Ann Johnson

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I am a former chief human trafficking prosecutor, current teacher and small business owner. During my two terms in the legislature, I have passed legislation to provide life-saving abortion protections, address public safety, reform our criminal justice system, and increase access to mental health resources for our most vulnerable. Texas Monthly said “Democrat Ann Johnson, of Houston, offered thoughtful legislation and proved remarkably effective at working with Republican lawmakers.”

Article 7 of the Texas Constitution states that “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.” What is your interpretation of what this clause requires of the legislature?

It means what it says. The State of Texas must provide a free, quality public education for every child. Yet, Gov. Abbott and Republicans are shifting funding for public schools to corporate-run, for-profit private schools by promoting private school vouchers. I strongly oppose these actions and am working to provide more resources to teachers and classrooms—to increase safety and provide a positive learning environment that puts our children on a strong path toward success.

How will you ensure that Texas remains a leader in the energy sector through innovation and reliability?

As the energy capital of the world, with unmatched physical and intellectual energy infrastructure, the Houston region is uniquely positioned to bring billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs to our region using funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We need forward-thinking state policies to help protect existing jobs and position our region as the leading hub of energy and clean tech innovation.

What do you believe is the appropriate role of the State of Texas in ensuring that Texans have access to reproductive healthcare, family planning, and pregnancy care and postpartum services?

With abortion outlawed in Texas, I passed the only successful legislation allowing doctors to save women with at-risk pregnancies. My bottom line is this: Politicians should never interfere in the doctor-patient relationship. I will continue fighting to repeal Texas’ unjust abortion ban and to protect the lives and safety of women and children and continue to stand up to politicians trying to take our rights away.

What other issues are high priorities for the people of your district? Please give specific examples of measurable actions that you will take to address these issues.

There are many pressing issues: access to affordable, quality health care, including mental health care; free and fair elections; gun safety; climate change; and the rising cost of living. One overriding concern is the erosion of local control. I will continue fighting to unwind the TEA takeover of HISD schools, and to repeal the law passed last session that removes cities' ability to regulate working conditions, keep the public safe, and pass local ordinances to meet local needs.