Get To Know Your State Representative: Stan Gerdes

Rep. Stan Gerdes is not just a lawmaker—he’s a resource for residents of House District 17. Whether it’s solving individual problems, supporting local projects, or shaping policy, his office is there to help people navigate government and amplify their voices.

🏛️ Who is Rep. Stan Gerdes?

• Full Name: Stanley “Stan” Gerdes (born January 23, 1986) (en.wikipedia.org)

• District: Serves Texas House District 17 (covers Bastrop County, parts of surrounding central Texas counties) (texastribune.org)

• Party: Republican

• Background: A fifth-generation Central Texan, Gerdes grew up in Waco before attending UT‑Austin, where he earned his degree and met his wife. Before his 2023 inauguration, he worked over a decade with then‑Governor Rick Perry—first in Texas, then at the U.S. Department of Energy as Senior Advisor and Travel Director (house.texas.gov). Elected to Smithville city council in 2021, he won the District 17 seat in November 2022 and took office January 10, 2023 (en.wikipedia.org).

  
  

Legislative Work & Priorities

During his first legislative session (89th Legislature, 2023–2025), Rep. Gerdes:

• Contributed to the largest property‑tax cut in U.S. history

• Helped secure $5.1 billion for border security and increased rural law enforcement funding

• Co‑authored legislation establishing the Texas Water Fund

• Advocates for conservative values: the right to life, constitutional liberties, and the 2nd Amendment (house.texas.gov).

He currently serves on three House Committees: Calendars; Energy Resources; Licensing & Administrative Procedures (texastribune.org).

What Does Stan Gerdes Do & How Can He Help You

🏛️ 1. Legislative Advocacy

As a state legislator, Rep. Gerdes writes, sponsors, and votes on laws that affect the lives of Texans. He can:

• Support or oppose legislation based on public input

• File bills addressing specific community concerns

• Advocate for funding for local infrastructure, schools, and public safety

Example: Gerdes co-authored the creation of the Texas Water Fund, aimed at improving water infrastructure—a major concern for rural and growing communities.

🤝 2. Constituent Services

Rep. Gerdes’ district and Capitol offices can help individuals navigate state systems and resolve problems, including:

• Help with State Agencies (e.g., DPS, TxDOT, HHSC, TWC)

• Assistance with Benefits such as unemployment, Medicaid, SNAP

• Support for Small Businesses seeking licensing or state support

• Letters of Recognition or Support for achievements, events, or grant applications

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📢 3. Amplifying Community Voices

Gerdes can bring local issues to the attention of state leaders and regulatory agencies. He can:

• Submit constituent concerns into the official record

• Host or attend town halls, hearings, and forums

• Encourage community input during the legislative session

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🛠️ 4. Problem Solving & Local Improvements

He can be instrumental in:

• Advocating for transportation projects and road repairs

• Securing state funding for schools, broadband, and utilities

• Supporting law enforcement and emergency services in rural areas

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📬 5. Connecting People to Resources

Rep. Gerdes’ office often knows about:

• Grants for local nonprofits, schools, and governments

• Programs and services the public may not be aware of

• Internship and Page programs for students interested in politics

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🔔 How to Get Help

Contact his district or Capitol office if you:

• Have a problem with a state agency

• Need help understanding a new law

• Want to voice support or opposition to a bill

• Need help planning a community project or event

• Are seeking honors for someone doing great work in the district

📬 How to Contact Rep. Gerdes

Capitol Office – Austin

• Mailing Address:P.O. Box 2910Austin, TX 78768 (texastribune.org)

• Street Address: Room E2.604, State Capitol

• Capitol Phone: (512) 463‑0682 (texastribune.org)

• Email Form: Via the Texas House website “Email Rep. Gerdes” link—you’ll need to submit your name, address, phone, and a message (house.texas.gov).

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District Office – Bastrop

• Address: 1011 Alley A, Suite B, Bastrop, TX 78602 (texastribune.org)

• Phone: (512) 321‑3720 (texastribune.org)

Some sources also list a fax line for his Capitol office: (512) 463‑9955 (congressweb.com).

📝 Tips for Reaching Out

1. Choose the right office:

   • Austin office is best for legislative or statewide issues

   • Bastrop office is ideal for district-specific problems

2. Include key details in your communication:

   • Name, address (your residence within District 17)

   • Clear subject line and concise description of your issue or request

3. Timing matters:

   • Legislative sessions, recesses, and committee schedules can affect response times—contact early for issues related to active legislation (especially March through May)

4. In‑person visits:

   • Schedule a meeting via phone or email

   • Wear appropriate attire (business casual) and adhere to Capitol security procedures

5. Ask for help early:

   • District offices can assist with state agencies (TXDOT, DPS), constituent services, forms, or public benefits

   
   

📌 Quick Reference Table

Purpose	Contact Office	Address / Phone / Email
Legislation or statewide concerns	Austin (Capitol)	Room E2.604, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768 / (512) 463‑0682 / stan.gerdes@house.texas.gov
Local/district support	Bastrop District	1011 Alley A, Suite B, Bastrop, TX 78602 / (512) 321‑3720

✅ Summary

Representative Stan Gerdes brings deep Texas roots and experience from local government and federal energy policy to District 17. Engaged in major tax relief, water funding, and law enforcement initiatives, he's accessible both in the Austin Capitol and in Bastrop for constituent services. Whether your concern is legislative or local, starting with a well-crafted email or phone call is the best step toward getting the help you need.