Dana van de Walker is from central Illinois. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in political science from Illinois State University, as well as a doctorate in education from Sam Houston State University. She has been a Texas resident and Conroe community member for more than 10 years. She is married.

Dana Van De Walker - Ballotpedia

Dana Van De Walker is originally from central Illinois. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in political science from Illinois State University, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Sam Houston State University. Dana lives in Texas with her wife.

Dana is an educator. She currently works at Lone Star College, where she has been for five years. She previously worked at Sam Houston State University, Daegu University, and Chinju National University of Education. 

Dana currently works as director of global scholars at Lone Star College. She previously worked as a coordinator of international student recruitment and advising at Sam Houston State University, as an assistant professor and administrator at Daegu University in South Korea, and as an English language instructor at Chinju National University of Education and Chilbo Elementary School in South Korea. 

Dana Van De Walker's campaign for Texas State Board of Education member, District 8, is her first time running for public office.

Dana's campaign for the Texas State Board of Education, District 8, is her first run for public office.

Supports a robust, science-informed curriculum, comprehensive sex education, and all-gender restrooms.

Supports a secular, science-based curriculum and opposes religious influence in public school instruction.

Opposes book bans and supports inclusive curriculum materials.

Prioritizes student preparedness and broader educational outcomes beyond testing.

- Supports a secular, science-based curriculum and opposes religious influence in public school instruction.
- Opposes book bans and supports inclusive curriculum materials.
- Prioritizes student preparedness and broader educational outcomes beyond testing.

School Curriculum

Supports increased investment in Texas public schools.

- Supports increased investment in Texas public schools.

School Facilities & Resources

Supports investment in public schools as a way to retain and support teachers.

- Supports investment in public schools as a way to retain and support teachers.

Teachers

Supports policies aimed at inclusion, safety, and belonging for all students.

Focuses on student engagement and personal development as central goals.

- Supports policies aimed at inclusion, safety, and belonging for all students.
- Focuses on student engagement and personal development as central goals.

Student Wellbeing

Supports allowing undocumented and DACA Texas residents to qualify for in-state tuition at Texas colleges and universities.

Opposes school vouchers and privatization of education

Opposes school vouchers, saying "Numerous studies have shown that school vouchers take money away from the neediest school districts and disproportionately impact students from low socioeconomic backgrounds."

Supports equitable access to education regardless of immigration status

Supports affordable higher education opportunities

- Opposes school vouchers and privatization of education
- Supports equitable access to education regardless of immigration status
- Supports affordable higher education opportunities

Access to Education

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Dana van de Walker

Dana Van De Walker is originally from central Illinois. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in political science from Illinois State University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University. Dana lives in Texas with her wife.

Dana currently works as Director of Global Scholars in the Division of Honors and International Education at Lone Star College. She previously worked as a coordinator of international student recruitment and advising at Sam Houston State University, as an assistant professor and administrator at Daegu University in South Korea, and as an English language instructor at Chinju National University of Education and Chilbo Elementary School in South Korea. 

As of January 22, 2026, Dana van de Walker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

Shahzeb Meghani has a bachelor's degree in biology from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Houston - Clear Lake.

Shahzeb is a software engineer for Memorial Hermann Health System. He previously worked as a software engineer for Cerner Corporation and Robert Half Technology.

Texas State Board of Education election, 2026 - Ballotpedia

Shahzeb's campaign for State Board of Education member, District 8 is his first run for public office.

As of January 22, 2026, Shahzeb Meghani did not have a website or any information online.

Shahzeb Meghani

As of January 22, 2026, Shahzeb Meghani’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in rejecting Science TEKS, Health TEKS, and textbooks that "sought liberal indoctrination of Texas public school students."

- Members of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) set statewide education policy, including approving graduation requirements, selecting textbooks and instructional materials, overseeing the state’s Permanent School Fund, and approving or vetoing charter school applications. 
- Board members participate in rule-making, review and adopt academic standards, and offer final approval on educator certification and other statewide education regulations. 
- SBOE members are elected from geographically defined “education districts.” Under normal circumstances, they serve staggered four-year terms.
- Serving on the board does not pay a salary, but members may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while doing board business.

Member of the board that governs the state's education system. 

This sample ballot may not include all local party roles or measures on the official ballot. The listed candidates serve only within their party, and the propositions do not change the law.

Texas State Board of Education Member, District 8, Democratic Primary

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School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

Teachers

Student Wellbeing

Access to Education