Biography
Kathryn Hartmann is the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 53 in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Republican Wesley Virdell.[1] She is a physical therapist and science teacher.[1][2]
Hartmann graduated from McAllen High School and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1986, a graduate degree from the same university, and a doctorate from the University of Texas Medical Branch.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she said she has been a middle school, high school and college science teacher since 1987, became a physical therapist in 2005, and earned a doctorate in physical therapy with a pediatrics specialization in 2011.[2]
Hartmann said in the survey that her priorities include public school funding, expanding Medicaid, disaster preparedness, protecting water resources and renewable energy.[2] She also named food availability for children and older adults, and regulation of data centers, among her concerns.[2]
- 1.Kathryn Hartmann - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Kathryn Hartmann - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Texas House District 53
Kathryn Hartmann is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Texas House District 53 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.
