Plano’s Rising Star: Can David Carstens Turn HD66 Blue?

Governor Greg Abbott has declared victory in his voucher fight, but Texas Democrats are gearing up to flip enough seats in November to stop the Governor’s top priority.

There are a little more than a dozen races to follow, and according to State Representative Gina Hinojosa, only three more Democratic seats are needed to block vouchers again.

“We need to elect about three more Democrats to the Texas House to defeat vouchers and defend our neighborhood public schools,” she said.

One of these flippable seats is House District 66 in Collin County, where David Carstens, a Plano native, challenges the incumbent, Matt Shaheen.

Who is David Carstens?

David Carstens is deeply rooted in Plano, Collin County. He’s not just a writer and filmmaker; he’s a community-focused candidate committed to fostering inclusivity and collaboration in the Texas State House, according to his campaign website.

Michelle H. Davis of Lone Star Left described Carstens’ campaign as “driven by a vision to bridge divides and foster a collaborative, forward-thinking environment in the Texas State House. As the election approaches, Carstens’ unique blend of creative prowess and dedication to his Texan roots could make him a pivotal figure in transforming the political dynamics of House District 66.”

“What we’re seeing right now is it’s the party that has that complete death grip on power being unable to govern itself,” Carstens remarked at the start of his campaign, highlighting the current state of Texas politics.

His focus in his campaign on local issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

As an educator himself, Carstens understands that sustained investment in public schools is essential.

“He strongly opposes the private school voucher program, which he believes is cynically designed to further weaken our already underfunded public system,” his campaign website states.

The Challenge Ahead: Matt Shaheen

Carstens faces a tough opponent in Matt Shaheen, a Republican incumbent known for his controversial stances and divisive rhetoric. Shaheen has been in office since 2014 and is a member of the Texas Freedom Caucus.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in passing some of the most conservative legislation in the state, including efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights and dismantle environmental protections.

However, Shaheen’s recent vote to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas House has alienated a significant portion of the Republican base, making him vulnerable to a strong Democratic challenge in this election cycle.

Collin County: A Changing Landscape

Collin County, once a Republican stronghold, is becoming a battleground as demographic changes and rapid growth reshape its political landscape. According to The Lone Star Left, the county has shifted significantly to the left over the past two decades, with Donald Trump winning by only four points in 2020, compared to a 49-point margin for Republicans in 2000.

HD66, which was a +7.9 Trump district after the last redistricting cycle, is now seeing a surge in new, more diverse voters. Additionally, the district has a high percentage of residents with four-year degrees, a demographic that increasingly leans Democratic. This combination of factors makes HD66 a prime target for Democrats looking to flip the seat.