Texas Senate District 30: Healthcare, Education, And Residency Issues Define The Race

In the Texas Senate District 30 race, Democrat Dale Frey and Republican Brent Hagenbuch are set to compete in November, aiming to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Drew Springer, who did not seek reelection. The district spans 11 counties, including portions of Denton, Collin, and Wichita counties.

Hagenbuch is a U.S. Navy veteran and transportation business owner, and was elected chair of the Denton County Republican Party in 2021. He won the GOP’s nomination for the district after winning in a runoff election against Jace Yarbrough, however, during the primaries, he faced accusations that he resided outside the district.

According to Kera News, Hagenbuch describes himself as traditionally conservative.

“I think my values line up a lot more with the majority of the people of District 30 counties,” Hagenbuch said. “… I’m pro-Christian, pro-family, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-free market.”

He also promised to address the migration issue, arguing that a Venezuelan gang is increasing activity in Texas. He also said he would address the economy.

“People have a hard time making ends meet these days,” he said. “I think it’s because — I know it’s because — of Biden’s inflation.”

He added that he was inspired by former President Donald Trump and that he would fight to keep Texas a conservative place.

“I think Texas is like the place that America used to be, and I want to keep it that way,” Hagenbuch said. “… I was very motivated by a businessman like Trump, who can cut through all the bureaucracy and everything and actually take our country back and return it to its original values.”

On the other side, Democrat Dale Frey highlights progressive ideals in his campaign, centering his platform on healthcare reform, public education, and infrastructure improvements. He has worked with agencies such as the General Services Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

He is particularly interested in Texas’ health issues, he said that after his father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, he has advocated for a better healthcare system, as Texas failed to expand Medicaid.

“I really want to try to do what I can to fix the broken health care system down here,” Frey said.

He also said he would support funding for public schools and for better pay for teachers. He said he’ll focus on block vouchers, arguing the measure will defund public education.

In addition, Frey expressed he would support funding for essential infrastructure projects, including water recycling solutions to combat drought issues in places like Wichita Falls.

“We can fix our broken roads — we pay for infrastructure today, upgrade our water infrastructure, which is also desperately needed, and if they really wanted a school choice program, they can fund that with our massive surplus,” Frey said. “But that is not what is being proposed. Instead, the voucher program specifically takes money away from a public education system.”

While the race is heating up, Frey may be in an uphill battle against Hagenbuch. Sen. Drew Springs won the district with 85% of the vote.