The following Q&A was sent to each candidate in August 2026. Responses provided were submitted by the Sun’s press deadline in mid-October and fit within a given wordcount.
John Bucy III (Democrat, Incumbent)
Why did you choose to run for the House?
John Bucy III: I ran for the House to build our community up and make Texas as good as its promise. That means fighting for strong public schools, high-quality healthcare, affordability, good jobs and equality for all. I’ve been a leader on Medicaid expansion, protecting the freedom to vote, and stopping the privatization of our public schools through voucher scams, while advocating for housing, transit and affordability.
What prior experience do you have that qualifies you to serve in this capacity?
Bucy: In four terms in the State House, I’ve proven myself to be a consensus builder who is not afraid to stand up for our values and our community but also seeks out opportunities to work across the aisle. Each session, I have passed critical legislation, brought state investment to our local communities and passed bills into law that were brought to me by constituents. In my private life, I am a small business owner, proud father, and the former Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party.\
What part of the district are you from and how do you relate to the community?
Bucy: I am a native Austinite and currently live in Northwest Austin. My family and I are avid fans of Austin FC, can often be found at indoor bounce houses or hiking the greenbelt, and have been long-time supporters of the Penfolde Theatre. As a legislator, I prioritize legislation brought by constituents or localities and regularly meet with community members, stakeholders, chambers of commerce, civic groups, and local elected officials in order to be representative of the needs of HD 136.
What issues are you campaigning on?
Bucy: My top priorities are fully funding our schools, which is the largest property tax relief we can offer; expanding Medicaid and increasing access to preventative medicine; protecting our public parks and natural resources, including the Big Bend region; increasing housing supply and affordability; improving transit options and connectivity, including high-speed rail; and standing up for the freedom to vote and fair representation at all levels of government. We must roll back the attacks on our civil liberties, free speech, and academic freedom while restoring LGBTQ equality and access to reproductive healthcare.
If elected, what would you hope to accomplish with your time in office?
Bucy: While I’ve passed laws that have created jobs, supported economic development, improved access to mental healthcare, expanded opportunities for Texans with IDD, and made it easier for eligible Texans to vote, a few large priorities remain undone. I’d like to pass Medicaid expansion, fully implement online voter registration, lay the foundation for high-speed and regional commuter rail, legalize cannabis, give our state employees a raise and state retirees a cost-of-living adjustment to their pension annuities, fund our public schools and switch to an enrollment-based funding model, and help bring world-class museums and more professional sports teams to Central Texas.
What makes District 136 different from other Texas districts?
Bucy: HD 136 is a fast-growing, increasingly diverse suburban district attractive to families due to strong school districts, job growth especially in technology and advanced manufacturing, proximity to nature and connected trail systems, sense of community and safety, and relative regional affordability. It’s bounded by Apple on one end and Dell Technologies on the other, with growing presence from institutions of higher education, new hospitals and expanded amenities.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Bucy: I am an experienced, proven policymaker with a vote record and portfolio of legislation that is actively improving Texans’ lives. I’ve passed laws to create jobs and support economic development in our local cities; protected the economic agreement between Dell and Round Rock; stood up for Austin in the face of repeated legislative attacks; brought parks funding to the city; twice saved Project Connect; passed Hotel Occupancy Tax bills to benefit Cedar Park; and passed laws every session I’ve been in office that originate as ideas from constituents.
Outside of your candidacy, what are you known for in your community?
Bucy: I’m a proud public school parent. I’ve also built a reputation as a big supporter of the arts and parks and trails. In my professional life I run a youth athletics, academics, and arts league that serves hundreds of thousands of public school students across Texas. And before running for office, I was the Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party. In that role I helped build up grassroots infrastructure, increase civic participation, and elected the first Democratic County Commissioner in over 20 years.
Theodore Schramm (Republican)
Why did you choose to run for the House?
Theodore Schramm: I am running because our community deserves better than the status quo of rising taxes, failing schools and eroded parental rights. As a father raising a child in this district, I see firsthand how local decisions affect families every day. Current leadership too often supports and defends mediocre results at great cost to constituents. I will do the opposite: hold every government official accountable, relentlessly pursue the best outcomes and give public credit for excellence regardless of party. Residents deserve results, not excuses.
What prior experience do you have that qualifies you to serve in this capacity?
Schramm: I bring more than 17 years of professional experience in operations and project management, including setting performance goals, driving accountability and delivering results under pressure. Combined with years as a stay-at-home parent managing complex family and community responsibilities, this background equips me to approach legislation with practical problem-solving rather than political theory.
What part of the district are you from and how do you relate to the community?
Schramm: I live in Round Rock and have deep roots in the Williamson County community. I live in the broader district, engage directly with local schools, neighborhood concerns, and county government and actively participate in the daily life of the families and neighborhoods that make up House District 136.
What issues are you campaigning on?
Schramm: My campaign focuses on education reform with greater state support tied to transparency and parental oversight, meaningful property tax relief, fiscal responsibility and protection of personal freedoms. I am also committed to restoring law and order priorities and ending the culture of unaccountable government spending.
If elected, what would you hope to accomplish with your time in office?
Schramm: I will work to increase the state’s share of education funding while demanding results and parental authority, deliver real property tax relief for homeowners and advance legislation that protects children and individual liberty. My goal is measurable progress that improves daily life for families in District 136.
What makes District 136 different from other Texas districts?
Schramm: District 136 is a rapidly growing suburban area in Williamson County. It balances family neighborhoods, strong local schools and the pressures of expansion near Austin. Residents face unique challenges around school quality, property taxes, infrastructure strain, and the need for responsive local representation.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Schramm: I am a self-funded candidate, a parent raising a child in my district, and a results-oriented professional rather than a career politician. My focus remains on practical solutions, transparency, and putting residents first. I bring both operational experience and a personal stake in the outcomes our district needs.
Outside of your candidacy, what are you known for in your neighborhood or small community?
Schramm: I am known as a dedicated father and involved neighbor who places family first. I actively participate in local school and community matters and consistently show up for the people around me. Neighbors recognize me for practical engagement and a steady commitment to the everyday concerns that shape life in our part of the district.