Mary Klenz

Mary Klenz graduated from South Mecklenburg High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986, an M.D. from the Duke University School of Medicine in 1995, and a degree from the New York University School of Medicine in 1999. Her career experience includes working as a physician.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an OB/GYN who practiced in the Rio Grande Valley for 25 years. My husband Kyle is an immigration attorney. Fifteen years ago, we purchased land just outside of Giddings Tx with plans to eventually retire here. Last year we were able to realize that dream and moved here with the plan of enjoying the natural beauty and small town charm that the area has to offer.

My husband and I met while serving as teachers in the Peace Corp in southern Africa. We moved to McAllen, Texas in 1999 with the intention of working to provide medical care and legal aid to an underserved border community. We were excited to get to know the cultures and traditions that Texas offered.

SInce that time, I have witnessed the emergence of intolerance and hostility towards many members of my community whose only intention has been to work towards the same American dream that I was raised with.

The current loss of personal autonomy and attack on Constitutional rights has been shocking. And the effects this has had on the ability for hardworking Americans to meet their needs for healthcare, housing, electricity and even food has been even worse. Meanwhile, a small group of ultrawealthy have taken over the mechanics of government for their own purposes.

My hope in running for Texas State House is to halt the attack on working Americans and restore government to its normal functions of ensuring that all citizens can meet their basic needs to live and thrive.

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?

Making healthcare accessible and affordable.

The current system rewards insurance companies for denying care. At the same time Texas State government has devoted all of its efforts to prevent Texans from having affordable, reliable healthcare. The Affordable Care Act subsidies must remain in place and the Medicaid expansion must continue in order to ensure all of our residents have access to the world-class healthcare that Texas offers. In addition, the assault on reproductive right must end and the basic right for patients to decide when, where and with whom to start a family must be returned.Restoring local control to communities.

The " Death Star" bill which allows state government to override local ordinances must be repealed. This bill prevents local governments from making decisions regarding the best use of local resources. In rural areas the bill is currently being used to co-opt local land and water resourced to benefit private equity such as billionaires and hedge fund managers. These resources are too valuable to fall prey to political jockeying.Prioritize longterm investments for communities

Current government priorities cater to the interests of wealthy individuals and corporation, often located outside our district. We must stop allowing small-minded political interests to override our longterm needs for good public education, sustainable jobs and growth which benefits the entire community. We must direct government resources toward the preservation of our natural resources for use by future generations and prevent outside corporate interests from draining our community resources. I will work to incentivize investments which provide stable jobs, increase the tax base and promote growth which improves the quality of life in our district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Developing a reasonable immigration policy

We are a country of immigrants which has been true since the founding of this great nation. Yet we continue to harass and marginalize those members of our community who are new to this country. Our country relies on immigrants for economic stability - immigrants grow our food, care for our children, and work in all aspects of the private sector. We must have a standard process to allow people to come to our country and stay here without fear of being separated from their families or losing their jobs. We know that the vast majority of drug and sex trafficking occurs across monitored border crossing points, which is where security should focus. Random ICE sweeps are unconstitutional and must stop.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Coalition of Democratic Allies