Stansell announces bid for District 26 state rep

Long-time Fort Bend community leader and advocate Paula Stansell has announced her candidacy for State Representative District 26 in the March Republican primary.

“I think it is time for a change,” Stansell said. “Based on the encouragement and response I have received from people throughout the district, I have decided to declare my candidacy for House District 26. I believe Fort Bend County deserves more effective representation at the State Capitol. I want to be a voice in Austin for the hard-working citizens of District 26 on issues such as education, mobility and taxation.”

The District 26 seat consists largely of Sugar Land, and it is currently held by Republican Charlie Howard.

Stansell has served in many leadership capacities in Fort Bend County, playing an important role in economic development and work force preparation. Stansell is employed as a program manager for Houston Community College. During her years with HCC, she has worked in corporate training and continuing education. Stansell represents HCC on the Greater Fort Bend County Economic Development Council and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and acts as liaison to the HCC Southwest Fort Bend Advisory Committee.

She is currently a Sugar Land Planning and Zoning commissioner and previously was appointed by the City Council as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Stansell has also served as a director on the 4B Corporation, which has responsibility for the city's economic development plan.

Stansell is a board member of the Sugar Land Exchange Club and has volunteered in Fort Bend ISD schools for more than 15 years. Fort Bend Seniors Inc. named her the Silver Fox Gala Volunteer of the Year in 2002. She is also a former home owner association director.

Since 2002, Stansell has served as the elected Republican Party precinct chair for Precinct 4129. She has also been a delegate to Republican senatorial and state conventions and has worked as an election judge.

Stansell earned a master of business administration at the University of Tulsa and a bachelor of arts in history and social studies at Oral Roberts University. She has been married to Charles for more than 30 years, and they have three grown daughters. The Stansells are members of Christ United Methodist Church.