border and eliminating what he calls "magnets causing our border crisis."

- Supports Second Amendment gun rights.
- Calls for securing the border and eliminating what he calls "magnets causing our border crisis."

Supports policies intended to protect "precious unborn life."

- Supports policies intended to protect "precious unborn life."

Supports school choice and eliminating Critical Race Theory.

- Supports school choice and eliminating Critical Race Theory.

As of July 22, 2026, Richard Hayes’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Calls for making voter fraud a felony and protecting election integrity.

- Calls for making voter fraud a felony and protecting election integrity.

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Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is from Dallas, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in business administration from Texas Christian University, a master 27s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University, and a law degree from St. Mary 27s University School of Law. He and his wife have five children and eight grandchildren. They are members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton.

Richard is an attorney and the founding partner of Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, L.L.P. He previously worked as a law clerk for the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court in San Antonio and as an attorney in the Bexar County District Attorney's office. 

Richard is currently a member of the Texas House of Representatives representing District 57. He was elected in 2022. Richard previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015.

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Texas House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Texas State Legislature
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. 
- There are 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives, each representing a single district. Representatives must be at least 21 years old and reside in the state for at least two years before their election. 
- State representatives are elected to two-year terms during even-numbered years. There are no term limits. 
- State representatives make $7,200 annually in addition to a $221 payment per day during legislative sessions and mileage reimbursements.

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Texas House of Representatives.

Texas State Representative, District 57

Election results

Candidates (3)