Texas House 150 is red, but Democrats should pick R.L. Beatty

Beatty, a former criminal justice professional, is new to politics but has ideas to appeal to both parties in the Republican-leaning district.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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R.L. Beatty, a former reentry case manager for the criminal justice system, is running as a Democrat for Texas House District 150, a Republican-leaning district that has been represented by Republican Rep. Valoree Swanson since 2017. Beatty has a number of ideas to improve the criminal justice system and address other key issues in the district, such as funding for special education, strengthening the electric grid, and flood mitigation. While Beatty lacks some political experience, the editorial board believes she has potential and urges Democrats to nominate her to face Swanson in the general election.

Why it matters

Texas House District 150 is a Republican-leaning district, but the editorial board believes Beatty's background and platform could give Democrats their best shot at flipping the seat. Beatty's focus on criminal justice reform and other bread-and-butter issues could appeal to a wide range of voters in the district.

The details

Beatty, 62, is a former reentry case manager who wants to bring her experience working in the criminal justice system to the state legislature. She has several ideas to improve conditions for prison staff, including better tracking of inmates during transit, database upgrades, staff pay raises, higher hazard pay, and better retirement benefits. Beatty also wants to focus on fully funding special education, strengthening the electric grid, and improving flood mitigation in the Cypress Creek and Spring Creek watersheds.

  • Beatty is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for Texas House District 150.

The players

R.L. Beatty

A 62-year-old former reentry case manager for the criminal justice system who is running as a Democrat for Texas House District 150.

Valoree Swanson

The Republican incumbent who has represented Texas House District 150 since 2017.

A'Yonna Kellum

Beatty's Democratic primary opponent, about whom little information was available.

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What they’re saying

“I know that you can change lives with that desk,”

— R.L. Beatty (Houston Chronicle)

“People don't understand the stress behind the gate,”

— R.L. Beatty (Houston Chronicle)

The takeaway

While Texas House District 150 is a Republican-leaning district, Beatty's background and platform could give Democrats their best shot at flipping the seat. Her focus on criminal justice reform and other key issues could appeal to a wide range of voters in the district.