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‹ Texas House of Representatives, District 42

Richard Peña Raymond

Richard Peña Raymond
DemocraticIncumbent
Running for Texas House of Representatives, District 42.

Background

Richard Peña Raymond has served in the Texas House since 1992, according to Branch. He was born in Alice and raised in Benavides. 

Current role
State Representative, District 42
Occupation
Attorney
Education
University of Texas at Austin; J.D., University of Texas
Prior offices
Texas House of Representatives (since 1992, per Branch)

Positions

Property Taxes

What is the candidate's position on property tax levels and relief?
Supports lower taxes and full transportation funding. 

Education and School Choice

What is the candidate's position on public school funding, education savings accounts, and curriculum?
Supports fully funding public education. 
Voting record
Voted no on SB 2, which created the education savings account program (often called school vouchers); the House passed it on third reading 86-61 (Record 300, April 17, 2025). 

Border Security

What role should the state play in border security and immigration enforcement?
Has voted for border security funding and favors officers over a border wall. 

Power Grid and Energy

What is the candidate's position on the ERCOT grid, reliability, and energy production?
Prioritizes environmental protections that do not harm the economy. 

Abortion

What is the candidate's position on Texas abortion law?
Describes himself as pro-life and supports abortion rights within Roe v. Wade limits, with exceptions. 

Firearms

What is the candidate's position on Texas firearms laws?
No public position found.
Searched Oct 19, 2026.

Public Safety and Bail

What is the candidate's position on bail, policing, and criminal justice?
No public position found.
Searched Oct 19, 2026.

Health Care

What is the candidate's position on Medicaid, insurance coverage, and health costs in Texas?
Supports nursing programs and service-tied medical scholarships. 

Elections and Voting

What is the candidate's position on election administration, voting rules, and redistricting?
No public position found.
Searched Oct 19, 2026.

District Priorities

What does the candidate say are the top issues for this district?
No public position found.
Searched Oct 19, 2026.

Transgender Policy

What is the candidate's position on Texas laws related to transgender people, including medical treatment for minors, school sports, facilities, and legal definitions of sex?
Not yet researched.

Religion and Public Schools

What is the candidate's position on religion in public schools, such as displaying the Ten Commandments, school prayer, and chaplains?
Not yet researched.

Religious Liberty and Faith Communities

What has the candidate said or done regarding religious freedom and specific faith communities in Texas, such as Christians, Jews, and Muslims?
Not yet researched.

Home Insurance and Housing Costs

What is the candidate's approach to home insurance rates and housing costs in Texas?
Not yet researched.

Money

Finance figures are being checked against official FEC and Texas Ethics Commission filings and will appear here once verified.

Endorsements

No public endorsements found. Searched Oct 19, 2026.