Dennis Paul, a Republican, is running for Texas State Senate District 11 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Shannon Dicely.

Paul has represented Texas House District 129 since 2015. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is seeking the Senate seat, Paul said: "I am seeking election to the Texas Senate because decisions made in Austin directly affect our families, livelihoods, and communities. Senate District 11 needs an experienced conservative who understands those responsibilities and is prepared to act."

He added: "I want to bring that experience to the Senate to keep taxes low, defend individual liberty and parental rights, and keep government focused on its core responsibilities. Coastal protection, economic opportunity, and safe communities require sustained attention, not election-year promises."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "Paul Engineering Inc., Engineer and small business owner," Paul said in our questionnaire.

Education: "University of Houston, bachelor's degree and Master of Science in Civil Engineering," Paul said in our questionnaire. He graduated from South Houston High School in 1979 and attended San Jacinto Junior College, according to his Texas House biography.

Family: "My wife, Eliza, and our daughter. I am grateful for their love and support," Paul said in our questionnaire.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Experience and public service

Previous office: "Texas State Representative, House District 129, 2015 to present," Paul said in our questionnaire.

Paul founded Paul Engineering Inc. in Webster in January 2002, according to his Texas House biography. He previously worked as a design engineer at CBM Engineers from 1988 to 1995 and as a project manager at Carter & Burgess from 1995 to 2002, according to BallotReady. He has served on the House Transportation Committee, the House Insurance Committee and as vice-chair of the Permanent Standing Sub-Committee on Transportation Funding, according to his Texas House biography. He also founded and chaired the Texas Legislative Aerospace Caucus.

On the issues

What sets him apart: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Paul said in our questionnaire: "I bring more than a decade of legislative experience and a record voters can evaluate … My conservative principles guide that work: government should respect individual freedom, trust parents, spend responsibly, and make it easier, not harder, for Texans to succeed."

He added: "My experience as an engineer and small business owner also shapes how I approach legislation. I look closely at the problem, weigh the costs, and focus on practical solutions."

Accomplishments: Paul said in our questionnaire: "I supported efforts to advance the Galveston Bay Storm Surge Protection Barrier, including the creation of the Gulf Coast Protection District in 2021 and stronger coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on critical coastal protection infrastructure."

He also cited founding the Texas Legislative Aerospace Caucus and working "to strengthen Ellington Spaceport and Texas' aerospace industry."

Property taxes: Paul said on his campaign website that he is "committed to expanding compression, raising the homestead exemption, and ultimately eliminating school property taxes while keeping schools funded."

Flooding and infrastructure: Paul said on his campaign website that in the Senate he would "continue fighting for regional flood control, stronger drainage systems, smarter infrastructure investments, and long term coastal resilience for the Gulf Coast."

Best advice: Asked for the best advice he ever received, Paul said in our questionnaire: "Do the right thing, even when it is not the easy thing."

Paul has received endorsements from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Houston Police Officers' Union, the National Federation of Independent Business in Texas and Texas Values Action, among others, according to The Texan and BallotReady.