Ben Bius
Ben Bius (Republican)
Ben Bius is an independent businessman with deep roots in Texas. He is descended from a long line of Texas farmers, ranchers and merchants. He and his family have been brought up on the Texas traditions of faith, hard work and dedication to family. Right after college, Ben founded a successful real estate investment and development business in Huntsville, Texas over 40 years ago.
Ben recognizes that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Ben believes we must be constantly vigilant, and it is our duty to stand and serve when called. Ben pledges that he will follow the Word and Constitution and not compromise with evil for the sake of expediency.
Ben graduated from Sam Houston State University, majoring in finance in 1979. His business is recognized as a major contributor in quality economic development in his hometown. Ben has been a leader in conservative Texas politics supporting candidates like Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and many others over his lifetime. Ben is not seeking a job, pension or to advance a political career. Rather, he looks forward to serving the great and sovereign state of Texas and this beautiful district.
John Harvey Slocum
John Harvey Slocum (Republican)
John Harvey Slocum was born and raised in Bryan-College Station where his father worked in Texas A&M Football as coach from 1971-2002 and still today works in multiple capacities. John Harvey grew up in Bryan public schools, then graduated high school from A&M Consolidated in College Station. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M in 1999 in Agriculture Development.
John Harvey began his professional career in residential construction, and then later moved into the oil and gas industry. He is currently a managing partner of Prime Solution Services, a directional drilling business. He has worked domestically and abroad on both land and offshore operations. John Harvey is also a partner in OceanTherm USA, a company focused on mitigating hurricane damage by lowering the surface temperature of the ocean.
In addition, John Harvey is involved in a multi-generational ranching operation, and he is a partner in Viking Corporate Services, a business development company credited with the success of 1860 Italia restaurant, Dulce Vista Construction, and Texas Archery Bow Shop, one of the nation’s most successful archery businesses. His most recent business adventure is the newly opened Poché’s Seafood Shoppe and Restaurant.
John Harvey and his wife of 20 years, Theresa, Texas A&M Class of ‘97, are the proud parents of one daughter, Dillan, Aggie Class of ‘27, and one son, Bubba, who is 16. The Slocum family attend Grace Bible Church.
Trey Wharton
Trey Wharton (Republican)
Trey Wharton, successful business leader and Huntsville ISD Trustee, has announced that he is running in the Republican Primary for Texas State Representative in District 12. Wharton has served on the Huntsville ISD board since 2015 and currently serves as the Board President.
A graduate of Huntsville High School, Wharton attended Texas Christian University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance degree. After beginning a career in the banking industry, Trey founded the Wharton Insurance Network in 1991 and has successfully grown the business while continuously giving back to the community.
In addition to his service on the Huntsville ISD Board, Wharton previously served as a Board Member and later Chair of the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors and has been an active leader on various church committees, Huntsville Boys Baseball, the YMCA and others.
Trey has been married to his wife, JoLynne, for over 33 years and has two adult children. They are members of the Northside Baptist Church in Huntsville. House District 12 includes all of Grimes, Madison, Robertson, Walker, and Washington County and part of Brazos County.
Dee Howard Mullins
Dee Howard Mullins (Democrat)
Dee Howard Mullins served her second term as Huntsville City Councilmember At Large #2, which ended November 2022. She was initially elected in 2018. Dee was born and raised in Huntsville and attended Sam Houston State University. She majored in Criminal Justice and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She later earned a Master of Art degree in Human Resource from Webster University. Dee’s career included positions as a Juvenile Parole Officer (Texas Youth Council), Juvenile Probation Officer (Harris County Juvenile Probation Department) and U. S. Probation Officer (Southern & Western Districts of Texas). Following retirement, Dee was the Executive Director of a non-profit agency in San Antonio.
Dee has served on numerous community boards and state commissions. She successfully completed Leadership Austin, Leadership Texas and Huntsville Leadership Institute (Walker County Chamber of Commerce) Class #39. Dee is proud to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority/Theta Epsilon SHSU, Huntsville Lions Club and First Baptist Church. Dee was recognized in 2020 by The Huntsville Item as one of Walker County Proud, served on the 2020 Arise2Read 5K Planning Committee and participated in the Huntsville 2023 MLK Program. She received the 2023 SHSU Alumni /Black Alumni & Friends Humanitarian Award. Dee is currently a freelance reporter for The Huntsville Item.
*Bios provided by District 12 Texas House of Representatives candidates. For more information, visit their websites.
