2026 Candidate Q&A: Texas House District 52 Caroline Harris Davila and Chris Jimenez

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. 

Caroline Harris Davila (Republican, Incumbent)

Why did you choose to run for the House?
Caroline Harris Davila: As a lifelong conservative Republican and your current state representative, I believe in limited government, free enterprise, and rugged individualism. When I first ran for the Texas House in 2021, I wanted our community to be represented by someone who shares and defends our conservative Texas values. I stepped up to ensure families have a strong voice fighting for border security, parental rights, economic freedom, and public safety. It has been a true honor to serve, and I’m proud of the work I’ve accomplished to secure our border, protect our children, cut red tape, and strengthen our community.

What prior experience qualifies you to serve in this capacity?
Davila: I served seven years as a policy advisor in the Texas House and Senate before running for office and I’ve been twice elected your state representative. I earned my undergraduate degree in Communications in two years and, while working full time at the Texas Capitol, I completed a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas. Harnessing my experience, I passed thirteen bills my first session and nineteen my second, delivering results from day one. I was the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Texas House and was named Freshman Legislator of the Year.

What part of the district are you from, and how do you relate to the community? 
Davila: I grew up in Williamson County on the border of Round Rock and Hutto, near the Dell Diamond, and my husband and I now live in Georgetown. My father planted a church in Round Rock when I was young, and I was raised serving the community alongside my family. From volunteering at the Round Rock Serving Center to teaching Sunday school, serving others has always been central to my life. Because I grew up here, I understand our values, our growth challenges, and what makes our community special. Williamson County isn’t just where I serve, it’s home.

What issues are you campaigning on? 
Davila: I plan to continue delivering the conservative results that make Texas great: cutting taxes, creating jobs, securing the border, protecting children and reducing burdensome regulations. I have worked to ban harmful chemicals in school lunches, protect girls’ sports and privacy, stop hostile foreign nations like China from owning Texas land, restore prayer and the Ten Commandments in schools, and empower parents in education. I will always fight to preserve our freedoms, keep Texas thriving, and ensure government works for families, not against them. My campaign is about protecting our values while building a stronger future for the next generation.

If elected, what would you hope to accomplish with your time in office?
Davila: My first priority will be to build on the $70 billion in property tax relief I have already delivered to ensure families aren’t taxed out of their homes. I also delivered $8.5 billion for public education, with half of that for teacher pay raises, and I want to continue to expand educational excellence. I will also continue working to create jobs, strengthen our electrical grid, maintain public safety, cut unnecessary regulations, protect kids from social media and big tech, and make sure Williamson County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

What makes District 52 different from other Texas districts? 
Davila: District 52 is special because it blends rural roots with suburban growth, agriculture with commerce, and long-time residents with new families seeking opportunity. It’s where I grew up, and I’ve seen firsthand how neighbors come together to serve one another. That spirit of collaboration and community pride sets us apart. At the same time, we are one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas, which presents both opportunities and challenges. My goal is to ensure we manage growth wisely so we preserve our strong sense of community and provide an even better future for the next generation.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 
Davila: I’ve been twice elected and served as state representative for House District 52 and am running for my third term. I bring both deep roots in this community and over a decade of hands-on legislative experience. Experience matters when it comes to securing funding, passing legislation, and advocating for our district’s needs. I have delivered measurable results, earning top recognition from my colleagues and passing significant legislation that has also become the national model for other states. President Donald J. Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and Senator Ted Cruz have all endorsed my re-election campaign because of the work I’ve accomplished.

Outside of your candidacy, what are you known for in your neighborhood or small community? 
Davila: I want to be best known for loving Jesus and loving people. My faith guides how I serve others, both in public office and in everyday life. Whether I’m helping a constituent navigate a state agency issue or praying with someone going through a difficult season, I strive to lead with compassion and conviction. It is an absolute honor to serve as your state representative and I humbly ask for your vote. May God bless you and the Great State of Texas!

Chris Jimenez (Democrat)

Why did you choose to run for the House? 
Chris Jimenez: I’m running because families are working hard, doing everything right and still feeling like it’s getting harder to get ahead. At the same time, our schools and infrastructure are trying to keep pace with tremendous growth while being underfunded by the Legislature. I believe public service is about stepping up when you can make a difference. I want to bring some common sense to Austin, focus on the things that affect people’s daily lives, and make sure the families of Williamson County have someone listening to them.

What prior experience do you have that qualifies you to serve in this capacity? 
Jimenez: I served in the Marine Corps, where I learned that leadership means being accountable for your decisions and responsible for the people around you. As a small-business owner, I’ve had to make tough calls, manage budgets, solve problems and understand firsthand how policy decisions affect businesses and working families. And as a father, I have a personal stake in the future we’re building here. I’ve spent my life serving, working for every dollar, and taking responsibility. That’s the experience and perspective I will bring to the Texas House.

What part of the district are you from and how do you relate to the community? 
Jimenez: My family and I live on a small ranch outside of Elgin. What I love about this part of Williamson County is that, even with all the growth around us, there’s still a real sense of community. People know their neighbors, look out for each other, and care about what happens down the road. This isn’t simply a district I’m asking to represent. It’s where we’ve chosen to build our life, our business, and our future. I want to help preserve what makes it special while preparing for the growth that’s coming.

What issues are you campaigning on? 
Jimenez: My top priorities are lowering costs for families, fully funding our public schools, and making healthcare more affordable. I’ll work to ease property-tax pressure and address rising housing costs so families can afford to stay in the communities they call home. I’ll fight to keep public dollars in public schools and make sure funding keeps pace with inflation. And I’ll work to expand access to affordable healthcare so getting sick doesn’t put a family’s financial security at risk. My focus is simple: give working families more breathing room and a fair shot at getting ahead.

If elected, what would you hope to accomplish with your time in office? 
Jimenez: I want families to have more money in their pockets, our public schools to have the resources they need to provide a world-class education, and healthcare to be more affordable and accessible. I want working families to feel like they can build a good life here without constantly falling behind as costs rise. Just as importantly, I want people to know their representative is accessible, accountable and focused on solving problems rather than playing politics. If I can deliver practical results that give families more opportunity, security, and breathing room, that would be time well spent.

What makes District 52 different from other Texas districts? 
Jimenez: District 52 is where Texas’ history and future meet. You can drive a short distance and go from ranches and farmland to established neighborhoods, new subdivisions, small businesses and major employers. That growth creates tremendous opportunity, but it also puts pressure on housing, schools, roads, water and our power grid. What works for a neighborhood in Round Rock may not work for a farmer, rancher, or small-business owner elsewhere in the district. Representing HD-52 means understanding those differences and making sure growth strengthens our communities instead of pricing families out.

What sets you apart from other candidates? 
Jimenez: I bring a diverse combination of experiences to this campaign. Being a dad makes me think about what today’s decisions will mean for our kids. Owning a small business has shown me what rising costs and government decisions look like from the other side of the desk. Serving as a Marine taught me that leadership isn’t about getting credit; it’s about taking responsibility, working as a team, and doing your job. I’m not interested in political theater or culture wars. I’m interested in practical results that lower costs and support a brighter future.

Outside of your candidacy, what are you known for in your neighborhood or small community? 
Jimenez: Outside of politics, I’m known as the neighbor you call when your car needs fixing. I’m the kind of person who will pop the hood, grab his tools, and help you figure it out without making a big deal of it. I am a regular at the farmers market, where he enjoys catching up with neighbors and supporting local growers and small businesses. More than anything, I’m known for showing up. Whether someone needs a hand with a repair, help around the property, or a good neighbor, I believe community starts with being there for one another.