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Representing what has been a solidly Republican district, two-term incumbent Tom Oliverson is a conservative advocate for robust Second Amendment rights and a limited role for government. His children are homeschooled, he staunchly opposes abortion rights, and has prioritized expanding religious liberty.

During the 2017 session of the Legislature, when a bill banning transgender people from using using public bathrooms matching their gender identity dominated debate, Oliverson authored a bill that would have provided a religious exemption for discrimination against LGBT people. Neither bill became law and after losing seats in the next election, Republicans shifted their focus.

A medical doctor specializing in anesthesia, Oliverson has a solid track record sponsoring bipartisan bills including protection against surprise billing for emergency room visits. Last session, with a lift from Democratic Rep. Senfronia Thompson, a bill Oliverson co-authored requiring pharmaceutical companies to justify price jumps became law. And in the face of projected budget shortfalls, he says he will work to protect the increased education funding passed in 2019.

Im willing to work with anyone who is willing to work with me, Oliverson told the editorial board, adding, Good policy isnt partisan.

It is based on that attitude that we recommend Oliverson for re-election, despite misgivings.

His Twitter account, for instance, is often divisive. We are also troubled by photos of him not wearing a mask in situations where physical distancing was not possible. With COVID-19 continuing to devastate lives and our economy, we expect more from a physician leader.

Democratic challenger Bryan Henry was a 2019 Texas Council for Social Studies high school teacher of the year and now teaches at a community college. His home flooded during Harvey and he stresses the need for flood mitigation as well as slowing climate change. We were impressed by Henrys depth of knowledge and clarity on health care access, gun violence, education, criminal justice reform and other issues.

Texas House District 130 includes rapidly growing and diversifying communities in the northwest corner of Harris County. Voters there can choose between two intelligent candidates who represent different visions for Texas.

While we wish he were a better physician leader during this pandemic, we recommend Oliverson based on his experience and success working across party lines.

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Editorial: We recommend Tom Oliverson in Texas House District 130 - Houston Chronicle