MEET THE CANDIDATES
EDITOR’S NOTE: As 2026 shapes up as a historic midterm year, The Concho Observer’s will be publishing questionnaires sent to local candidates for our “Meet the Candidate” series.
Name: Shiloh Salazar (D)
Running for: Democratic Nomination for Texas House of Representatives, District 72 (Incumbent).
Why are you running/seeking re-election?
I am running for Texas House District 72 because West Texans deserve representation that reflects their lived reality, not just political talking points.
For too long, our district has been represented by someone who has grown comfortable in Austin while families here struggle with rising costs, failing infrastructure, and shrinking access to healthcare and education.
I’ve spent over 15 years working as an advocate alongside families, educators, healthcare workers, first responders, and rural communities. That work showed me how often decisions made at the Capitol ignore rural districts like ours.
When policy is written without us at the table, it shows up in closed hospitals, underfunded schools, overworked emergency responders, and families forced to leave the communities they love.
I’m running because I believe government should work for people, not donors, not corporations, and not political insiders. As a working mom raising two daughters here, I see firsthand how policy choices affect everyday life. I’m not running to climb a political ladder; I’m running to bring accountability, transparency, and real problem-solving back to representation in District 72.
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities focus on strengthening the foundation that allows West Texas families to thrive.
First, healthcare. Texas has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country, and rural hospitals are closing at alarming rates. I support expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting medical professionals’ ability to do their jobs, investing in mobile clinics and telehealth, and strengthening Medicaid-funded services that keep rural communities alive.
Second, education. Texas ranks near the bottom nationally in school funding and outcomes. I oppose private school vouchers, support raising teacher pay, reducing over-testing like STAAR, and increasing investment in early childhood education especially in rural districts where resources are stretched thin.
Third, economic security. Texans are working harder while falling further behind. I support raising wages, protecting workers, supporting small businesses and agriculture, and exploring policies like paid family and medical leave that help families stay afloat without sacrificing their livelihoods.
Finally, infrastructure and public services including reliable electricity, water security, and properly funded emergency services. Rural Texans should not be last in line for basic necessities.
What issues have constituents told you they were concerned about?
Across District 72, constituents consistently raise the same concerns: affordability, access, and being ignored.
Families talk about rising costs electric bills, groceries, rent, childcare while wages stay stagnant. Many are working multiple jobs just to get by and feel the system is stacked against them.
Healthcare is one of the most urgent issues I hear about. Constituents worry about hospital closures, lack of specialists, long travel times for care, and doctors leaving the state. Nurses and providers tell me they’re burned out and frustrated by policies that prioritize politics over patient care.
Education concerns are widespread. Parents and teachers are worried about underfunded schools, teacher shortages, excessive testing, and voucher programs that pull resources away from rural public schools.
I also hear a lot about infrastructure unreliable power, water shortages, and emergency services that are stretched too thin. Volunteer firefighters and EMS workers are exhausted and under resourced.
Perhaps most importantly, people tell me they feel unheard. They want a representative who shows up, listens, and advocates for them not just during election season, but every day. That’s the representation I’m committed to providing.
Texas House of Representatives, District 72 is currently occupied by Drew Darby.
