Kevin Nelson is from Tennessee. He has a bachelor's degree in physics from Texas A&M University, a graduate degree in physics from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Stanford University.

Kevin Nelson (Texas) - Ballotpedia

Kevin Nelson is originally from Tennessee. He earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Texas A&M University, a graduate degree in physics from the University of Texas at Austin, and a doctorate in philosophy from Stanford University.

Kevin has experience in publishing and teaching. He has taught at Austin Community College. He has also worked in publishing. 

Kevin has previously worked as a teacher at Austin Community College and in publishing.

Kevin Nelson's campaign for Texas State Senator, District 5, is his first time running for public office.

Kevin previously ran for U.S. Representative for Texas District 10 in 2018, but did not win.

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

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

Paul earned a bachelor's degree from Southwestern University and a master's degree in theology from Southern Methodist University. He lives with his wife, Dyane, and has two children and two grandchildren.

Paul is a United Methodist pastor. He works at the United Methodist Church, where he has been for 43 years. He previously worked at Oakwood United Methodist Church in North Houston, helping the congregation rebuild after a fire and serving as a chaplain for the Harris County Hospital District, primarily at Ben Taub Hospital’s Emergency Center and Surgical Intensive Care Unit and at Jefferson Davis Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Rev Paul Lane Thomasson

Paul is currently retired. He previously served as the pastor at United Methodist Churches in Caldwell, Coldspring, Mineola, Houston, Carthage, Wharton, Mont Belvieu, and Mabank.

Paul Thomasson - Ballotpedia

Paul's campaign for Texas State Senate, District 5 is his first run for public office.

Said, "I will do everything in my power to push for legislation that focuses on increasing the minimum wage, re-considering unfair tax breaks, and lowering the cost of healthcare."

Opposes the right of capture, which allows landowners to access groundwater beneath their land, and supports access to water for all Texans.

- Said, "I will do everything in my power to push for legislation that focuses on increasing the minimum wage, re-considering unfair tax breaks, and lowering the cost of healthcare."
- Opposes the right of capture, which allows landowners to access groundwater beneath their land, and supports access to water for all Texans.

Said, "The three things that really touch my heart the strongest have to do with the environment, immigration and gun violence."

- Said, "The three things that really touch my heart the strongest have to do with the environment, immigration and gun violence."

Wants to make healthcare more accessible and open more rural hospitals.

- Wants to make healthcare more accessible and open more rural hospitals.

Said, "The top priorities if elected would include working on reversing the voucher bill that will take important funds away from public schools."

Said, "The standard of education needs to be focused on facts and data, not political opinion."

- Said, "The top priorities if elected would include working on reversing the voucher bill that will take important funds away from public schools."
- Said, "The standard of education needs to be focused on facts and data, not political opinion."

Said, "I will advocate for legislation that allocates funding to proper preparations long before extreme weather and flooding conditions occur. This would include consideration for future major frozen weather conditions as our climate changes, as well as improved weather alerts, especially in areas where flooding is a concern."

Believes the "global warming is a hoax" lie is dangerous and will harm marginalized people.

Supports policies that address climate change.

- Said, "I will advocate for legislation that allocates funding to proper preparations long before extreme weather and flooding conditions occur. This would include consideration for future major frozen weather conditions as our climate changes, as well as improved weather alerts, especially in areas where flooding is a concern."
- Supports policies that address climate change.

Said, "As the owner of five acres, I enjoy low property taxes, but recent tax breaks have taken money out of public schools, which I greatly oppose. However, property tax issues and housing affordability can be addressed as we look at unwanted data centers and others receiving unfair tax breaks."

- Said, "As the owner of five acres, I enjoy low property taxes, but recent tax breaks have taken money out of public schools, which I greatly oppose. However, property tax issues and housing affordability can be addressed as we look at unwanted data centers and others receiving unfair tax breaks."

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Paul Thomasson

- Your state senator represents the interests of your district in the Texas State Senate. The State Senate, along with the State House of Representatives, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Texas Legislature.
- Your state senator can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws after going through the legislative process.
- There are 31 Texas state senators, each representing a single district with a constituency of around 1 million.
- State senators are elected to 4-year terms and one 2-year term per decade, and there are no term limits.
- They are paid a salary of $7,200/year and a per diem of $221/day.

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Texas State Senate.

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 Senator, District 5, Democratic Primary

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