Katie O'Brien Duzan

Katie O'Brien Duzan was born in Arlington, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in theater and an MBA in Management and Marketing from Texas Christian University's Neeley School of Business. Her career experience includes working as a business manager and marketing executive. She has been affiliated with the Arlington ISD Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm proud to be the daughter of a small business entrepreneur (my dad) and my mom who has lived the American Dream.

I'm a product of Arlington public schools, I'm raising two kids in public schools, and I'm married to an Air Force veteran, Chris.

I’ve led global marketing teams for a decade. I work at the crossroads of technology and life sciences innovation to ultimately lower costs for consumers and get medicines to patients faster.

In our district, I’ve served in various roles, such as in the Citizens Bond Oversight committee for Arlington ISD.

Before I ever considered running for office, I volunteered and knocked on doors for over 10 local candidates.

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?

I’m going to lower costs for Texas families. We need to help Texans access affordable healthcare and high-quality childcare. We need to make it easier for people to own a home and pay rent by lowering property taxes and insurance. As your representative, I will fight to lower costs and raise the minimum wage, so the Texas economy can work for everyone, not just the richest at the top.We’ll fully fund public schools and safe communities. We need to pay and retain great teachers, expand mental health and school safety resources, and ensure every child can learn in a safe environment with a high-quality education. I attended Texas public schools that delivered top-tier education, and they provided opportunities for kids to succeed. But, the legislature’s voucher scam and failure to adequately fund our schools affects students every day.I’ll fight for the people in HD-94, not permit big money power grabs. We’ve got to reign in big utility and insurance companies that are gouging Texas families. We need to protect local control and stop billionaire-funded mandates that roll downhill to us. We need fighters in Austin to challenge the status quo and keep our government accountable, so ALL Texans have the freedom to live, work, vote, worship, speak, and learn here.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m personally passionate about education policy, economic policy, healthcare policy, and technology policy. I’ve worked over 15 years in technology, which would be a unique and valuable experience in the Texas Legislature given rapid changes.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Ann Richards holds a special place as one of my greatest political role models. As Governor of Texas, she was unapologetically direct, fiercely intelligent, and fiscally sharp. Under her leadership, Texas saw incredible gains in public education performance, saved the state billions with financial audits. She is an example I would like to follow because she proved that you could lead with both heart and fiscal responsibility.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official should above all be a servant leader, someone who listens first and leads with the needs of their constituents. Integrity, accountability, and action are non-negotiable characteristics. The best elected officials are those who show up, do the hard work, and remember they are there to serve all of their constituents, not just the rich and powerful.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a state legislator are to represent the voices of their constituents, craft and support legislation that improves the lives of the people they serve, and serve as an accountable and transparent steward of public resources. A state representative must also stay deeply connected to their district, showing up not just in Austin but at home, listening to the needs of their community and bringing those priorities to the Capitol.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working as a hostess and waitress at Cheddar’s restaurant. I did this for two years before working at Saltgrass.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Wendy Davis, Former TX State Senator. Rep. Chris Turner, HD 101. Rep. Ramon Romero Jr., HD 90. Rep. Mihaela Plesa, HD 70. Rep. Salman Bhojani, HD 92. Rep. Terry Meza, HD 105. Hon. Justin Chapa, Arlington ISD School Board President. Hon. Julie Cole, HEB ISD School Board Trustee. Hon. Dr. John Biggan, HEB ISD School Board Trustee. Hon. David A. Wilbanks, Arlington ISD School Board Trustee. Hon. Brooklyn Richardson, Arlington ISD School Board Trustee. Hon. Dr. Tiffany Clark, TX State Board of Education.

AFL-CIO, BLET/IBT, Texas AFT, Annie’s List, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes PAC, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Local Dem Groups (Tarrant County Young Dems, Northeast Tarrant County Dems, Cowtown Dems, and Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas).