MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — With just over a week to go until Election Day, the race for Texas House District 56 is gaining momentum. This year marks the first time since 2005 that voters will choose a new representative for the district, following the retirement of long-serving incumbent Charles "Doc" Anderson.*
Texas House District 56 encompasses a significant portion of McLennan County, serving nearly 200,000 residents in cities including Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, China Spring, West, and Bruceville-Eddy.
Candidates Pat Curry and Erin Shank are vying for the seat, each offering distinct visions for the future of the district. Curry, a local business owner, emphasizes a need for smaller government and stronger border security. “Pat Curry is going to fight for you. I'm a fighter, and you can count that I’m going to fight for my district, my home, where I’m from,” Curry stated.
Shank, an attorney and a mother, is running for the second time for this position, highlighting her commitment to women's health issues and public education. “It's time for a woman to represent McLennan County, an experienced attorney, mom, and I’m ready to do it. I can't wait to hit the ground running,” she said.
Curry has expressed strong support for school vouchers, a key initiative backed by Governor Greg Abbott. “For. No doubt,” he stated when asked about his position on the controversial program. He believes in minimizing the influence of federal and state government in local affairs, asserting that he wants “to keep Washington out of Austin, and I want to keep Austin out of Waco.”
In contrast, Shank vehemently opposes school vouchers, viewing them as a misuse of taxpayer dollars. “It only takes flipping three Texas House seats in order to block the voucher scam,” she explained. Shank is also focused on improving women's health care, advocating for the inclusion of rape and life-saving exemptions in abortion legislation. “We literally might have women dying or becoming seriously ill,” she warned.
The candidates have begun reaching out to voters, with both claiming to understand the pressing issues affecting the district. “They are very concerned about border security, about crime in their neighborhoods,” Curry said regarding his interactions with constituents.
Endorsements have also begun to play a crucial role in this competitive race. Curry has received support from the Waco Police Association and Governor Greg Abbott, while Shank is backed by a Central Texas labor union and former State Representative Lydon Olson.
“I think the voters of McLennan County and Waco are going to want to see a respected, experienced representative representing them. My opponent has zero experience in law, zero experience in representation. We deserve better than that,” Shank asserted, positioning her legal background as an asset.
Curry counters this claim, stating, “I certainly think I’m the best, by far, the best person for that job. We do have too many lawyers in the house too, by the way.”
As the candidates ramp up their campaigns, residents of District 56 can expect to see increased outreach and engagement leading up to the election. Both candidates are eager to connect with voters and share their visions for the district's future.
For a deeper look at the candidates’ positions, full interviews are available through the KCEN 6 + streaming app.
*Stay tuned for more updates from 6 News as Election Day approaches.*
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