Where Texas candidates stand on disability.
More than 3.5 million Texans live with a disability. We asked every candidate for Governor and U.S. Senate the same eight questions about the issues that shape their lives. Every answer is published here exactly as it was sent to us.
How this Works
On September 24 and 25, 2026, Disability Partnerships sent the same eight questions and the same deadline to the campaigns of Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa for Governor, and Ken Paxton and James Talarico for U.S. Senate. We asked for answers by Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central, by email, attached document, or short captioned video.
We publish every response word for word. We do not edit, summarize, rate, rank, or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each race. If a campaign has not responded, the page says so, and we will add the response the day it arrives, even after the deadline.
Disability Partnerships is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We do not support or oppose candidates for public office. This page is voter education, offered equally to every campaign.
Page last updated on 10/7/26
The eight questions we asked
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The 2024 HHS Section 504 rule included guidance directing states to support people with disabilities in community settings rather than institutions. A federal court order on September 23, 2026 removed those provisions nationwide, although Section 504, the ADA, and the Olmstead decision remain in effect. What is your position on the right of Texans with disabilities to receive services in their own homes and communities, and what specific steps would you take in office?
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Texas has long waiting lists for Medicaid waiver programs that let people with disabilities live at home. How would you address those waiting lists and the direct care workforce shortage behind them?
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What would you do to improve access to health care, including preventive care, mental health care, and accessible medical equipment and facilities, for Texans with disabilities?
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People with disabilities work at roughly half the rate of people without disabilities. What policies would you support to expand employment, entrepreneurship, and financial security for Texans with disabilities?
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What is your plan to increase the supply of housing that people with disabilities can afford and physically use?
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How would you ensure students with disabilities in Texas receive the services they're entitled to under federal law, and what role should the state play in funding and oversight?
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Texans with disabilities face higher risks during hurricanes, floods, and power outages. How would you make sure state and local emergency plans account for people with disabilities?
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How would you include people with disabilities in your administration or office, and how would voters with disabilities be able to hold you accountable on these commitments?
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Is there anything else you would like Texans with disabilities to know about your priorities?
Governor
Greg Abbott
Response not yet received. Questions were delivered to Texans for Greg Abbott by email on September 25, 2026.
Gina Hinojosa
Response not yet received. Questions were delivered to Gina Hinojosa for Texas Governor by email on September 25, 2026.
U.S. Senate
Ken Paxton
Questions were delivered to Ken Paxton for Senate by mail and email on September 25, 2026.
James Talerico
Questions were delivered to James Talarico for Senate by mail and email on September 25, 2026.
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Make A Plan to Vote
Early voting runs October 19 through October 30, 2026. Election Day is November 3. Every Texas polling place must be accessible, and you have the right to curbside voting, an accessible voting machine, and to bring someone to help you.
Questions about this page, or a campaign that wants to respond: Tamara Gallman, Founder and President, Disability Partnerships. Email: info@disabilitypartnerships.org. Phone: 281-761-7917. Media inquiries welcome.