Kevin McCormick is the Green Party candidate for Texas lieutenant governor in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Dan Patrick, Democratic candidate Vikki Goodwin and Libertarian Anthony Cristo.

Asked why he is running, McCormick said in our candidate questionnaire: "Texas voters need to break out of the duopoly corral. Electoral reform is necessary to give more power to voters. I am running for Lieutenant Governor to give voters a candidate who will fight for necessary reforms such as electoral system reform to empower voters and help restore democracy."

Candidate information

Residence: "Myself and my wife live near Lindale, Texas. We have two grown children."

Education: "I have a Law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a BA in Political Science from the University of Texas San Antonio."

Occupation: "I have practiced law, worked in agriculture, managed small business, and taught high school math. I am familiar with all the regions of Texas. I am presently retired, which is why I have time to run for office."

Party: Green Party

Previous offices: "Co-chair -- Dallas County Green Party. Co-chair -- Green Party Banking and Monetary Reform Committee."

Family in government: "Not at this time. Siblings who had government jobs are retired."

Experience and public service

McCormick holds a law degree. According to San Antonio Report, his work history includes serving as a law clerk at the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, practicing as a private attorney and teaching math at Jefferson High School. He also serves as co-chair of the U.S. Green Party's Banking and Monetary Reform Committee.

On the issues

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, McCormick said: "My work experience has been quite varied. I have worked with laborers and with elites. I am familiar with all regions of Texas and recognize their varied needs."

Differences from opponents: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, McCormick said: "I am not bound to any set of wealthy donors or political elites and am not obligated to any special interest. This gives me the ability to actually serve the public interest. The duopoly parties (R and D) are mirror images: The R's use Libertarian Party ideas while the D's use Green Party ideas in their campaigns, but after the election they both serve the same donor class and Wall Street corporations."

Legislative priorities: Asked about his top three priorities for the 2027 session, McCormick said: "1) Invest in public transportation by expanding bus fleets in Texas cities to reduce traffic congestion and make alternatives available; 2) Invest in the rural economy to establish family farm greenhouse food production cooperatives, provide a solid foundation for hemp production and processing, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable agriculture; and 3) Reform the Election Code to adopt ranked-choice voting in all elections, establish a statewide single primary election for candidates, and meaningfully limit gerrymandering of electoral districts, including a constitutional amendment to create a non-partisan redistricting commission."

Senate rules: Asked whether the Senate should keep its rule requiring 18 of 31 senators to agree before a bill reaches the floor, McCormick said: "I believe a number like 14 may be better, so more issues can be brought to a vote and the positions of the senators made public."

Property taxes and schools: McCormick said: "I have proposed reforming the property tax system by basing appraisals on economic value instead of speculative value, which would reduce property taxes for most Texans. … The state allotment for public schools must be increased so they suffer no loss of funding. I also believe that funding should be moved to classroom resources and more teachers from bureaucracy and high-stakes testing. The voucher program should be means-tested so that only families who need, but cannot afford, an alternative are eligible."

Hemp and drug policy: McCormick said: "Legal hemp-derived THC products should be regulated by requiring a license to sell; accurate labeling requirements disclosing ingredients, potency, and source; prohibiting sales to minors …" He added: "I believe drug prohibition policies should be changed to de-criminalization and medical treatment and the issue mostly removed from the criminal justice system."