LONGVIEW, Texas — Tuesday marks one week from Election Day, and with early voting in full swing, the race is underway for House District 7, which includes Gregg, Harrison and Marion counties.
House District 7 serves approximately 200,000 East Texans, and it is where incumbent Republican Jay Dean faces off against Democratic candidate Marlena Cooper.
Dean, a former city council member and mayor of Longview, is looking to secure his fifth term as a state representative. Dean said his past roles and experiences make him more than qualified to continue his role.
“That further helped me broaden my understanding of what was really important to our community,” Dean said.
Cooper will be the first Democratic challenger for this seat in 30 years. If elected, she aims to achieve a significant list of milestones.
“First person from Jefferson to ever run, first time for a woman and first time for an African American, so a lot of firsts here,” Cooper said.
Cooper is embracing the motto "Keep Texas True."
“Parties are one thing, but I am East Texan first, and that means a lot to me,” Cooper said.
Cooper claims it is East Texas values that drive who she is.
"Everybody here is a part of my family, and it's been a part of grooming me and molding me to make me who I am,” Cooper said.
Cooper built her career in construction management and previously worked as an educator. She said she is prioritizing education, reliable broadband internet access for all residents and support for rural healthcare.
Dean emphasized his focus on border security, reducing property taxes and improving workforce development through education.
Both candidates strongly oppose school vouchers. Dean said they have a potential negative impact on rural public schools.
“We don't want to have a brain drain of the best and brightest kids from our great rural public schools just because their parents want to take voucher money and go over to a private school,” Dean said.
Dean used his background in the position to promote his candidacy for it again.
“People know what they have in my candidacy, they know they can trust me to do what I say I'm going to do,” Dean said. “They know my background as serving both as a council member and as a mayor.”
Cooper believes it is time for a change in the seat.
“It is time and we deserve better,” Cooper said. “Change needs to happen in our communities. So I want people to know I'm from and fighting for East Texas every step of the way.”
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