Roxanne Lathan

Roxanne Lathan (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 11. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in East Texas and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. I met my husband in church while he was a senior at Stephen F. Austin State University. He became a state trooper with the Texas DPS in 1986, and we married the following year. We built our family with two daughters and are now proud grandparents of two grandsons.

I grew up in church singing gospel music with my sisters. My parents are the late Rev. Eligha Walker, Jr. and Willie Bell Walker. My father was the founding pastor at Star of Hope Bapt. Church in Nacogdoches, where my husband is the current pastor. Jesus Christ is my Savior.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2003, I began my career in education as an elementary teacher and four years later received a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Eventually I became a principal and retired from Nacogdoches Independent School District in 2025. Throughout my life, I’ve felt a strong desire to serve my community, and have done what I could, but time was limited. Now, I’m fully ready to give back and the time is right. East Texans deserve better than the laws and policies we are being forced to endure. I’m running to be your voice and your vote in Austin. I need your help to get there.

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?

LIVABLE WAGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Putting food on the table requires livable wages and economic growth. When people earn more, they can afford groceries, housing, health care and a better quality of life. I will support an increase in the minimum wage and promote businesses and other investments in our East Texas counties that will create more opportunities for higher paying jobs. I will advocate for payroll tax cuts for small businesses to help them increase revenue. Tax incentives for investors mean more room to hire, grow, and reinvest in our communities. I will work for legislation that enhances local schools' vocational training and advocate for higher education to create a skilled workforce.MORE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

I retired from a career in public education after working for 21 years in schools (3 years subbing). I know the mental and physical exhaustion that is felt by teachers and staff. Teachers and those that support teaching our kids in rural areas are paid very low salaries and it's time that changed. The money is there with the State! Let's concentrate on one of the most important careers in this nation—teaching. No to vouchers! Taking from public education funds to help private schools is so wrong! I will work hard to repeal laws that help a few while hurting most. If repealing is difficult to achieve, then I support not funding the voucher scheme. No mandates without funding!AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Everyone deserves access to care without the fear of financial ruin. There are several ways to try and solve this problem through policy reforms, such as Medicare's drug price negotiation program under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It is already working to lower prices and is projected to save the government and beneficiaries billions in its first few years. We can continue to collaborate with medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies to reduce healthcare costs. Value-based care is better than traditional fee-for-service and telemedicine can lower the cost for consultations. We must bring down costs across the board to help hardworking people in East Texas not just survive, but thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

HOLDING ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE

Right now, democracy feels broken. Too often, there is corruption without accountability. Tax dollars disappear into projects we never asked for, and contracts are awarded to those who gave the biggest campaign donations. Truth and transparency seem to have disappeared. Republican elected officials seem more focused on pleasing big donors and corporations than caring about the people who elected them. Democracy should not be about quid pro quo deals in back rooms. It should be about open government, accountability, and leaders who serve the people first.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Blue Texas