Karthik Soora for State Senate | Houston, Texas

Renewable Energy Developer and Teacher for Texas State Senate District 15 - Explore Karthik's vision for education, healthcare, and political reform.

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“To those who doubt us, I say this: never bet against Texas.”

<h2>Karthik Soora is a reformer with a record of results.</h2>Karthik grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and attended Arkansas’s public magnet schools as part of a busing program.He wasn’t born in Texas, but he got here as fast as he could! Karthik attended Rice University in Houston, where he earned a triple major in Political Science, History, and Asian Studies with a minor in Global Health Technologies.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/8cf4f82b-5d87-440f-9f35-bda59f6c2a08/05eaafb7-c71e-4cdd-baf9-d23f1b2e81d7.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3072&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">After completing his undergraduate studies, Karthik became a chemistry teacher and taught in the Houston Independent School District in Houston’s East End at Eastwood Academy, a school with over 85% of the students ranking as economically disadvantaged. His students scored over two standard deviations ahead of predicted district exams scores on the TAKS and STAAR Chemistry exams, and over 12 students passed the AP Chemistry exam, a feat that had never before been achieved at Eastwood Academy.Karthik was then recruited to work for the newly-founded Emerge Program, where he recruited, managed, and taught over 50 first generation, low-income students who were accepted into top tier universities. While working in HISD, Karthik realized that there was no one-stop online shop for enrichment programs geared towards high-achieving low-income students. So he co-founded a social venture called One Jump, a web platform that links low-income students to transformative enrichment opportunities to improve college access. He assembled a team and negotiated partnerships with four public school networks to connect the platform to over 5,000 teachers and 30,000 students nationwide. The organization was showcased in the Houston Chronicle, Huffington Post, and Xconomy as a game-changing social venture in education. One Jump still exists now as a 501c(3) organization called Momentum Education that has helped over 600 students, and Karthik remains on the Board of Advisers.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/82adab5d-b9ae-469b-aff7-2a47c4dba268/82adab5d-b9ae-469b-aff7-2a47c4dba268.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2592%2C1936&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="right-50" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">With the rise of Trump, Karthik knew how crucial both electoral change and protest were. When MAGA Republicans attacked Texas and America’s communities, he was there. When Trump was elected, he attended the Women’s March. When the Trump administration tried to silence Climate Scientists, he joined the March for Science. When the Trump administration enacted its Muslim ban, he was out on the streets. When George Floyd was murdered, he joined over 60,000 Houstonians to make clear how comprehensive criminal justice reform was needed. When the GOP Legislature tries to ban Chinese-Americans from buying houses in legislation like SB 147, he joined the massive walk across Chinatown.Karthik helped co-found the Texas Chapter of TheySeeBlue, a volunteer organization dedicated to mobilizing South Asians in Texas. TheySeeBlue Texas volunteers made over 44,000 calls, sent over 153,000 text messages, wrote over 32 op-eds, and recruited over 721 volunteers, with their efforts obtaining recognition by the Houston Chron, TeenVogue, the Guardian, and the Texas Tribune. Their efforts led to an increase of almost 10%+ amongst South Asian voters in the Texas 2020 election.As a renewable energy developer, Karthik has helped develop over 1 GW of solar and storage projects which will be built in 2027 and is putting into place the steps for over $1 billion of capital investment into rural Louisiana which will provide clean electricity to both Louisianans and Texans.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/ca868091-8648-41ad-87b8-f0667c52edc3/ca868091-8648-41ad-87b8-f0667c52edc3.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=228%2C334%2C971%2C746&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Now, Karthik wants to represent all Texans in every Super Neighborhood and Municipality, from Acres Homes to Atascocita across District 15, in the Texas Senate.</h3>

&nbsp;I’m a former public school teacher and millennial clean energy developer running to fix a corrupt system in Austin by passing real reform that expands political voice and choice in Texas. Bold reform is the necessary step to unlock progress and make a Texas where everyone, regardless of background, can have a shot at the American Dream.

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

We need real reforms to unrig the system and end public corruption in the Texas State Legislature.Karthik believes in <ul><li>Banning legislators from serving simultaneously as lobbyists (this should be illegal)</li><li>passing bold campaign finance reform ($500 limits for individuals as opposed to unlimited donations) to stop billionaires from buying our elections</li><li>Increasing funding for the Texas Ethics Commission and stopping politicians from enriching themselves with the public trust</li><li>Massively increasing transparency requirements for the legislature</li><li>Pushing for some form of reasonable term limits so we can have new voices join the legislature</li></ul>

We need real reforms to unrig the system, such as banning current legislators from simultaneously serving as lobbyists as they serve,&nbsp;passing bold campaign finance reform ($500 limits for individuals as opposed to unlimited donations) to stop billionaires from buying our elections, and stopping politicians from enriching themselves with the public trust.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Unrigging the System

We cannot solve 21st century problems with a 19th century political system.&nbsp;Karthik believes in <ul><li>Citizen-led ballot referendums so any Texan can send popular ideas to Austin. Getting citizen-led ballot initiatives into our Constitution will allow us to put ideas like Roe v. Wade and universal-gun background checks on the ballot. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Proposition_1,_Initiative_and_Referendum_Process_Amendment_(1914)">This idea failed in 1914 by just 3%. </a>Texas is a different place now, and voters are hungry for change.</li><li>Enacting Online voter registration so Texas can join the 43 other states that allow for online voter registration</li><li>Looking at ideas like ranked choice voting or proportional representation to increase citizen-choice and voice. There's over 45 different types of fried desserts at the Fair; Texans deserve to be able to vote for more than just two parties every cycle. </li></ul>

We cannot solve 21st century problems with a 19th century political system.&nbsp;We need to consider new ideas like citizen-led referendums so we can put Roe v. Wade and universal backgrounds checks on the ballot, as well as ranked choice voting, to increase citizen-choice and voice. 26 other states allow for citizen-led referendums. Texas needs to be next.

Making our democracy work 

The Texas legislature’s passage of permitless carry has made Texans less safe.&nbsp; Karthik believes in<ul><li>Passing expanded universal background checks to buy a gun</li><li>Requiring <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.everytown.org/issues/domestic-violence/">domestic abusers</a> prohibited from possessing firearms to relinquish the firearms they own</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.everytown.org/solutions/extreme-risk-laws/">Enacting an Extreme Risk law</a> to empower loved ones or law enforcement to intervene in order to temporarily prevent someone in crisis from accessing firearms.</li><li>Raising the minimum age to purchase specific classes of firearms used in mass shootings</li><li>Requiring safe storage of firearms to keep children safe at home</li><li>Increasing funding for mental health and jobs</li><li>Increasing the number of detectives hailing from local communities to raise abysmal murder clearance rates and keep every community, no matter their identity or income, safe.</li><li>Increasing funding for collaboration between agencies so stolen guns can be tracked more effectively</li></ul>

The Texas legislature’s passage of permit-less carry has made Texans less safe.&nbsp;We need to pass expanded universal background checks to buy a gun, increase funding for mental health and jobs, increase the number of detectives hailing from local communities to raise abysmal murder clearance rates, and keep every community, no matter their identity or income, safe.

Stopping Gun violence

The Dobbs decisions is one of the worst decisions in the history of the Court.&nbsp;As the brother of an OB/GYN in a red state, Karthik understands exactly how devastating this decision is.Karthik believes in <ul><li>Enshrine Reproductive Freedom into the Texas Constitution as a Constitutional Amendment</li><li>Repealing the Texas abortion bans of 1925 and 2022</li><li>Establishing universal pregnancy coverage for all Texans</li><li>Stopping the collection of menstrual data by state agencies and authorities</li><li>Fully funding Planned Parenthood and other health organizations<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/02f790f3-b34d-4a87-8c94-de39de55d67f/777f3134-d8b2-4164-9c1a-fc95c0f0ddda.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2928%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="Reproductive Freedom for All Texans" title="" caption="Karthik supporting Planned Parenthood at the Texas Legislature" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Karthik supporting Planned Parenthood at the Texas Legislature </li></ul>

The Dobbs decisions is one of the worst decisions in the history of the Court.&nbsp;As the brother of an OB/GYN in a red state, Karthik understands exactly how devastating this decision is. We need to enshrine Reproductive Freedom into the Texas Constitution as a Constitutional Amendment, repeal the Texas abortion bans of 1925 and 2022, and establish universal pregnancy coverage for all Texans.

Defending Reproductive Freedom

Every Texan deserves a chance at the Texan Dream, not just the billionaires.&nbsp; Karthik believes that we should<ul><li>Pass a 3% wealth tax on Texas billionaires to lower our property taxes and fund Universal Pre-K, our schools, Medicare for All, and a Texas where home ownership is affordable for every Texan</li><li>Pass Medicaid Expansion is an excellent step forward in the short-term by providing health-care coverage to over 1.5 M Texans. This is funding that is already being used by Texans for Alabamans and Californians. It should be used for Texans as well </li><li>Pass State Representative Rosenthal’s HB 1148 which would re-establish local governments’ ability to protect voucher holders from discrimination</li><li>Pass State Representative Collier’s HB 673 which gives tenants 7 days to pay back rent before a landlord can file to evict a tenant</li><li>Increase funding for the Houston Community Land Trust so tenants facing gentrification are able to remain housed in affordable housing&nbsp;</li><li>Increase the supply of affordable housing in high-growth areas, while also streamlining red tape to make it easier to develop high-density affordable housing in high-growth areas</li><li>Increase state funding and housing tax credits for the building of affordable housing that breaks up concentrated poverty in line with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/newmto/">research of Harvard Economist Raj Chetty</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nber.org/programs-projects/projects-and-centers/moving-opportunity?page=1&amp;perPage=50">Moving to Opportunity study</a> </li></ul>

Every Texan deserves a chance at the Texan Dream, not just the billionaires.&nbsp; We need to pass a 3% wealth tax on Texas billionaires to lower our property taxes and fund Universal Pre-K, our schools, Medicare for All, and a Texas where home ownership is affordable for every Texan. Passing Medicaid Expansion is an excellent step forward in the short-term.

Lowering Health-Care and Housing costs

Governor Abbott’s failure at Winter Storm Uri killed over 700 Texans, and his inaction on climate change endangers millions more. We need to weatherize all ERCOT generators so they stay online, connect ERCOT to neighboring grids to increase reliability, establish a Texas Green Bank using oil/gas royalty funds to bring green jobs to every Texan, get to net zero carbon by 2050, and much more. We need to <ul><li>Weatherize all power generators in ERCOT so they will stay online during extreme weather</li><li>Connect ERCOT to neighboring states’s ISOs (Intercontinental system operators such as MISO or SPP) to avoid massive outages</li><li>Use royalties from oil and gas producers to power a Texas Green Bank that will fund clean energy jobs across Texas in every zip code</li><li>Provide resilient funding for Texas municipalities to provide backup shelters when extreme weather strikes, as well as enact funding for heat-related/other climate disasters (studies, urban transit stop retrofitting, energy-efficiency, tree planting for the urban-heat island effect)</li><li>Leverage the IRA and federal funding to bring clean energy jobs to all Texans and also provide some funding for rooftop solar for all interested Texans regardless of income</li><li>Set a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050</li><li>Set a state goal of 100% clean energy by 2035</li><li>Increase funding for clean energy and other climate tech ventures to make Texas and Houston, the #1 home for climate and energy innovation, and keep it the Energy Capitol of the world.</li></ul>

Governor Abbott’s failure at Winter Storm Uri killed over 700 Texans, and his inaction on climate change endangers millions more. We need to weatherize all ERCOT generators so they stay online, connect ERCOT to neighboring grids to increase reliability, establish a Texas Green Bank using oil/gas royalty funds to bring green jobs to every Texan, get to net zero carbon by 2050, and much more.

Climate Change & Keeping the Lights on

Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Texas is a fundamental endeavor to ensure fairness and equality for all.Karthik believes that we should<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/8871a0dd-ffaa-4d51-90f0-57a6a61e8dda/349c7558-dac3-47e4-898c-050f073e3d7a.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4074%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="Yall means all. Karthik supports LGBTQ rights" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Yall means all. Karthik supports LGBTQ rights<ul><li>Adopt an all-encompassing statewide nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity, targeting key areas like employment, housing, and public spaces.</li><li>Make it easier for our transgender community members to modify gender details on official documents isn't just about paperwork; it's about acknowledging their identity with the respect they deserve.</li><li>Ban destructive practices like conversion therapy, so we can further assure the mental and emotional well-being of our LGBTQ Texans.</li><li>Grant parents the agency to make informed healthcare decisions for their transgender children</li></ul>By championing these causes, Texas can proudly pave the way toward a more inclusive, respectful, and rights-oriented future for all of its residents

Advocating for LGBT rights in Texas is a fundamental endeavor to ensure fairness and equality for all. LGBTQ+ rights must be protected against the onslaught of the Texas Legislature, and enshrine protections, such as the right to marry or rent into law, while also making harmful practices such as conversion therapy illegal.

Y'all means all: LGBTQ+ rights

As a former award winning teacher in the Houston Independent School District, Karthik believes every single child in Texas deserves a world-class education and top quality public schools. That's non-negotiable. We need to<ul><li>Stop the TEA’s ability to take over school districts in such a hap-hazard manner and push back against HISD's takeover</li><li>Kill SB 176 and defend public education from vouchers that would gut public schools and put state funds in private, unaccountable religious schools</li><li>Increase starting teacher funding to $100,000+, with bonuses for teachers that teach in high poverty schools&nbsp;</li><li>Create Universal pre-K for all Texans&nbsp;</li><li>Decrease the stakes on high-stakes testing so the STAAR is part of a large basket of measures on school achievement</li><li>Prohibit any Texas agency from stopping the teaching of true history in Texas</li><li>Increase funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and apprenticeships in schools so more students of all backgrounds will have the opportunity to feel connected with what they’re working</li><li>Moving towards equitable funding of schools to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision on Rodriguez vs. San Antonio so one’s zip code does not determine the funding of one’s school</li></ul>

As a former award-winning HISD teacher, Karthik, firmly believes that every Texas child should have access to a top-tier education. He advocates for the following: halting the Texas Education Agency's reckless takeovers of school districts as seen in HISD; opposing SB 176 to protect public education voucherization; raising starting teacher salaries to $100,000, and fighting for universal pre-K.

A World Class Education for our kids

Governor Greg Abbott's recent measures, targeting those fleeing persecution and violence from Central America and beyond, are deeply concerning to Karthik. Karthik will fight to <ul><li>Hold leaders accountable for any misuse of power, especially when it jeopardizes the safety of those seeking sanctuary on our shores. As a son of immigrants, Karthik knows what's at stake for families as xenophobia continually raises its head in Texas.</li></ul><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/aa192173-cb9e-4e91-979d-e6fb285d194b/aa192173-cb9e-4e91-979d-e6fb285d194b.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C526%2C664&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="As a son of Immigrants, Karthik will not hesitate to stand up for immigrant rights" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">As a son of Immigrants, Karthik will not hesitate to stand up for immigrant rights<ul><li>Reform our broken immigration system. We urgently need comprehensive federal immigration reform. Such reform must prioritize expanded legal immigration avenues, bolster resources for immigration judges to guarantee just outcomes, and a definitive pathway to citizenship for our undocumented neighbors and Dreamers.</li></ul>As a state legislator, Karthik will continually to push our legislative representation of all parties to fight for comprehensive immigration reform and establish a Texas that embodies inclusivity and fairness at its core.

Governor Greg Abbott's recent measures, targeting those fleeing persecution and violence from Central America and beyond, are deeply concerning to me. It's our responsibility to ensure Texas remains a beacon of hope and to hold leaders accountable for any misuse of power, especially when it jeopardizes the safety of those seeking sanctuary on our shores.

Compassionate Immigration Reform

Embracing a progressive stance on marijuana use is both an economic and moral imperative for Texas. I'm committed to legalizing safe, regulated marijuana usage, not only as a revenue-generating tool but as a means to alleviate the tax burden on hard-working Texans. Beyond the fiscal benefits, it's essential we recognize and address the historical injustices tied to marijuana possession. Those who've faced incarceration for mere possession deserve a chance at redress. Offering a clear path to expungement for such individuals is a vital step toward righting the wrongs of the past and ushering in an era of equitable, compassionate governance in Texas.

Embracing a progressive stance on marijuana use is both an economic and moral imperative for Texas. Marijuana legalization will increase state revenues and lower the property taxes of working Texans, while also offering a path to expungement for those negatively impacted in the past by incarceration for simple possession.

Safe and regulated marijuana usage

Ensuring that Houstonians have accessible public transit is vital for our community's growth and prosperity.We must<ul><li>Make certain Harris County and Houston receives its fair share of funding from HGAC by supporting proportional funding in HGAC by enacting Prop B</li><li>Construct high-speed rail travel between major cities in Texas to connect the Texas triangle, using existing federal funding allocated from the ARRA and passing a Legislative resolution in support this goal</li><li>Incentivize walkability for metros over a million in population in Texas land-use code</li><li>Provide a subsidy for e-bikes to increase intra-neighborhood sustainable travel</li><li>Vastly increase funding for public transit, by either amending the Constitutional amendment that mandates 90% of funding be spent on highways, or adding in equivalent required spending designated for public transit</li><li>Protecting our green-spaces and green zones and ensuring that every Texan has access to world-class </li><li>Equipping cities and municipalities with the tools to protect against the urban-heat island effect, by financially incentivizing local sustainability in development and updated building codes such as lighter color roofs, planting more trees, and increasing green spaces </li></ul>

Ensuring that Houstonians have accessible public transit is vital for our community's growth and prosperity. We need to speak up for fair funding, support high-speed rail, private rail growth, and give subsidies for e-bikes – all of these things enable eco-friendly mobility for Houston's future.

People-Centered Transportation

Tackling Houston's pressing flooding concern is non-negotiable.Karthik will work to <ul><li>Ensure full disclosure of flood prone development to buyers and renters&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that drainage ditches in low-income, disproportionately minority communities are retrofitted to minimize flooding with the latest in flood prevention technology as part of the COH SWAT initiative</li><li>Lobby Texas’s Congressional and Senatorial delegation to ensure steady implementation of the Ike Dike’s building process and the minimization of any environmental damage, as well as pushing for the consideration of nature based approaches such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.houston.org/news/galveston-bay-park-plan-advances-agreement-study">Galveston Bay Park Plan</a></li></ul>

Tackling Houston's pressing flooding concern is non-negotiable. Addressing Houston's flooding challenge requires proactive policies, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure, drainage, and land use; ensuring a safer and more resilient community for all.

Flood Resilience: Building a Safer Houston

In Houston, the call for criminal justice reform isn't just audible—it's deafening.In 2020, over 60,000 Houstonians came out in the wake of George Floyd’s death to protest the way Black-Americans and other minorities are treated by police.&nbsp;Karthik was one of them.&nbsp; Black Texans deserve to see change done so this state will live up to the unkept promise of our Constitution.Karthik believes in<ul><li>Passing HB 88, the George Floyd Act, that would ban chokeholds and mandate a duty to intervene by officers if there is usage of excessive force, as well as get rid of qualified immunity</li><li>Shutting down the 5 Texas Juvenile Justice Department prisons and diverting funding from the savings to reimburse the costs for community based services. Currently, children are suffering in inhumane conditions in youth prisons and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is being investigated by the Department of Justice.&nbsp;</li><li>Banning For-Profit prisons in Texas </li><li>Raising the age so kids aren't charged as adults</li><li>Installing and mandating AC in every single carceral facility in this state. The lack of them is inhumane in 100+ degree weather.</li><li>Adequately funding community mental health hospitals, state run psychiatric hospitals, and mental-health public defender programs to stop the consistent unjust deaths in the Harris County Jail and truly invest in communities, while also increasing teeth for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Mentally ill folks should get help, not be thrust immediately into the criminal justice system</li><li>Using Scandinavian criminal justice frameworks as an example, create a “Race to the Top” type funding program that would incentivize correctional institutions to focus on prioritizing rehabilitation and minimizing recidivism rates and be judged on those rates as a performance output. Our prisons should not just be revolving doors </li></ul>

In Houston, the call for criminal justice reform isn't just audible—it's deafening. Houston's demand for criminal justice reform is evident—enact the George Floyd Act, end harmful practices, address juvenile justice, and invest in mental health.

Criminal Justice Reform

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been captured by special interests and is failing Texans, slapping polluters on the wrist at the expense of public health. Every Texan regardless of income or ethnicity deserves an opportunity to breath clean air and live in an environment free of toxins or pollutants. The birthplace of the environmental justice movement under Dr. Robert Bullard, greater Houston finds itself subject to much higher rates of cancer among its inhabitants from rampant pollution. This is unacceptable. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/94d3a67f-d072-4f86-a6e7-1c2fc14664d1/94d3a67f-d072-4f86-a6e7-1c2fc14664d1.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1246%2C895&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="Karthik visiting the Houston climate justice museum to learn about the 5th ward cancer clusters" align="left" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Karthik visiting the Houston climate justice museum to learn about the 5th ward cancer clusters Karthik believes in<ul><li>Vastly increasing funding to aid Texans subjected to past environmental injustices. For example, the 5th ward creosote cancer clusters as a result of legacy issues with Union Pacific are abhorrent, and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://abc13.com/cancer-causing-chemicals-in-houston-neighborhood-fifth-ward-kashmere-gardens-union-pacific-creosote-plume/13836280/#:~:text=HOUSTON%2C%20Texas%20(KTRK)%20%2D%2D,million%20for%20the%20relocation%20fund."> the state should increase funding available to residents for relocation</a></li><li>Ensuring environmental justice planning principles are incorporated into all TCEQ planning, permitting, and decision making, as well as those of the Texas Railroad Commission, and giving the agencies both the mandate and increased ability to hold polluters accountable</li><li>Directing the TCEQ to consider the cumulative effects on health of approving multiple air permits in the same neighborhoods in line with the guidance of Public Citizen and the Houston Air Alliance, and granting commissioners the right to refuse permitting based on issues of pollution and justice. Mandating greater outreach by the TCEQ (both virtual and in-person) so communities can feel heard, and also increasing transparency</li><li>Pushing back against the capture of the TCEQ by polluters and mandating stricter ethics rules to strengthen it, as well as stopping TCEQ from using state resources to challenge efforts to regulate climate change or stop pollution at the federal level</li><li>Providing sufficient funding to school districts to easily transition school buses to electric to lower emissions, increase grid stability, and most importantly lower pollution on students</li></ul>

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been captured by special interests and is failing Texans, slapping polluters on the wrist at the expense of public health. Every Texan regardless of income or ethnicity deserves an opportunity to breath clean air and live in an environment free of toxins and pollutants.

Environmental Justice

From Harris County elections to HISD to local government, democracy is under attack in every single direction. The overturning of HISD elections and placement of a past candidate who had lost a fair election onto the board was a terrifying precedent. Karthik will not hesitate to defend our multi-ethnic democracy against those who seek to overturn it.

From Harris County elections to HISD to local government, democracy is under attack in every single direction. The overturning of HISD elections and placement of a past candidate who had lost a fair election onto the board was a terrifying precedent. Karthik will not hesitate to defend our multi-ethnic democracy against those who seek to overturn it.

Defending our democracy and voting rights

While international matters are undeniably significant, our campaign is focused on the tangible changes we can effectuate within the Texas Capitol. It's essential to differentiate between local and state responsibilities versus those at the national level. However, we feel compelled to address international issues when actions taken on such a stage by our state's leadership directly impact Texans. If Texas chooses to engage internationally, it must do so with the unwavering belief that every Texan, and indeed every individual, possesses inalienable rights. In line with our state's motto of "friendship," our actions should promote unity and understanding.Recent reporting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/26/texas-israel-gaza-hostage-seige/">by the Texas Tribune</a> seems to indicate that the Governor’s Office is prioritizing helping Israeli Texans and neglecting Palestinian Texans rather than helping both groups of stranded Texans simultaneously. This is disturbing and violates equal protection to which both groups of Texans are entitled.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our hearts are with the family of Chen Dori-Roberts who has faced heartbreaking loss, and all those facing the trauma of having loved ones held hostage. We condemn the initial horrific attacks on civilians by Hamas, call for the immediate and safe return of all hostages, and also call for an end to the Israeli military’s killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza so Palestinian Texans like Mai Abushaaban can have their family come back home.&nbsp;We also condemn Rep Zinke’s introduction of a categorical immigration ban on Palestinian immigration that brings to mind the worst of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Growing up as an Indian American after 9/11, I got called Osama and folks called our house and told us to “go back to Afghanistan.” Bigotry in all forms is unacceptable.&nbsp;We call on Governor Abbott to mobilize his office's resources to support both Israeli and Palestinian Texans. Unfortunately, his recent actions and silences have not met the expectations of equal protection by his office.It was important for Governor Abbott to meet victims of the horrific and inexcusable Hamas attacks on civilians in Israel. However, true leadership would also involve extending compassion to Palestinian victims of recent West Bank violence and visiting Palestinian refugee camps. Such actions would demonstrate to Palestinian Texans that their governor genuinely cares about their well-being.Governor Abbott's affiliations, especially with figures like Pastor Hagee known for extreme anti-Semitic views, are alarming. While Abbott has denounced anti-Semitism, his perceived inaction towards party members linked to known anti-Semites, such as Jonathan Stickland and Defend Texas Liberty PAC, raises concerns. Additionally, his silence on rising Islamophobia, especially following incidents like the potentially Islamophobic attack on Dr. Talat Jahan in Conroe and the pardon of Daniel Perry, is unworthy of the office he holds.We urge Governor Abbott to harness Texas's influence as the world's 8th-largest economy in a positive way.&nbsp; As a former organizer for President Obama, I urge Governor Abbott to heed Obama’s words and use his influence to push for a durable peace: “one that is based on genuine security for Israel, a recognition of its right to exist, and a peace that is based on an end of the occupation and the creation of a viable state and self-determination for the Palestinian people.”Instead of political maneuvering for future presidential aspirations, the focus should be on bringing all Texans home safely, regardless of their ethnicity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Karthik will stand up for universal human rights. The state of Texas's motto is friendship, and we should act in a way to

Standing up for Peace and human rights

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<h2>Transporte centrado en las personas</h2>Asegurar que los Houstonianos tengan acceso a transporte público es vital para el crecimiento y prosperidad de nuestra comunidad. Necesitamos abogar por una financiación justa, apoyar el tren de alta velocidad, el crecimiento del ferrocarril privado y ofrecer subsidios para bicicletas eléctricas; todas estas cosas posibilitan una movilidad ecológica para el futuro de Houston.

Elect Karthik Soora to fight for you in the Texas Senate!

Intro to the testimonials can be written here.

Testimonials Here

They See Blue, Texas

Staci Childs

LoneStarLeft

Howie Klein

RUn For Something

Mohammad "Jazz" Aijaz

South Asians For America

Rev. Leslie Jackson

Swati joshi

Raj salhotra

<h2>Resiliencia ante Inundaciones: Construyendo un Houston mÁs Seguro</h2>Abordar el urgente problema de inundaciones en Houston es innegociable. Se requieren políticas proactivas, soluciones innovadoras y esfuerzos colaborativos para mejorar la infraestructura, el drenaje y el uso del suelo, garantizando una comunidad más segura y resiliente para todos.

<h2>Cambio ClimÁtico y Mantener las Luces Encendidas</h2>La falla del Gobernador Abbott durante la Tormenta Invernal Uri mató a más de 700 texanos, y su inacción sobre el cambio climático pone en peligro a millones más. Necesitamos acondicionar todos los generadores de ERCOT para que permanezcan en línea, conectar ERCOT a las redes vecinas para aumentar su fiabilidad, crear un Banco Verde de Texas usando los fondos de regalías del petróleo/gas para ofrecer empleos verdes a todos los texanos, alcanzar cero emisiones netas de carbono para 2050, y hacer mucho más.

"Every neighborhood is home to Black folks, Anglo folks, Latinos, AAPI's, LGBTQ+ folks, and more, all of whom are passionate about fighting for political reform, common-sense gun reform, reproductive freedom, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, universal health-care and more."

Houston's super neighborhoods were established to promote collaboration among residents, organizations, institutions, and businesses from neighboring communities. The goal is to collectively address broader community concerns. Each super neighborhood is distinct, requiring representatives who are mindful of the specific area's unique strengths, concerns, and residents.The synergy between Houston's Super Neighborhoods and Texas State Senate District 15 enables a more comprehensive and efficient approach to community improvement. With representatives who understand the uniqueness of each Super Neighborhood, they can better tailor their efforts to uplift and support the residents, businesses, and organizations within the district.As a candidate running for Texas State Senate District 15, my vision is to build upon the synergy between Houston's Super Neighborhoods and the district to create a more comprehensive and efficient approach to community improvement.

<h3> CONOCE MÁS SOBRE </h3><h2> Los principales temas de nuestra campaÑa</h2> Soy un desarrollador de energía limpia de la generación milenial y ex profesor de escuela pública, y estoy postulándome para corregir un sistema corrupto en Austin mediante la implementación de una verdadera reforma que amplíe la voz y la elección política en Texas. Una reforma audaz es el paso necesario para desbloquear el progreso y construir un Texas donde todos, independientemente de su origen, puedan tener una oportunidad en el Sueño Americano.

<h2>Map of Senate District 15</h2>Click below to view

Esta es una instantánea de los momentos clave en la historia del distrito y la vida de Karthik.

La Vida y Logros de Karthik

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<h2>Una Educación de Clase Mundial para Nuestros Niños</h2>Como ex profesor galardonado de HISD, Karthik cree firmemente que cada niño en Texas debería tener acceso a una educación de primer nivel. Él aboga por lo siguiente: detener las tomas de control imprudentes de la Agencia de Educación de Texas en distritos escolares, como se ha visto en HISD; oponerse a la SB 176 para proteger contra la voucherización de la educación pública; aumentar los salarios iniciales de los maestros a $100,000 y luchar por el prekínder universal.

<h2>Desmontando el Sistema</h2>Necesitamos reformas reales para corregir el sistema, prohibir a los legisladores actuales desempeñarse simultáneamente como lobistas mientras sirven, implementar una reforma audaz de financiamiento de campañas (limites de $500 para individuos en lugar de donaciones ilimitadas) para evitar que los multimillonarios compren nuestras elecciones, y detener a los políticos de enriquecerse a costa de la confianza pública.

<h2>Y'all means All (Y'all es para todos): Derechos LGBTQ+</h2>Abogar por los derechos LGBT en Texas es un esfuerzo fundamental para garantizar justicia e igualdad para todos. Los derechos LGBTQ+ deben ser protegidos contra el embate de la Legislatura de Texas e instituir protecciones, como el derecho a casarse o alquilar, en la ley, al mismo tiempo que se hacen ilegales prácticas perjudiciales como la terapia de conversión.

"A aquellos que dudan de nosotros, les digo: nunca apuesten en contra de Texas."

<h2>Karthik Soora es un reformador con un historial de resultados.</h2>Karthik creció en Little Rock, Arkansas y asistió a las escuelas magnet públicas de Arkansas como parte de un programa de transporte escolar.No nació en Texas, ¡pero llegó aquí tan rápido como pudo! Karthik asistió a la Universidad Rice en Houston, donde obtuvo una triple licenciatura en Ciencias Políticas, Historia y Estudios Asiáticos con una especialización menor en Tecnologías de Salud Global.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/8cf4f82b-5d87-440f-9f35-bda59f6c2a08/05eaafb7-c71e-4cdd-baf9-d23f1b2e81d7.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3072&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Después de completar sus estudios de pregrado, Karthik se convirtió en profesor de química y enseñó en el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Houston, en el East End de Houston, en la Academia Eastwood, una escuela con más del 85% de los estudiantes clasificados como económicamente desfavorecidos. Sus estudiantes obtuvieron calificaciones más de dos desviaciones estándar por encima de las puntuaciones previstas en los exámenes de química TAKS y STAAR del distrito, y más de 12 estudiantes aprobaron el examen de química AP, una hazaña que nunca antes se había logrado en la Academia Eastwood.Luego, Karthik fue reclutado para trabajar en el recién fundado Programa Emerge, donde reclutó, gestionó y enseñó a más de 50 estudiantes de primera generación y de bajos ingresos que fueron aceptados en universidades de primer nivel. Mientras trabajaba en HISD, Karthik cofundó una empresa social llamada One Jump, una plataforma web que conecta a estudiantes de bajos ingresos con oportunidades de enriquecimiento transformadoras para mejorar el acceso a la universidad. Reunió un equipo y negoció alianzas con cuatro redes de escuelas públicas para conectar la plataforma con más de 5,000 maestros y 30,000 estudiantes a nivel nacional. La organización fue destacada en el Houston Chronicle, Huffington Post y Xconomy como una iniciativa social innovadora en el ámbito educativo. One Jump aún existe hoy como una organización 501c(3) bajo el nombre de Momentum Education, que ha ayudado a más de 600 estudiantes, y Karthik continúa siendo miembro del Consejo de Asesores.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/82adab5d-b9ae-469b-aff7-2a47c4dba268/82adab5d-b9ae-469b-aff7-2a47c4dba268.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2592%2C1936&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="right-50" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Con el ascenso de Trump, Karthik entendió la importancia crucial del cambio electoral y la protesta. Cuando los republicanos MAGA atacaron a Texas y a las comunidades de América, él estuvo presente. Cuando Trump fue elegido, Karthik participó en la Marcha de las Mujeres. Cuando la administración de Trump intentó silenciar a los científicos del clima, se unió a la Marcha por la Ciencia. Cuando la administración de Trump implementó su prohibición hacia los musulmanes, él salió a las calles. Cuando George Floyd fue asesinado, él se unió a más de 60,000 habitantes de Houston para dejar claro cuán necesaria era una reforma integral del sistema de justicia penal. Cuando la Legislatura del GOP intentó prohibir a los chino-americanos comprar casas con legislaciones como la SB 147, él se unió a la gran marcha a través de Chinatown. Karthik ayudó a cofundar el capítulo de Texas de TheySeeBlue, una organización voluntaria dedicada a movilizar a los asiáticos del sur en Texas. Los voluntarios de TheySeeBlue Texas realizaron más de 44,000 llamadas, enviaron más de 153,000 mensajes de texto, escribieron más de 32 artículos de opinión y reclutaron a más de 721 voluntarios. Sus esfuerzos fueron reconocidos por el Houston Chron, TeenVogue, The Guardian y el Texas Tribune. Sus esfuerzos resultaron en un aumento de casi el 10%+ entre los votantes del sur de Asia en las elecciones de Texas de 2020.Como desarrollador de energía renovable, Karthik ha contribuido al desarrollo de más de 1 GW en proyectos solares y de almacenamiento que se construirán en 2027. Además, está implementando los pasos para una inversión de capital de más de $1 mil millones en la zona rural de Luisiana, lo cual proporcionará electricidad limpia tanto a los habitantes de Luisiana como a los texanos. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/ca868091-8648-41ad-87b8-f0667c52edc3/ca868091-8648-41ad-87b8-f0667c52edc3.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=228%2C334%2C971%2C746&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="left-50" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Ahora, Karthik desea representar a todos los texanos en cada Vecindario y Municipio, desde Acres Homes hasta Atascocita en el Distrito 15, en el Senado de Texas.</h3>

This is a snapshot of key moments in the history of the district and Karthik’s life. 

karthik’s Life & Achievements

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“Every community in Houston deserves a leader who’s willing to fight for them.”

<h2>Reforma de Justicia Penal</h2>En Houston, el llamado a la reforma de justicia penal no es solo audible, es ensordecedor. La demanda de Houston por una reforma de justicia penal es evidente: implementar la Ley George Floyd, poner fin a prácticas perjudiciales, abordar la justicia juvenil e invertir en salud mental.

We’re grateful for your donations!

We’re building a campaign from the grassroots up. From Acres Homes to Atascocita, we need your help to reach people where they are.

You can help us ensure that voices in every Super Neighborhood and municipality in Senate District 15 are heard in Austin. Together, we can deliver real change for Texas.

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<h2>Karthik for Texas Merchandise</h2>

<h2>Reduciendo los Costos de Salud y Vivienda</h2>Cada texano merece una oportunidad en el Sueño Texano, no solo los multimillonarios. Necesitamos aprobar un impuesto sobre la riqueza del 3% a los multimillonarios de Texas para reducir nuestros impuestos sobre la propiedad y financiar Preescolar Universal, nuestras escuelas, Medicare para Todos y un Texas donde la propiedad de una vivienda sea asequible para cada texano. Aprobar la expansión de Medicaid es un excelente paso adelante a corto plazo.

<h2>Uso seguro y regulado de marihuana</h2>Adoptar una postura progresista sobre el uso de la marihuana es un imperativo económico y moral para Texas. La legalización de la marihuana aumentará los ingresos del estado y reducirá los impuestos sobre la propiedad de los texanos trabajadores, al mismo tiempo que ofrecerá un camino para la anulación para aquellos afectados negativamente en el pasado por encarcelamiento por simple posesión.

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“I am running for Texas State Senate District 15 because we can’t solve 21st-century problems with a 19th-century system. We need real reform, and change starts with ensuring that ALL Texans, not just the billionaires and MAGA Republicans, are heard in the halls of power.”

<h2>Meet Shivani </h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/6d61fcef-af01-4879-a2f2-31d40015e224/f63652d8-da39-44a2-bf25-2a1931c8b4d1.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3618%2C4096" alt="" title="right-50" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed" align="right">Shivani and Karthik met at the Yale School of Management and instantly connected on both being from Texas and having education-focused careers. Shivani has always felt that the educational opportunities she got in her life comes with a responsibility to create similar opportunities for the millions of girls around the world who face huge barriers to their education, and she is so excited to fulfill this calling as the Senior Director of Development at Technovation. Shivani is a vegetarian and an ice cream lover. She enjoys all things music, and one of the reasons she fell for Karthik was his melodious voice! Another thing they have in common is a love for travel, through which they can learn about the histories and cultures of diverse places and people. Karthik and Shivani tied the knot in 2020 with a small at-home ceremony, but then celebrated post-COVID with friends and family - who are the most important gift in life! <img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/5e902851-46cf-4bb2-af0d-635bcecbff64/9772e783-15a4-45b3-b46c-a0c3a98c6280.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=309%2C635%2C3220%2C2437" alt="" alignwidth="80" tiltdirection="center" variant="framed" align="middle">

<h2>Haciendo que nuestra democracia funcione</h2>No podemos resolver problemas del siglo 21 con un sistema político del siglo 19. Necesitamos considerar nuevas ideas como referendos dirigidos por ciudadanos para poder poner en la boleta asuntos como Roe v. Wade y revisiones universales de antecedentes, así como la votación de elección clasificada, para aumentar la elección y la voz de los ciudadanos. 26 otros estados permiten referendos dirigidos por ciudadanos. Texas debe ser el siguiente.

<h2>Reforma Migratoria Compasiva</h2>Las recientes medidas del Gobernador Greg Abbott, dirigidas a quienes huyen de la persecución y violencia desde América Central y más allá, me preocupan profundamente. Es nuestra responsabilidad asegurar que Texas siga siendo un faro de esperanza y responsabilizar a los líderes por cualquier abuso de poder, especialmente cuando pone en peligro la seguridad de aquellos que buscan refugio en nuestras costas.

<h2>Deteniendo la Violencia Armada</h2>La aprobación por parte de la legislatura de Texas del porte sin permiso ha hecho que los texanos estén menos seguros. Necesitamos aprobar controles de antecedentes universales ampliados para comprar un arma, aumentar la financiación para la salud mental y empleos, incrementar el número de detectives provenientes de comunidades locales para elevar las lamentables tasas de esclarecimiento de homicidios y mantener segura a cada comunidad, sin importar su identidad o ingresos.

<h2>Meet Bhoomi</h2><h3>My name is Bhoomi, and I am a large breed dog - about 70 pounds, so a pretty big girl!</h3>I was rescued by a shelter after being found wandering the streets in bad condition, and then I was adopted by my wonderful humans - I call them Mommy and Daddy. I am now almost 6 years old, and I have been living with them for almost half of my life.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee2df167-da90-4992-ae83-42a480ef0a82/d4eaf974-321e-4e1f-a9bb-2d734620acbe/d4eaf974-321e-4e1f-a9bb-2d734620acbe.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C521%2C3528%2C4764" alt="" title="left-50" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed" align="left">However, I have to admit that I can be a little scared of new strangers. Some humans didn’t treat me very nicely before I met my loving Mommy and Daddy, and it made me nervous of all the new humans I meet. It takes me some time to build trust with people I don't know, but once I do, I am a very loving dog. I like to cuddle up with my humans and give them lots of nuzzles. I've come a long way from my days on the streets, and I'm so grateful for the love and care that my parents have given me. I can't wait to see what adventures we'll go on next! And of course, when the next piece of cheese will come my way!

<h2>Defendiendo la Libertad Reproductiva</h2>La decisión de Dobbs es una de las peores decisiones en la historia del Tribunal. Como hermano de una gineco-obstetra en un estado conservador, Karthik comprende exactamente cuán devastadora es esta decisión. Necesitamos consagrar la Libertad Reproductiva en la Constitución de Texas como una Enmienda Constitucional, derogar las prohibiciones de aborto en Texas de 1925 y 2022, y establecer cobertura universal de embarazo para todos los texanos.

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Renewable Energy Developer & Teacher for Texas State Senate District 15 - Explore Karthik's vision for education, healthcare, and political reform.

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Karthik Soora

“Nearly 70% of people kicked off Medicaid in Texas lost coverage for procedural reasons like failing to return renewal packet requests from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.”

We need to expand Medicaid but Republicans in the legislature don’t want that to happen. https://t.co/uETSL1tmPR

Did you know: your endless bigotry against Dreamers is disgusting and unTexan? https://t.co/Z3URodAsvf

Send @woorijuntostx some holiday $ y’all; they’ve been fighting the good fight for language access and immigrant rights! https://t.co/kroR39BAFW

It is absolutely appalling that MAGA anti science propaganda like @prageru is making it into HISD lessons. As a former science teacher in HISD who now works in renewable energy, I am completely disgusted. 

Climate change is real. Thx to @small_asher for the report. https://t.co/iHTsoeSifM