North Texas Sun sent questions to all candidates listed on the ballot in the Republican and Democratic primaries, which are being held on March 3. Early voting runs Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, including Sunday.

Check the Denton County Elections Administration website see who is on your ballot and where to vote on Election Day.

Republican primary

Andy Hopper (incumbent) did not return the questionnaire.

Lisa McEntire did not return the questionnaire.

Democratic primary

Name: Julie Evans

Age: 58

Occupation: Retired Educator

Website: www.Julieevansfortx64.com

What made you want to run for office?

I believe our community deserves representatives that shows up and fight for working families. Running has shown me what a difference strong, compassionate leadership can make. I'm stepping forward because I know we can create opportunities, invest in our future, and build government that truly reflects the people it serves. I am a wife of 36 years to Jack, and the mother of three UNT grads, Nick, Maggie and Chelsea. We also have a two-year old granddaughter, Nora.

What experience do you bring to the office?

I bring LIVED EXPERIENCES to the table. I am running on a strong education platform, and as a retired educator in DentonISD, I have the knowledge needed to move our education system in the right direction. As the wife of a military veteran, I have the lived experience of seeing close up that we need to do more for those who keep our country safe. I have been a volunteer in many areas in Denton, and now I want to turn that service outward toward every Texan.

If elected, what legislation would you pursue that would directly impact your constituents?

Education. As a retired educator, I know how hard it is for teachers in the classroom. We need to adequately fund all schools, create trade grants for after high school, and end the voucher program. We need to evaluate repairing old water systems to aid our rural communities to help slow the draining of our natural resources. We need to expand the ACA and make prescriptions affordable, properly vet AI data center building applications, and raise the minimum wage. I would put an end to illegal ICE activity and enact legislation to create quicker pathways to citizenship, while creating a strong border.

We need to put women’s rights back in the hands of women, protect our LGBTQIA+ community, and protect renter’s rights.

Is Gov. Abbott’s plan to eliminate school property taxes something you support? How do you think it will work?

I am not in favor of eliminating school property tax. A strong education system is the foundation of a learned, compassionate society. You don't get there by reducing funds to it.

Even if you don't have children, you benefit as a taxpayer and community member by having a smarter workforce around you, a mentally thriving group of people surrounding you and a society that is based on a moving-forward mentality.

What do you think is the biggest issue the state is facing?

Right now we are under the umbrella issue of the crumbling of our democracy. It is reaching into every aspect of our lives. We have a reduced work force from ICE activity, that raises food prices. Women’s rights are vanishing, voters are being intimidated and suppressed, and our neighbors aren’t safe on the streets they live in. We have to vote now to start to reverse these draconian laws that have been put forward.

Name: Christie Wood

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired; small business owner (stained glass artist)

Website: www.ChristieWood4Texas.com

What made you want to run for office?

I wish to restore civility and confidence in the leadership representing Denton and Wise County residents. Those we elect should represent all constituents; not just a minority. I wish to work with colleagues in the Texas legislature, to enact meaningful legislation for the betterment of all Texans.

What experience do you bring to the office? 

I have been actively engaged in civic participation within the North Texas community ever since moving back to the North Texas area in 2001. 

Here are a few examples of my commitment to community involvement in North Texas:

- Election Judge for Denton County for 10 years

- City of Denton Human Services Advisory Committee for 7 years

- Board of Directors & Grant Writer for non-profit Friends of Shiloh Garden-Shiloh Field in Denton (grows food/eggs for 15+ area nonprofits reducing food insecurity)

- Denton County Democratic Party Precinct 4168 Chair for 10 years

For 30 years I owned a small business (stained glass studio); employing North Texans and training the next generation of stained glass artisans. Prior to that I was a Project Development Manager for computer software languages with a large, international corporation. I have business experience from the largest multi-national level all the way down to a one-woman shop. This broad experience serves me well.

If elected, what legislation would you pursue that would directly impact your constituents?

HD-64 is undergoing rapid population growth, with long-range strategic plans put in place unable to cope. Getting municipalities and special taxing entities to work together with state support, to take advantage of cost-of-scale savings for large-scale infrastructure needs such as water, energy, and fire/EMT services is a big challenge. I see working with my legislative colleagues to enact meaningful government changes in supporting affordable housing, strategic water planning & funding (state-wide), and support for public education systems are key. These issues directly impact everyone in Texas, but particularly younger people. Changing Texas's stance on expanding Medicaid to include more uninsured and under-insured people will directly impact a large number of constituents.

Is Gov. Abbott’s plan to eliminate school property taxes something you support? How do you think it will work?

Eliminating school property taxes for homeowners is not in the best interest of the citizens of Texas. Public school funding is heavily based upon property taxes. We have seen bad legislation which is already defunding public education by funneling public money into private school businesses. We do not need to further gut Texas public schools by eliminating property taxes earmarked for school systems. The only way this will work is if the lost revenue is made up with another tax on something, which has not been proposed.

What do you think is the biggest issue the state is facing?

Our state, and the nation as a whole, is experiencing a crisis in leadership. Federal and state elected officials who believe they are above the law; above the Constitution of the United States of America; must be replaced via our democratic election system. Only by restoring civility, democracy, and the rule of law will Texas and the USA be able to restore confidence in the public - and then we can start rebuilding trust with each other to get things done.