Evaluating Candidates: 10 Questions to Ask

The 10 Questions

1. What is their relevant experience?

Look for prior elected office, public service, professional background, or community leadership. Experience in the subject matter of the role matters.

2. What are their top 3 priorities?

Every candidate should be able to name them without hesitation. Vague answers ("I'll listen to constituents") are a red flag.

3. Who is funding their campaign?

Search campaign finance reports at the Texas Ethics Commission (ethics.state.tx.us). Large donors often signal policy priorities.

4. Who has endorsed them — and who hasn't?

Endorsements from known organizations tell you whose interests a candidate represents. Note who is conspicuously absent.

5. What do they say about the budget?

For local races, ask: Do they support or oppose the current tax rate? What would they cut or fund?

6. Have they shown up?

Check attendance records for any prior board, council, or committee service. Public service requires showing up.

7. Do their public statements match their record?

Search local news archives. Look for flip-flops, contradictions, or positions that evolved without explanation.

8. How do they handle disagreement?

Watch debates, forums, or public meetings. Do they engage respectfully or get defensive and dismissive?

9. What's their plan — not just their problem?

Any candidate can identify problems. Ask: What specifically will you do about it in your first 90 days?

10. Are they accessible?

Did they respond to your email or voicemail? Will they do public forums? Accessibility before the election predicts accessibility in office.

Where to Research