In the evolving political landscape of Texas, District 138 stands at a pivotal crossroads. With its deep suburban roots and long-held conservative stronghold, the district is now undergoing a transformation reflective of the state's shifting demographics. Leading the charge for this change is Stephanie Morales, a former prosecutor and fierce advocate for Harris County’s most vulnerable—its children. Morales, running for State Representative, is on a mission to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly those overlooked by a system failing to meet their needs.

A Historic Republican Stronghold

For more than two decades, District 138 has been a bastion of Republican influence in western Harris County. Suburban areas like Spring Branch and parts of Memorial have reliably voted for conservative candidates, with Republican Dwayne Bohac holding the seat for nearly 20 years. Bohac, a staple of the district's political scene, narrowly held onto the seat in 2018 by just 47 votes out of more than 50,000 cast. His victory, though, was a harbinger of the changes to come, signaling a dramatic shift in voter sentiment driven by the district's changing population.

In 2020, Lacy Hull succeeded Bohac after his retirement, continuing the Republican reign in District 138. However, Hull’s tenure has unfolded during a time of significant political and demographic transformation. As the district’s demographics continue to evolve, the future of District 138 remains an open question, particularly as candidates like Morales’s step forward to challenge the status quo.

A Changing Voter Pool: The Power of Demographics

The story of District 138's transformation is one deeply tied to the changing face of its electorate. Once predominantly white and affluent, the district is now majority-minority, with over 50% of its population identifying as Black or Hispanic. This shift is part of a broader trend across Texas, where suburban districts are seeing rapid diversification. In District 138, this demographic change has had profound implications for both the political dynamics and the issues that resonate with voters.

For Stephanie Morales, the district's changing demographics are more than just numbers—they are a call to action. “We have children living in danger, underfunded schools, and entire communities that feel invisible to those in power,” says Morales. “This is no longer a district where only one voice is heard. We are a community of many voices, and it’s time our representation reflected that.”

Her passion is particularly focused on the needs of children in the district, many of whom come from underserved communities. Morales, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant and public-school teacher, understands firsthand the struggles faced by families in District 138. She recalls how growing up in a family dedicated to public service instilled in her a drive to protect the most vulnerable. This personal experience fuels her commitment to ensuring that foster care services, public education, and child protection agencies are funded and reformed to meet the needs of every child, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.

Fighting for the Future

As the first minority candidate to potentially win in District 138, Morales represents the district's future—a future where the majority of voters are now Black and Hispanic. Spring Branch ISD, which serves a significant portion of the district, reflects this change. Elementary schools north of I-10, for example, have been more than 90% Black and Hispanic since the 1990s, yet have never had a minority representative from their community fighting for their interests.

Morales points out the disconnect between the district’s needs and the priorities of the Texas Legislature. “Our schools are underfunded, and our children are falling through the cracks while the state boasts of a budget surplus,” she says. Her platform centers on addressing this imbalance by pushing for increased funding for public education and child welfare services.

This isn’t just about politics for Morales—it’s about protecting future generations. She frequently works late into the night, tracking down caseworkers to ensure that abused and neglected children aren’t forgotten. “We’re Texas. We should be the best state for families, for children, and for education. But we’re not there yet. That’s what I’m fighting for,” Morales says.

The 2024 Election: A Watershed Moment

The upcoming election in District 138 will test the district's readiness for change. No Democrat has held the seat in more than 20 years, but with the district’s demographic shifts and the thin margin in recent elections, Morales’ candidacy marks a significant moment in the district's history. In 2018, Dwayne Bohac’s razor-thin victory showed how competitive the district has become, and Morales hopes to be the one who finally flips the seat.

At the heart of her campaign is a message of unity and progress. She is fighting for the children and families of District 138, advocating for equitable education funding, common-sense gun safety laws, and a more inclusive approach to governance. Her candidacy is about more than winning an election—it’s about ushering in a new era of representation that reflects the district's diversity and its needs.

Morales sums it up best: “Texas is full of friendly people from everywhere on earth. But we need leadership that is as welcoming and inclusive as the people it serves.”

Houston Style Magazine readers, with early voting set to begin on Monday, October 21, and the November 5 election fast approaching, the future of District 138 hangs in the balance. The district’s changing demographics, combined with Morales' unrelenting drive, have set the stage for what could be one of the most significant elections in the district’s history.

For more info, visit stephaniefortexas.com