JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Incumbent Randy Weber and challenger Rhonda Hart are battling for the House District 14 seat.
While Weber is seeking his seventh term, Hart is a newcomer to politics.
Weber calls himself a regular guy who knows the district 'from stem to stern'.
Hart says her personal connection to the Santa Fe High School shooting motivated her run.
Weber believes that he is uniquely qualified for the job.
"I own and operate an air conditioning company for 35 years. We're just regular people, salt of the earth, especially in Southeast Texas," said Weber.
Weber has also has experience on his side, spending 41 years in politics.
His challenger Rhonda Hart spent several years as a teacher in Dickerson, and a bus driver in the Santa Fe school district.
She's running after tragically losing her 14-year-old daughter, Kimberly Vaughn, in the 2018 Santa Fe high school shooting.
"She had her back to the door, so when the shooter opened the door she was talking to her friends I assume. She did not know what was coming," said Hart.
Six years later she's hoping to create something positive from Kimberly's tragic death, by fighting gun violence and advocating for abortion rights.
"I helped passed the 'Protect Our Kids Act' in 2022. That 'Protect Our Kids Act' had a bill with Kimberly's name on it too, about safe storage with fire arms that was signed by the late Shelia Jackson lee," said Hart.
If re-elected Weber is hoping to focus on reversing fossil fuel fuel halts set by the Biden administration.
"If you slow things down it could mean layoff in jobs, it could mean investors don't want to invest in new plants, it would mean we have to buy energy from other countries and why should we," said Weber.
He also plans to address border concerns that would impact education and health care.
"When they have to spend their time treating those people without payment, they've got to adjust their prices up. Well guess who pays?" says Weber.
Hart is looking forward to a new way of thinking.
"Hopefully we can start moving forward in a different light. I hope for a different way forward," said Hart.
If elected Weber or Hart would represent four counties.
District 14 spans from the southern half of Brazoria, all of Galveston, and Orange. Around 99% of Jefferson County voters.