In 2026, I’m looking ahead with a more profound sense of responsibility and urgency, as a reporter covering education and politics for The Defender Network.
The past year has made one thing unmistakably clear: decisions made in school boardrooms, courtrooms, council chambers, and in voting booths reshape the lives of Houstonians in real time. From the ongoing fallout of the state takeover of Houston ISD to legislative battles over public education funding, school vouchers, academic freedom, and standardized testing, education policy has become deeply politicized and local.
My reporting will continue to focus on accountability and impact. That means following the money behind education reforms, examining who benefits and who is left out, and above all, centering the voices of students, parents, educators, and community leaders who are too often spoken about rather than with. On the political side, I’ll be closely watching how local and statewide elections, judicial races, and policy shifts shape access to opportunity and representation across Houston.
The Defender’s mission has always been to tell stories with clarity. As we enter a pivotal election cycle, I’m committed to reporting on the lives of ordinary Houstonians with integrity and courage.
