State Representative, District 17
November 3, 2026 · State House District 17; Texas · State house district · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 35 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 217,646 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(240,390 ÷ 217,646) ÷ ln(240,390 ÷ 181,544) = 35.4, comparing state house districts in TX (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Average representation + unknown decisiveness → Average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
This office is responsible for:
- Voting on state laws and the state budget
- Representing their district in the statehouse
- Serving on committees that shape bills before final votes
- Helping district residents deal with state agencies
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Reduce Wealth Gap, Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Education Quality, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Election Integrity, Personal Income Tax Reduction, Data Privacy, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Mary Klenz
Democratic Party · declared
Mary Klenz is the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 17 in 2026, an Ob/Gyn physician and former Peace Corps volunteer who practiced 25 years in the Rio Grande Valley; first run for office.
Stan Gerdes
Republican Party · Incumbent · declared
Stan Gerdes is the Republican incumbent for Texas House District 17 (Bastrop/Caldwell area), in office since 2023, a former Smithville City Council member and gubernatorial advisor, seeking re-election in 2026.
Records: Public Safety and Crime Control 2 for
Election sources
Source: en.wikipedia.org