Michelle Beckley

Michelle Beckley lives in Carrollton, Texas. Beckley graduated from Newman Smith High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M University in 1992. Beckley's career experience includes owning Kookaburra Pet Shop.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Michelle Beckley was elected on November 8, 2018, to represent House District 65 in the Texas House of Representatives & then re-elected in 2020. During redistricting she was drawn into House District 63.

Her political inspiration came from attending the 2017 Dallas Women's March.

Beckley is as rooted in her district as they come, having attended public school in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District before earning a degree in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Her love for her community brought her back to manage the Kookaburra Bird Shop before purchasing it in 2003. Beckley and her husband, Martin Mikes, live in Carrollton with their two Standard Poodles, Mischief and Mayhem, and cat Mika.

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?

Education is a core focus for Michelle Beckley, supporting teachers, schools, and students while opposing the billionaire voucher scam. Properly funding public schools is vital for a robust economy.On healthcare, Michelle Beckley prioritizes keeping reproductive health decisions private and accessible. She aims to address issues like limited emergency care for pregnant women, IVF threats, and criminalization of miscarriages, advocating for affordable, quality healthcare for all.In the realm of the environment, Michelle Beckley emphasizes enhancing and expanding Texas' energy systems to meet the state's energy needs and stabilize the grid, while striving to maintain Texas as a leader in renewable energy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education is the key to long term success of Texas, children are our future.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Lately, I’ve been reading LBJ's book, "The Vantage Point." It’s fascinating to see how many issues we face today were also present back then. Understanding our history and learning from it is crucial.

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

Elected officials must listen to their constituents and represent them effectively. Maintaining open communication is crucial.

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

The primary responsibility of the Texas State Legislature is to allocate funding for Texas public schools. It is essential that taxpayer money is not diverted to private school vouchers.

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

I began my career at the bird shop that I now own. Although I have held other positions, my deep passion for continuing the family legacy remained unwavering.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

In Texas, the state legislature is the sole authority effectively countering the governor's extremism. It is functioning precisely as intended.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Addressing our underfunded infrastructure is a significant challenge, particularly when coupled with population growth.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The most impactful stories I've encountered this cycle are from women sharing their abortion nightmares and concerns about threats to IVF solutions with me, a stranger. Women desire control over their reproductive choices, and government interference has no place in the doctor's office.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFLCIO, Metrocrest Democrats, Mother's Against Greg Abbott, AFT, CWA, 314 Action Fund

What committees interest you?

Agriculture and Livestock, along with Business and Industry

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Currently, the absence of transparency and accountability in Abbott's border boondoggle should be a matter of concern for everyone.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Implementing a state ballot initiative process would greatly benefit Texans. Anything that boosts voter participation is advantageous.

Lieutenant gubernatorial election

Michelle Beckley did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Congressional election

Michelle Beckley did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Michelle Beckley did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.