Daniel Alders, a longtime East Texas resident, is stepping into the Texas House to represent District 6 after State Rep. Matt Schaefer announced he would not seek re-election. Alders, who has spent the past 15 years working on campaigns and in political offices, says his run for office is deeply rooted in his commitment to preserving the values that have shaped Texas for generations.
“I want Texas to be successful,” Alders said. “The Texas that has been passed down to me over the course of seven generations should be available for the next seven. That starts with getting back to the basics: recognizing that American exceptionalism and the Texas miracle are the result of a society grounded in God, family, limited government, and free markets.”
Alders acknowledges the legacy left by Matt Schaefer, a prominent conservative in the legislature, and says he plans to continue that tradition while carving his own path. “Matt is a good friend and a fierce warrior for freedom. My work is cut out for me to follow his conservative bona fides,” Alders said. “We’re two very different personalities, but we believe in the same principles and values.”
Although Alders is familiar with the inner workings of politics, he noted the personality-driven drama that often overshadows policy discussions in the Texas House. “So much of politics is personality-driven and more dramatic than it ought to be,” Alders said. “For a lot of us conservatives, we care about putting forward good policy grounded in constitutional responsibility. Unfortunately, much of that gets derailed by unnecessary drama.”
Heading into his first session, Alders is prioritizing a mix of statewide issues and local needs. “I want government to focus on keeping people safe and free while ensuring the infrastructure exists for free markets to thrive,” he said. Among his top priorities are school choice, border security, and water infrastructure. “Water will be a huge issue this session, and I want to make sure East Texas is at the table for that conversation.”
In addition to these priorities, Alders has filed bills to support law enforcement, including one that provides tuition and fee exemptions for peace officers, bringing parity with existing benefits for firefighters. He is also championing justice for sexual assault victims and working to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely as the state continues to grow.
When asked how constituents should hold him accountable, Alders emphasized accessibility and proactive communication. “The most important thing we can do as legislators is to be accessible to the voters,” he said. “Our office will work hard to be responsive to calls, emails, and visits. I also hope to open a district office this spring to further strengthen ties with the community.”