Meet Carl Oscar Sherman

Please tell us about your background and campaign platform.

A God loving human being who is a proud father, husband, and bold Democrat, I prioritize people over partisanship and fight for all Texans, leaving no one behind. My background as a city manager, a seasoned businessman, a former mayor, a Texas State Representative, and a dedicated pastor uniquely qualifies me to address the diverse challenges faced by rural, suburban, and urban Texans. I am a dedicated champion of our democracy, civil liberties and fighter for inclusion in our economy.

How has your educational background and experience prepared you for this position?

With a background as a city manager, businessman, mayor, member of the Texas House of Representatives, and pastor, I have unwavering principles and deep faith. As a former mayor, I boosted economic development and affordable housing. As a Texas Representative, I am a reformer who bridges political divides, which is how the Texas Botham Jean Act that I authored–requiring law enforcement bodycam activation through an investigation’s duration–was passed with bipartisan support despite initial opposition. Building political bridges facilitates the implementation of reforms that yield lasting, tangible results. But as a pastor, I believe in standing firm against any legislation that undermines the principles of fairness, justice, and equality. My experience, faith-driven approach to reform, and passion for equal rights have prepared me to work toward creating a stronger, more equitable Texas.

How do you handle making difficult decisions?

With deliberation and collaboration. Time permitting, I would seek input from my constituents, actively listen to their concerns, and evaluate the likely consequences of the decision. Ultimately, I make difficult decisions based on getting input from others who have a stake in the decision in accordance with my deep faith, unwavering principles, and commitment to the people of Texas.

Who are some of the biggest influences in your political life? How were you influenced?

One of my inspirations is former President Barack Obama and his ability to lead with empathy and remain both cerebral and compassionate. His dedication to putting himself in the political arena, taking political risks, learning from failure, and being an advocate for diversity and inclusion continue to guide my approach to politics. I am also inspired by President Harry S. Truman, notably his humility, commitment to executing meaningful change even if controversial, persistence through political turmoil, and personal accountability and responsibility for his actions. President Truman understood the importance of exciting in a timely manner. Ultimately, my faith guides all of my principles. I am a firm believer in the teachings of loving your neighbor, letting compassion be the ruling principle of your life, pursuing justice for everyone, and that all humans are equal before God.

Texas is an energy state. What challenges do you perceive balancing growth in the energy sector with environmental concerns? What have you done in the past and what do you plan to do going forward regarding this issue?

In 2023, the United States produced more oil than any country in history, and Texas produced over 40% of this oil. Though this positively impacts the Texas economy, there is a related impact to breathable air, drinking water, and climate change. Like any other industry, the oil and gas industry must follow environmental laws and emissions reporting requirements. But fossil fuels are not the only energy source, and the impacts of climate change are particularly damaging in Texas. I will advocate for the implementation of the Green New Deal, which would not just protect the environment: the millions of jobs it creates would be a crucial step towards addressing economic inequality and addressing the environmental racism and classism that disproportionately affects people of color and low-income communities. Some other strategies to be considered are: investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power; providing funding to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies; implementing energy efficiency programs to reduce overall energy consumption and emissions; implementing a carbon pricing mechanism to incentivize businesses to reduce their carbon footprint; enforce regulations on emissions from industries and power plants; and increasing public awareness about climate change. Altogether, this must be done with international collaborations and agreements to address climate change collectively.

If elected, what would your top 3 priorities be?

In no particular order: - Defending our democracy and our electoral system by committing to the values of the US Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by reproposing the John R. Lewis Act Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023. - Restoring a women’s right to choose without facing unnecessary barriers, restrictions, or undue state interference. - Increasing access to affordable healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, and addressing inflation to alleviate the burden of increased costs on everyday goods.