Republican incumbent Mitch Little and Democrat Detrick DeBurr square off Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the Texas House District 65 seat in a rematch of their 2024 contest.
The district sits entirely within Denton County, covering its southern and western portions. It includes Bartonville, Justin and Double Oak, along with portions of Northlake, Lewisville, Carrollton, The Colony, Highland Village and Roanoke, according to the Texas Legislative Council’s district profile.
Little won the first matchup in November 2024 with 60,284 votes (60.3%) to DeBurr’s 39,686 (39.7%). Both ran unopposed in March.
The candidates
Little, 47, of Lewisville is seeking a second term after taking office in January 2025. A trial lawyer and partner at Dallas firm Scheef & Stone, he graduated with honors in government from Harvard University and earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 2003. He served as one of the defense attorneys for Attorney General Ken Paxton during Paxton’s 2023 impeachment trial.
Little describes himself as a constitutional conservative. His campaign priorities include reducing property taxes, border security and election integrity, according to his campaign website.
In a Cross Timbers Gazette candidate questionnaire, Little said he wants to “continue the war on property taxes and the growth of government.”
DeBurr, 56, of The Colony is a software engineer who has served on The Colony’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He previously chaired the Planning and Zoning Commission in Cedar Hill.
His campaign has focused on affordability for working families, government transparency and increased funding for public education and healthcare. In the Cross Timbers Gazette questionnaire, DeBurr said his priorities include funding Lewisville Independent School District fairly and property tax transparency.
Statewide stakes
All 150 Texas House seats are on the ballot. Republicans hold an 88-62 majority, and Democrats would need a net gain of 14 seats to take control of the House, according to a Texas Tribune analysis. At least a dozen House districts across the state are considered competitive, that analysis found.
How to follow results
Early voting ended Oct. 30. Unofficial results are expected to begin posting after polls close at 7 p.m. Election Day updates will be cumulative as additional precincts report.
Voters can find results, polling locations and sample ballots through the Denton County Elections Administration.
