House District 33 is currently represented by incumbent State Rep. Justin Holland (R—Heath)—who is being challenged for the seat.
Holland and Katrina Pierson will face each other in the May 28 runoff election.
Justin Holland
Holland was first elected in 2016. He is a co-owner of Regal Realtors and a member of the Rockwall Rotary Club.
According to Transparency USA, Holland’s campaign has well over $340,000 in on-hand cash and has received a total of $1,466,992 in contributions at the time of publishing. Most of his donations have come from entities—including over $174,000 from Dade Phelan and $72,000 from Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
Holland has been endorsed by the Texas House Republicans Caucus PAC and Texas Alliance for Life.
Katrina Pierson
Pierson is a former national spokesperson for President Trump’s 2016 campaign—where she promoted his policies on border security, gun rights, election integrity, and other issues.
Pierson’s campaign has almost $51,000 in available cash and over $316,000 in total contributions, according to Transparency USA. The majority of smaller contributions have come from individuals, while larger sums were donated by entities like Texans United for a Conservative Majority PAC and the Family Empowerment Coalition PAC.
Pierson has received notable endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Paxton, among others.
The Issues
Over the past several weeks, Texas Scorecard asked all state legislature runoff candidates about issues important to voters as they head to the polls later this month.
Regarding the decision of Republican lawmakers to allow the appointment of Democrat committee chairs, Pierson stated that it does not make sense for a Republican-controlled legislature to share power with Democrats. Holland did not respond to the inquiry.
Earlier this year, a group of current and future Republican lawmakers drafted a “Contract With Texas” to put a stop to “liberal dysfunction” in the House. The contract proposed 12 new rules, to “improve the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the House.” While Holland again did not respond with his thoughts, Pierson stated clearly that she had signed the contract.
Neither candidate responded as to whether or not they would support a school choice program, as proposed by Gov. Abbott. However, Holland voted against the proposed school choice program last year. Meanwhile, Pierson recently told Chris Salcedo, “I have always been a supporter of school choice.” She added, “I think that when you do give parents the opportunity to choose the best education for their child, it works out better for all.”
On what steps candidates think Texas should take to ensure election security, Pierson said, “For Texas to take the next step in election security, we need to follow Florida’s lead and pass legislation similar to SB 524, which was passed in 2022. This bill is the gold standard for securing elections, and I look forward to working to pass an even stronger Texas-version in 2025.” Holland did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s inquiry.
Regarding the steps for the state to further secure its borders, Pierson wholeheartedly supported arresting and deporting illegal aliens and repelling would-be border jumpers. Again, Holland did not respond on the issue.
With whether or not Texas should ban ownership of agricultural land and natural resources like mineral interests and timber from citizens, companies, or governmental entities deemed to be national security threats, Pierson said that “Texas debated legislation last session to address this issue, and I would have supported it. Unfortunately, it died in the Texas House without a hearing after passing the Senate. As a freshman, I look forward to finally getting this passed into law and protecting Texans and their property.” Holland did not respond.
On the issue of gun rights, Pierson made note of her endorsements by Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights. She also mentioned that she has received the highest rating possible from the NRA. “My opponent has sided with Democrats on buy bans and red flag laws and it’s time for a change,” Pierson said. Holland did not respond.
Finally, with the expansion of gambling across the state, Pierson said she is unequivocally opposed. Further, she stated, “The research is clear: more gambling creates weaker families and destabilizes communities. We don’t need to bring those problems to Texas. We should be passing laws that strengthen the family and make our communities safer, cleaner, and more business friendly.” Holland did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s inquiry on this issue.
Election Day
Holland and Pierson are set to face off on runoff election day, Tuesday, May 28. The early voting period begins Monday, May 20, and ends Friday, May 24.
There is no Democrat candidate for House District 33.
