Meet Chevo Pastrano

What is your background and campaign platform?

As a lifelong resident and having maintained a law practice for over 20 years in Hays County, our campaign is grounded in the reality that Hays County is in jeopardy. In the 88th Legislative Session, our current representative was unable to have a single solo-authored bill passed, despite having proposed dozens of bills. It is time for HD 45 to be represented by someone who can get results to benefit the citizens of Hays County.

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

I am an experienced trial lawyer seeking to take office as a lawmaker. My law school education and long term practice wherein we actively research legislative intent of law in connection with our work, along with our standing relationships at the Capitol, puts us an ideal position to take office and serve the citizens of House District 45, immediately.

How do you handle making difficult decisions?

Currently, whether I make difficult decisions in a professional setting or at home, my belief is that those decisions should be made with the support of a strong team to collaborate with and after sufficient deliberation privately to keep all affected in mind. Upon taking office, it is my intent to put together the strongest team of professionals to ever represent House District 45 at the Capitol to do the best work possible for the citizens of Hays County.

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

At an early age, I recall asking my parents what the difference between a Democrat and a Republic was. At that time, I recall them telling me that as Democrats, we fight for the working class. In high school, I had the privilege of working for and being mentored by Bob Barton, a life-long Democrat. He continued those thoughts by demonstrating his compassion and fight for equality of minorities. Sandra Tenorio took notice of my fight for our community and we shared our beliefs of equality for all, including, racial, gender and our LGBTQIA+ community. My parents, Bob Barton, and Sandra Tenorio were undoubtedly the biggest influences in my political life.

Central Texas is experiencing rapid growth which brings concerns about quantity and quality of our water. What have you done in the past and what do you plan to do going forward regarding this issue?

Over the past few years, water has been a growing concern of our municipalities in Hays County. I have conferred with members of our city councils in Kyle and Buda about this issue and hope to continue my involvement to continue to search for solutions to this growing issue. Moving forward, upon taking office, one of our main goals is to increase punitive sanctions for over-pumping from our aquifer. By increasing the punishments associated with over-pumping from our aquifer, we change the dynamics of the business boardroom decision making on whether to over pump or not. I also look forward to working with organizations, like the Sierra Club, to find other solutions.

If elected, would you support the Hays County Democratic Party by your presence at events and, if possible, financially? If not, please explain why.

Yes. I have attended Hays County Democratic Party events and have supported the party financially in the past and would continue to do so.

Will you and your campaign participate in the Hays County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign effort in 2024?

Yes.