Voices from the Hill Country

From Ranch Roots to Statewide Reform: Clayton Tucker on Saving Texas Agriculture

In this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, host Adam West interviews Clayton Tucker, a family farmer and candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. Tucker shares his background, experience as a water researcher and food-policy advocate, and why he’s running.They discuss the wide scope of the Ag Commissioner’s office and Tucker’s priorities: breaking up corporate middlemen to lower food costs, protecting water and rural communities, reducing harmful chemicals and microplastics in food, supporting family and young farmers, reshoring school food sourcing, and regulating data centers and monopoly behavior.The conversation covers practical policy ideas like regenerative agriculture, stronger enforcement on right-to-repair and hemp protections, rural health, and steps the Ag Commissioner can take to make Texas agriculture more resilient and affordable.

From Classrooms to the Capitol: Dr. Merrie Fox on HD-73

Voices From the Hill Country presents another Meet the Candidates episode with an interview with Dr. Merrie Fox, candidate for Texas House District 73, recorded on the first day of early voting. Host Adam West and Dr. Fox discuss public education and vouchers, school accountability, water and infrastructure in the Hill Country, immigration, women’s health care, and economic challenges facing local families.
This short episode gives voters an overview of Dr. Fox’s background as a longtime educator, her policy priorities, and how to learn more or get involved with her campaign.
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Meet the Candidates: Dr. Kristin Hook on Immigration Detention, Oversight, and Reform

Host Adam West interviews Dr. Kristin Hook, Democratic candidate for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, in an episode recorded the day after the Dilley detention protest. They discuss the recent detention of a five-year-old and his father, calls for accountability and oversight, and the broader immigration concerns driving local activism.
Dr. Hook draws on her background as a scientist, former teacher, and federal public servant to outline her priorities: government accountability, workers’ rights and unions, affordable health care, protecting reproductive rights, ethical AI and technology guardrails, and strengthening public education and voting access. Listeners are encouraged to learn more and get involved.

A New Deal for Today: Gary Taylor on Social Security, Healthcare, and Education

In this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, host Adam West interviews Gary Taylor, a retired math teacher and Democratic candidate for the Texas 21st Congressional District. Taylor explains his progressive, New Deal–inspired platform, focusing on protecting and strengthening Social Security, reforming healthcare, investing in public education, and building an economy that works for everyone.
Taylor also discusses outreach to non-voters and Republicans, the challenges of working with state and federal politics, and his book, An Economy for All, outlining practical steps to unite communities and improve livelihoods ahead of the primary and midterm elections.

Meet Dr. Regina Vanburg: A Psychologist Running for Texas' 21st Congressional Seat

On this return episode of Voices From the Hill Country, Your Future, Your Vote, we get to know Dr. Regina Vanburg, a first-time candidate for Texas Congressional District 21. She discusses her background as a clinical psychologist and lays out priorities for protecting community resources and democratic access.
Dr. Vanburg highlights three core goals — protect our wealth, protect our water, and protect our vote — and talks solutions like tax reform, defending public water resources, voter-rights protections, and expanding healthcare access. Voter reminders: last day to register is Monday, February 2; early voting begins Tuesday, February 17th; mail-in ballot applications must be received by Friday, February 20th; last day of early voting is Friday, February 27th; election day is Tuesday, March 3rd.

A New Vision for Comal County: In-Depth with Sheriff Candidate David Williams

In this episode of "Your Family, Your Future, Your Vote: Conversations from the Hill Country," host Adam West engages in an enlightening conversation with David Williams, a candidate for Comal County Sheriff. As the election day draws near, David shares insights into his campaign journey, the feedback he's received, and his plans to address critical issues within the Sheriff's Department.
David outlines his proactive strategies to tackle organized crime, drug-related challenges, and the complex issue of immigration in Comal County. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and documenting individuals for the safety of all residents and highlights the need for better partnerships with local first responder agencies.
The discussion also delves into school safety, with David advocating for enhanced training for school resource officers to ensure student protection. He shares his vision for community-oriented policing, aiming to build trust and collaboration with residents to make neighborhoods safer.
Join us as David Williams presents his transparent and innovative approach to leadership, aiming to bring positive changes to the Comal County Sheriff's Office and the community it serves.

Insightful Conversations with Dr. Merrie Fox: Navigating Key Issues in Texas Senate District 25

Join host Adam West in an engaging episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," as he welcomes Dr. Merrie Fox, candidate for Texas Senate District 25. As the election draws near, Dr. Fox shares her perspectives and plans on critical issues affecting the district, including public education, school vouchers, water scarcity, and much more.
In this candid conversation, Dr. Fox, a retired school administrator, delves into her extensive background in education and the pressing challenges faced by public schools today. She discusses her opposition to school vouchers, emphasizing the importance of keeping public funds within the public school system to support equitable education for all students.
Dr. Fox also addresses other significant concerns such as women's rights, environmental sustainability, and gun safety. She passionately argues for policies that empower communities and protect individual rights.
The episode provides an enlightening view of the political landscape in Texas Senate District 25, offering listeners a chance to learn more about Dr. Fox's campaign and her vision for the future. Whether you're a voter in the district or simply interested in the issues shaping Texas politics, this episode promises to be an informative and thought-provoking listen.

Comal County Get Out The Vote Progress Report

Join host Adam West as he delves into the vibrant grassroots efforts of the Comal County Democratic Party in the latest episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country." With the election looming, Precinct Chairs Teresa Patrick and Carla Kron share insights on their strategic initiatives to boost voter turnout in their districts.
Explore the multifaceted approach the party is taking, from organizing Get Out the Vote Boot Camps to conducting targeted postcard campaigns, phone banking, and block walking. Learn about their focus on key issues such as immigration, gun control, and women's reproductive health, and how these topics are shaping their outreach efforts.
Discover the powerful stories behind their drive, including Carla's personal connection to the Sandy Hook tragedy, and the inspiring surge in volunteer support following Kamala Harris's candidacy announcement. This episode offers a glimpse into the determination and community spirit fueling the local Democratic movement in Comal County.