IF YOU WANT CHANGE, VOTE FOR JAMES

Harold Dutton has betrayed our communities, working with the GOP to cede control of our schools to Austin, ignoring the advice of teachers and parents.

James Joseph will proudly defend our communities' voice in education, and will introduce legislation to bring the HISD home, and restore the power of our elected school board. 

With education being slashed at left and right, every American is suffering the consequences. Dr. Joseph believes that access to a good public education is a right; a child should not have better opportunities than another just because they live in a wealthier neighborhood. All schools should have equal resources, and this starts with better pay for teachers and well-equipped classrooms. We cannot continue to exploit the goodwill of our teachers if we hope to foster a welcoming learning environment that invites students to ask questions and learn critical thinking skills that will allow them to bring us into the future.

In the 142nd, politicians like Harold Dutton have sold out our communities, taking checks from billionaire Trump mega-donors who don’t share our values and don’t live our struggles. That’s not representation, that’s corruption disguised as politics.

James Joseph is running for State Representative in District 142 because he believes our voices should never be drowned out by the richest and most powerful. While Dutton has cozied up to big-money special interests, James is committed to putting people first, teachers, workers, families, and local small businesses.

Here’s James’s pledge:

• No corporate PAC money. Our campaign will always be powered by people, not political insiders.
• Transparency in donations. We will shine a light on who funds campaigns, because voters deserve to know.
• Accountability over influence. Elected officials should answer to their neighbors, not to billionaires.

District 142 deserves a representative who listens to everyday Texans, not to Trump’s billionaire backers. James Joseph is running to return power where it belongs, with the people.

Harold Dutton has failed to protect our LGBTQ community, and has worked with the GOP in Austin to attack LGBTQ+ rights, voting with the Austin Republicans on crucial bills.

James Joseph believes that every American has the right to be treated equally, no matter their background, race, sexual orientation, or where they live. James Joseph plans to work on protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, programs for low-income families, and a livable minimum wage. He believes that everyone in this country should be given equal opportunities because no one person is inherently better than another.

In Austin, James Joseph will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community of our district, and across the Great State of Texas.

For too long, District 142 has been represented by Harold Dutton, a public official who has repeatedly shown a troubling unwillingness to listen or show humility. Rather than engaging respectfully with his constituents, he has resorted to shouting, cursing, and dismissing those who disagree with him. This is not the leadership our community deserves.

James Joseph is different. He believes public service is about listening, learning, and putting the needs of the community first. He doesn’t just hear those who have worked with him, he seeks out the voices of every resident, especially those who feel unheard or overlooked. His approach is grounded in respect, collaboration, and accountability.

James Joseph is running to restore dignity, integrity, and common sense to District 142. It’s time for leadership that builds bridges, not walls; that listens first and speaks with purpose; that puts the community above politics. District 142 deserves a representative who serves with honor, and that representative is James Joseph.

As the Republican Party continues to push policies that silence Americans who don’t think like them to keep themselves in power, Dr. Joseph says no more. He will fight for you and your rights by protecting voting rights and standing up against the inequitable gerrymandering attempts. With experience in advocating for underserved communities, he will ensure that your voice is heard and his votes/policies reflect the needs of this district.

Gun violence continues to be a problem in America and threatens the safety of everyone. The NRA has the Republican Party in its pocket, and we deserve someone willing to stand up and demand common-sense gun laws and background checks. Dr. Joseph also plans to push for better community policing practices that encourage relationships between the police and the communities they are sworn to serve.

Importantly, Dr. Joseph is calling for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, because weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods, schools, or places of worship. Protecting the Second Amendment and keeping our communities safe must go hand in hand, and Dr. Joseph will fight tirelessly to make that a reality.

James Joseph has experience working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and advocating for constituents who face the negative impacts of the decreasing restrictions on industries, in addition to being an outspoken voice against the Fifth Ward cancer cluster. Our environment has taken care of us for centuries; it’s time that we protect it.

James Joseph is committed to safeguarding our environment and building a sustainable future for all Texans. As a progressive leader, he knows that protecting clean air, water, and land isn’t just about preserving nature, it’s about protecting our health, our economy, and our children’s future. In the State House, James will fight to hold polluters accountable, invest in renewable energy, and push for policies that put community well‑being above corporate profits.