Hey Collin County conservatives! If you're fired up about securing our borders, slashing property taxes, and rebuilding our skilled workforce, State Rep. Keresa Richardson is the proven leader we've got in Austin. Fresh off her first term, Keresa's latest "News & Views" newsletter is a powerhouse readout on her accomplishments, the battles ahead, and why she's charging back into the 2026 Republican Primary. Let's dive in—this isn't just politics; it's about preserving the Texas we love.

From Freshman to Force: Lessons from the Front Lines

Keresa pulls no punches about her rookie year in the Texas House: "The Texas Legislature moves slowly—it's like running the seventh-largest economy in the world with just five months every two years." But slow doesn't mean stagnant. Serving on key committees like Human Services (our second-biggest budget item), Trade & Workforce, and International Relations, she got a crash course in interconnected issues—from mental health and homelessness to global trade. The takeaway? Real change, like fixing property taxes or workforce shortages, is a marathon, not a sprint. "We chip away—10 yards at a time—until we score."And score they did. A tight-knit group of conservatives flipped the script, passing 42 grassroots Republican priority bills—up from just four last session. That's a seismic shift rightward, folks!

Tackling the Skilled Trades Crisis Head-On

Drawing from her five years as president of a national plumbing company, Keresa authored and passed House Bill 3214, slashing the apprenticeship for master plumbers from eight years to six. Why? Texas was crippling itself with outdated rules—longer than becoming a doctor! Now, we're addressing a "full-blown skilled-trades crisis": Houston leaks enough water annually to supply Ft. Worth, builders wait months for electricians, and small towns can't retain water operators. Keresa's vision? Revive CTE programs in schools, smash licensing barriers, and honor "AI-proof" jobs starting at $70K–$90K with no debt. "About a third of our kids are kinesthetic learners," she writes. "If we don't give them a path, we fail Texas." She's spot-on—let's build a workforce that welds, plumbs, and powers our booming state!

No Dice on Casinos: Protecting Families from Predatory Gambling

In a bold stand, Keresa exposes the dark side of casinos: "They don't bring prosperity—they bring addiction, family collapse, and community decay." Busting myths, she notes that 10% of gamblers generate 90% of profits, fueling crime, trafficking, and bankruptcies. "Casinos profit from fallout," not fun. With Texas failing to even regulate its own lottery, why invite more trouble? Keresa's message: Keep Vegas in Vegas—Texas families deserve better.

Calling Out the Competition: Frazier vs. Richardson

Remember Frederick Frazier? The disgraced ex-rep who lost police endorsements after scandals? Keresa crushed him with 67.6% in 2024, and her newsletter reminds us why. Ratings tell the tale:

• Texas Values: Frazier 66 vs. Keresa 95

• Young Conservatives of Texas: Frazier 66 vs. Keresa 91

• Texans for Fiscal Responsibility: Frazier 38 vs. Keresa 92

• Rice University: Frazier "Liberal" vs. Keresa "Very Conservative" Frazier joined Democrats on nearly 40% of partisan votes—yikes! Grassroots America dubs him a "10 of Donkeys" while crowning Keresa "Queen of Patriots." No contest.

Key Wins and the Road Ahead

Keresa's legislative scorecard shines:

• Co-sponsored SB 17 to block foreign adversaries (like China) from buying Texas land.

• Backed SB 33 to stop taxpayer-funded out-of-state abortions.

• Pushed SB 2 for massive school choice expansion.

• Supported SB 8 for immigration checks and SJR 5 for bail reform to lock up violent offenders.

Endorsements roll in from heavy hitters

Collin County Judge Chris Hill praises her fiscal discipline (92 score!); Sheriff Jim Skinner hails her "back the blue" votes; and Rep. Mitch Little (Freshman of the Year) calls her a "reform-minded fighter." Plus, nods from Texas Right to Life, Texans for Strong Borders, and more.But the fight's not over. Top priorities: Crush illegal immigration, deliver Abbott's bold property tax cuts, and tackle crime. "People are moving here by the millions because Texas works," Keresa warns. "If we don't solve these, we risk becoming like the places they're fleeing."

A Warning on Sharia: Defending American Freedom

In a guest piece by national security expert Frank Gaffney, the newsletter spotlights Sharia as a "totalitarian ideology, not a religion." It's a call to vigilance against subversive threats, from no-go zones to unassimilated enclaves. "Sharia must be resisted—not accommodated—if we are to preserve freedom."

Join the Fight: Early Voting Starts Feb. 17!

Keresa's running again because "the job isn't finished." With a record of 41 authored bills, 190 co-authored, and unwavering conservative grit, she's the warrior HD 61 needs. Head to KeresaForTexas.com to donate, volunteer, or learn more. Election Day: March 3, 2026. Let's keep Texas red, safe, and prosperous—vote Keresa Richardson!