Odus Evbagharu

Odus Evbagharu graduated from Langham Creek High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston.

His career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased September 30, 2025

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Odus Evbagharu, a proud son of immigrants and of Cy Fair, a small business owner, and a candidate for Texas House District 135. My story is rooted in faith, family, and the belief that every community deserves leaders who work hard and lead with integrity. I grew up in Cy Fair schools, graduated from the University of Houston, and have dedicated my career to public service and community organizing.

I have served as the Harris County Democratic Party Chair, where I helped expand voter participation and built diverse coalitions focused on improving the lives of working families. I founded Onward Strategy Group to support local candidates and causes, and I continue to advise community leaders and organizations across Texas. My work is centered on strengthening public education, supporting small businesses, and creating economic pathways that help families get ahead.

I am running for the Texas House because our district deserves a representative who listens, shows up, and understands what families are going through. I want to fight for high quality public schools, safer and stronger neighborhoods, and real economic opportunity. HD 135 is my home, and I am committed to serving this community with honesty, compassion, and a focus on results that improve everyday life for the people who call Cy Fair home.

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 Public Schools - Every child deserves a high quality public school, no matter their ZIP code. I will fight to fully fund our classrooms, support teachers and staff, and keep local tax dollars in Cy Fair schools where they belong. Our district thrives when we invest in students, protect educators, and keep political agendas out of the classroom.Economic Opportunity and Small Business Growth - As a small business owner, I know the challenges families and entrepreneurs face. I will champion policies that grow good paying jobs, support local businesses, and expand pathways into high demand careers. Our community deserves a strong economy built on innovation, workforce development, and opportunities that help families get ahead.Safe, Healthy, and Thriving Communities - Families in HD 135 and Texas deserve safe neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure, and public services that work. I will fight for better roads, flood mitigation, accessible healthcare, and a community where everyone can thrive. My focus is on practical solutions that improve daily life and put Cy Fair residents first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about strengthening public education, expanding economic opportunity, improving healthcare access, and building safe and healthy communities. As a product of Cy Fair schools, I believe fully funded classrooms, competitive teacher pay, and strong student support services are the foundation of a thriving Texas. I also care deeply about growing our local economy through small business support, workforce training, and smart investments in infrastructure. I believe healthcare is a right, and I will work to expand access so families can afford the care they need. At the heart of my work is a commitment to policies that help families succeed and improve daily life for every resident.

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are honesty, integrity, and a real commitment to serving the people rather than playing political games. Voters deserve leaders who tell the truth, even when it is not convenient, and who make decisions based on what is best for the community rather than what is best for their own careers.

An effective elected official listens before they speak, earns trust through consistent action, and shows up for people in moments of need. Public service should be about solving problems, not scoring points. That means being transparent about priorities, willing to work with anyone who shares a goal of helping families, and staying focused on results that improve daily life for the people you represent.

I believe an elected official should lead with compassion, humility, and a clear understanding that the office belongs to the community, not the individual. Good leadership also requires courage to stand up against harmful policies, a strong moral compass, and an unwavering belief in fairness, justice, and opportunity for all.

For me, the role is simple. Be honest. Be accessible. Be accountable. And always put people first.

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

The core responsibilities of a state representative are to listen to the people they serve, advocate for the needs of their district, and pass laws that improve the lives of Texans. This office is about showing up, staying accessible, and making sure the community’s voice is heard at the Capitol. A representative must understand the challenges families face, whether it is the cost of housing, classroom funding, healthcare access, or infrastructure needs, and work every day to deliver real solutions.

A state representative is also responsible for providing oversight of state agencies, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring government is transparent, efficient, and accountable. The job requires working with colleagues across the aisle when possible, holding the line when necessary, and always keeping the people of the district at the center of every decision.

For me, the responsibility is simple. Be present, be honest, and fight for policies that strengthen public schools, expand economic opportunity, keep communities safe, and ensure every Texan has an equitable chance to thrive.

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

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one rooted in mutual respect, healthy checks and balances, and a shared commitment to serving the people of Texas. Each branch has its own role, and the system works best when the governor and lawmakers understand those boundaries and focus on solving problems rather than concentrating power.

The legislature should operate as an independent voice for Texans, not as a rubber stamp for any governor. At the same time, collaboration is important. When the governor and legislators communicate honestly, respect each other’s authority, and look for common ground, Texas families benefit. When either branch overreaches or uses its power for political fights, everyday Texans pay the price.

I believe the strongest government is one where the legislature listens to the people, the governor respects the will of the legislature, and both work together to deliver better schools, safer communities, stronger infrastructure, and accessible healthcare. The relationship should be cooperative when possible and accountable when necessary, always centered on the well being of Texans.

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

Texas faces several major challenges over the next decade that will shape the future of every community in our state. The greatest challenge is the growing strain on our public education system. Our student population continues to rise, but state investment has not kept pace. We must ensure strong funding for classrooms, competitive pay for educators, and real support for districts like Cy Fair that are carrying more of the load every year.

Another critical challenge is healthcare. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country, and millions of families struggle to access affordable care. This puts tremendous pressure on hospitals, drives up costs, and leaves too many people one medical emergency away from crisis. Expanding access to healthcare and strengthening our system is essential for a healthy and productive state.

The cost of living will also define the next decade. Families are being squeezed by rising housing costs, childcare expenses, utility bills, and everyday essentials. Texas needs a long term plan that makes homeownership attainable, supports small businesses, and helps working families build stability.

Infrastructure remains a pressing challenge as well. We need serious investments in flood mitigation, water systems, energy reliability, and transportation. Our fast growing population puts real pressure on public services, and we must prepare for the future rather than react to the next crisis.

Texas must also confront threats to democracy and civic life. We need leaders who listen to people, not just political donors, and who protect voting rights while rebuilding trust in public institutions.

If we address these issues with honesty, data driven solutions, and a real commitment to families, Texas can lead the nation in growth and opportunity. If we ignore them, the next generation will pay the price. I want to help Texas choose the right path.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, but it is not the only path to effective leadership. What matters most is whether a person understands their community, listens to the people they serve, and has the integrity to put families first. Experience can provide useful knowledge about how laws are made and how to navigate state agencies, but lived experience and community leadership are equally valuable.

A strong legislature needs a mix of perspectives. We need people who know how the system works, and we also need people who bring fresh ideas, real world expertise, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. What matters most is honesty, problem solving, and a commitment to results. My own background in community organizing, policy advocacy, and coalition building has prepared me to serve, because it taught me how to bring people together and fight for solutions that make life better for Texans.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, it is absolutely beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. Good policy happens when people can talk honestly, find common ground, and work together to solve real problems. You cannot deliver meaningful results for your district if you are isolated or only speaking to people who already agree with you.

Strong relationships help you advocate more effectively for your community, navigate the legislative process, and build coalitions that can move important bills across the finish line. Even when disagreements exist, respect and communication make it easier to negotiate and protect the interests of the people you represent.

For me, relationship building is not about political games. It is about trust, collaboration, and staying focused on outcomes that improve daily life for families in Texas. A representative who can work across differences while standing firm on their values is far more effective than one who chooses conflict for its own sake.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have great respect for several leaders, but one person I often look to as a model is former State Representative Senfronia Thompson. She serves with integrity, fights tirelessly for working families, and has the trust of many through decades of honest and principled leadership. What inspires me most is her ability to combine compassion with toughness. She listens to her community, knows the issues inside and out, and never loses sight of the people she represents.

I also admire leaders like Representative Jon Rosenthal, who has shown how data driven policy, accessibility, and a deep commitment to public education can make a real difference. These are the qualities I want to bring to this role: honesty, hard work, and an unwavering focus on helping families and strengthening our community.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I am especially proud of is becoming the first Black and youngest Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, which serves the third largest county in the country. It was an incredible responsibility, and I am grateful that so many people believed in my leadership at such a young age. The job was challenging, but it taught me a great deal about organizing, coalition building, and staying focused on the needs of everyday people.

During my tenure, our team helped secure a supermajority on Commissioners Court for the first time since the 1970s. That victory mattered because it allowed the county to expand voting access, strengthen public safety efforts, invest in flood mitigation, and support working families. Leading that effort showed me what is possible when communities work together, and it shaped the values I bring to my campaign today.