Erica Gillum

Erica Gillum graduated from Hempstead High School and attended Prairie View A&M University. Her career experience includes working as a real estate agent.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Texan, businesswoman, and former Mayor of Hempstead running for Texas Senate District 18. I am a Realtor, real estate coach, investor, and developer who has spent more than two decades helping families and small businesses build stability, wealth, and opportunity.

My commitment to public service runs deep in my family. My father served as Mayor of Hempstead in 1983 and later as a Waller County Commissioner, instilling in me a strong respect for leadership, accountability, and community service. Inspired by his example, I chose my own path in public service, serving on the Hempstead City Council from 2020 to 2022 and later as Mayor from 2022 to 2024.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Strong schools are the foundation of Texas communities. I will fight to fully fund neighborhood schools, ensure teachers are paid what they deserve, and expand programs that prepare every child for success. Education is not a partisan issue, it’s about giving our children the tools to thrive, strengthen our workforce, and keep Texas competitive for generations to come.Texas was built by hardworking people who value independence and opportunity. I will focus on creating good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and offering training for young adults to enter the workforce. Unlike long-term incumbents who often favor big donors, I will prioritize policies that empower local families, strengthen our communities, and keep our economy growing from the ground up.Texans in Senate District 18 work hard and deserve to know their tax dollars are being used wisely. Too many families are dealing with crumbling roads, flooding, unreliable water systems, and neglected infrastructure while powerful interests get tax breaks with little accountability. I believe taxes should be fair, transparent, and tied to real results. When public dollars are spent, communities should see safer roads, reliable water for farmers, and infrastructure that supports growth. As your State Senator, I will fight for accountability, transparency, and smart investments that put people first not special interests.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policies that respect hard work, protect taxpayers, and deliver real results. Texans deserve safe roads, reliable water, strong utilities, and broadband access, but with accountability and transparency. I believe tax dollars should be tied to visible community benefits, not giveaways to powerful interests. I’m committed to rural water security for farmers, smart infrastructure planning for growing communities, and fair tax policies that protect working families while fully funding schools and essential services. Government should be open, honest, and focused on people, not politics, and that’s the leadership I’m running to bring to Texas Senate District 18.