Esther Fleharty

Esther Fleharty's career experience includes working in epidemiology and the technology sector.[1]

Esther Fleharty did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteFleharty's campaign website stated the following:ECONOMIC FAIRNESS AND OPPORTUNITYEvery family deserves a fair shot at building a secure future. That means lowering costs, protecting workers, and ensuring our economy works for everyone — not just the wealthy and well-connected.Build a Strong Border EconomyEnd harmful tariffs and wasteful border militarization that divide communities and drive up prices. A strong border economy depends on fair commerce, not fear.Lower Costs for FamiliesExpand assistance programs for utilities, internet, and health premiums so families don’t have to choose between basic needs.Protect Workers’ RightsDefend the right to organize and pass pro-worker legislation like the PRO Act, so every worker has a voice at the table.Update Rules for New TechnologiesCreate a clear regulatory framework for blockchain and emerging technologies that protects consumers, fosters innovation, and provides certainty for American businesses.Support Businesses and Immigrant WorkersCut visa backlogs and processing delays so U.S. businesses can thrive. Ensure immigrant workers are protected by labor laws and can report abuse without fear of retaliation.REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTSHarm Reduction and Common-Sense ExceptionsImmediately pass bipartisan-supported legislation that provides exemptions in cases where a woman’s life is in danger, or when pregnancy results from sexual assault, rape, or incest.Ensure medical professionals have the legal clarity and protection to provide emergency care without fear of prosecution.Federal Protections for Interstate CareGuarantee federal protections for anyone who travels out of state to receive reproductive health care.Protect patients and providers from legal retaliation across state lines.Codify Roe v. Wade into Federal LawEstablish federal statutory protections for reproductive freedom so that access to care does not depend on a person’s zip code or state legislature.Access to Medication and ContraceptionProtect and expand access to FDA-approved medication abortion and contraception.Ensure insurance plans cover birth control and reproductive care without burdensome restrictions.Protect Providers and PatientsStrengthen federal safeguards for doctors, nurses, and clinics who provide reproductive care.Prevent harassment, intimidation, or violence against patients and medical staff.Equity in Reproductive HealthAddress disparities in access for rural communities, low-income families, and communities of color.Expand funding for reproductive health clinics and telehealth services nationwide.AI GOVERNANCE: PROTECTING FAMILIES AND WORKERArtificial Intelligence is reshaping how we live and work. It can drive innovation and economic growth, but without strong guardrails it can also put children, families, and workers at risk. Esther believes AI must be governed with common-sense protections that put people first.She will fight for:Child Safety Online – Banning exploitative use of AI chatbots that target or manipulate kids and ensuring AI-driven platforms cannot misuse children’s personal data.Deepfake Safeguards – Requiring clear labeling of AI-generated images, videos, and voices to prevent fraud, harassment, and misinformation.Protecting Workers’ Rights – Establishing rules to prevent AI from being used to exploit labor, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protecting jobs from unfair displacement.Data Privacy Protections – Guaranteeing families and workers have control over their data and that it cannot be harvested or sold without consent.Responsible Innovation – Supporting transparent, ethical AI development that prioritizes accountability and fairness while encouraging U.S. leadership in safe, trusted technologies.AI should strengthen our communities, safeguard our children, and respect the dignity of work. Esther will fight to make sure technology serves people, not the other way around.MENTAL HEALTH ACCESSExpand Affordable Access to CareIncrease funding for community clinics, school-based programs, and telehealth so every family, urban or rural, can access timely mental health support.End the Trial-and-Error Approach to TreatmentPromote insurance coverage for genetic testing that helps identify which medications work best for each patient, reducing harmful guesswork and improving outcomes.Integrate Mental Health Into Primary CareRequire parity between mental and physical health services so mental health checkups are treated as essential care, not optional extras.Support the WorkforceExpand training, recruitment, and loan forgiveness programs for mental health professionals to meet growing demand.Early Intervention and Youth ServicesInvest in prevention and early intervention programs in schools and community centers to support young people before crises escalate.STOPPING TRUMP AND ABBOTT CHAOS POLICIESProtect Democracy and the Rule of LawOppose reckless policies that undermine our democratic institutions, target communities, and erode trust in government.Stop Political Stunts at the BorderReject wasteful border militarization that drives up costs, divides communities, and fails to make us safer.Advocate for smart, humane immigration policies that keep families together and strengthen our economy.Defend Our FreedomsPush back against extremist attempts to roll back reproductive rights, restrict voting access, and silence dissent.Put People Over PoliticsPrioritize practical solutions that lower costs, protect health care, and strengthen local communities instead of chaos-driven political theater.GUN GUARDRAILSUniversal Background ChecksClose loopholes and require background checks on all gun sales to keep firearms out of dangerous hands.Red Flag ProtectionsSupport laws that allow families and law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a clear risk to themselves or others.Safe Storage and AccountabilityPromote safe storage requirements to protect children and prevent stolen guns from fueling crime.Ban Weapons of WarKeep weapons of war like assault rifles off our streets—they belong in combat zones, not classrooms and neighborhoods.Invest in Community SafetyFund violence prevention programs, mental health services, and local law enforcement resources that stop tragedies before they happen.PROTECT WORKER RIGHTSDefend the Right to OrganizeStrengthen and pass legislation like the PRO Act to ensure workers can form unions and collectively bargain in the face of corporate union-busting.Fair Wages in the Age of AIGuarantee that automation and artificial intelligence enhance productivity without eroding wages, benefits, or job security. Workers should share in the gains, not be replaced by machines.Set Guardrails on AI in the WorkplaceEstablish clear rules to prevent AI from being used for exploitative surveillance, biased hiring practices, or unsafe working conditions.Support Worker Training and TransitionExpand federal programs for skills training, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning so workers can adapt and thrive as technology evolves.Equal Protections for All WorkersEnsure gig workers, contractors, and immigrant workers are covered by labor laws and protected from abuse in a changing economy.ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITYProtecting our environment is about more than today, it’s about safeguarding the health, safety, and prosperity of future generations. Projections show that without bold action, Central Texas will face rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and worsening air quality. These challenges threaten our economy, public health, and way of life. By investing in renewable energy, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting sustainable development, we can not only curb harmful emissions but also create good-paying jobs and ensure clean air and water for every family. Our vision is clear: a resilient, sustainable future where growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.— Esther Fleharty's campaign website (February 17, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.