About Paul Thomasson
Our journey at Paul For Senate is defined by more than 40 years of steadfast commitment.
Paul's Policy Beliefs
The Economy
Paul believes the economy is moving in the wrong direction, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor. He sees the Democratic Party as the vehicle for helping the vulnerable.
Healthcare
Insurance premiums are rising, often at an astounding rate. Increasing healthcare costs continue to affect Texans negatively, making places, such as hospitals, either grossly unaffordable or inaccessible to those in need.
Education
Vouchers have taken millions away from public school systems across Texas, causing all kind of big, new problems. Moreover, critical thinking and the scientific method are important aspects of education, and the continuous politicization of public education threatens academic integrity and truths.
Immigration
The political weaponization that is demonizing all immigrants is unconscionable, inexcusable, and simply evil. Men, women, and especially children are being brutally placed into detention centers without much, if any, due process. Not only is this unconstitutional, but it is un-American. The Fourth Amendment protects due process for American citizens, but also says no state can: "...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." We must have liberty and justice FOR ALL.
Ecology
Though not a top-of-mind issue for many, Paul considers it critical. He believes the "global warming is a hoax" lie is dangerous and will ultimately cause great harm to marginalized people. As a fellow Texas citizen, it has become apparent to Paul that our coastline is shrinking, and we are responsible for taking care of the planet we live in. This starts in our own backyard.
The Foundation of Faith: 40 ½ Years in Ministry
Paul, alongside his wife Dyane, dedicated 40 ½ years of full-time service in the United Methodist Church. That denomination is guided by the ‘Social Gospel,’ the core Methodist belief that God is served when we serve humanity. This conviction has led the church to establish a vast network of life-changing institutions, including:
Hospitals and clinics
Colleges and universities
Day schools and nursing homes
And considerably more
Paul sees himself as a small, proud part of this large institution, which he believes was created by God to serve others.
Community-Enriching Endeavors
Expanding Outreach
Throughout his ministry, Paul was a catalyst for growth and community outreach at several churches:
Wharton
Led the creation of a large endowment to fund a full-time youth ministry staff person. He also served as the volunteer director of fundraising for the Boys and Girls Club for four years, earning the humorous "Moses" award for his fundraising efforts, which thanked him for leading them out of the wilderness. He also helped establish a Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Coldspring
Helped establish the Boys and Girls Club of San Jacinto County and a local Habitat for Humanity chapter. He also helped create a church endowment and hosted various community events. Additionally, the church built a new parsonage.
Carthage
Assisted in creating a Boys and Girls Club chapter and led several successful capital campaigns to renovate the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, and Administration Building, as well as purchase two new buses.
Mont Belvieu
Grew significantly, sponsored organizations like the Boy Scouts and a childcare facility, and shared facilities with Holy Trinity Catholic Mission for many years. They also hosted a small food pantry.
Payne Springs
Experienced substantial growth and expansion.
Education and Early Career
A Commitment to Learning
To become a United Methodist pastor, Paul underwent rigorous evaluations of his character, intellect, and abilities. His educational journey includes:
Diploma from Texas City High School (1977).
Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas (1980), completed in just three years by testing out of subjects and taking a heavy course load.
Master of Theology Degree from Perkins School of Theology at SMU (1984).
He began his full-time ministry in June 1984 at Oakwood United Methodist Church in North Houston.
Oakwood United Methodist Church
From Rebuilding Churches to Healing Hearts
At Oakwood, Paul started his ministry shortly after a devastating fire, helping the church rebuild. While there, he also served as a chaplain for the Harris County Hospital District, earning clinical pastoral education credit. He primarily worked at Ben Taub Hospital in the Emergency Center and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, with some time spent at Jefferson Davis Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The church also had a helpful food pantry and resale shop for the local community.
A Family Built on Faith and Service
It was at Oakwood where Paul met and married Dyane, the director of the church's state-certified daycare center. They have been married for over 40 years and have two children, Matthew and Ashley, who are both active teachers. They also have two grandchildren.
Letter Signed by Paul and Other Clergy Members on April 14th, 2019, in Support of LGBTQ+ Rights.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
Mineola's First United Methodist Church
Experienced growth and outreach but was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The church made the cautious decision to have remote worship only for a time.
Caldwell United Methodist Church
Paul served here for six months before the church, like about half of the United Methodist churches in Texas, chose to disaffiliate. Paul chose to remain a United Methodist pastor and is now honorably retired. He advocates for understanding, inclusion, and compassion on the controversial issue of the treatment of homosexual Christians, which was the overriding reason for the disaffiliation.
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Ministries of Compassion and Unity
Fair Haven United Methodist Church
During his seven years at Fair Haven, the church had over 30 full- and part-time employees, many of whom worked in the day school. It was a mission-centered congregation that hosted four United Methodist congregations (two English-speaking, two Spanish-speaking) and a non-Methodist Korean congregation.
Fair Haven had many ministries for the growing Hispanic community, including:
ESL Classes
Kids clubs and Bible studies in apartments
LOGOS children's program
A food pantry open from 10 am to 2 pm, Monday-Friday
Compassion in Action
The church is especially proud of its interdenominational community food pantry, which feeds hundreds of people weekly, 80% of whom speak Spanish. Paul's limited Spanish skills were helpful in both the pantry and in teaching ESL classes. His final project at Fair Haven was leading the church to unite with Chapelwood United Methodist Church to secure funding for its outreach ministries.
Active Community Involvement
Boys and Girls Clubs
Helped establish chapters in Carthage and Coldspring and led fundraising efforts for the Wharton chapter.
Habitat for Humanity
Helped establish chapters in West Wharton County and San Jacinto County.
Civic Organizations
Has been active in Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, and Freemasonry, with a focus on fundraising through events like golf tournaments.
Activism in Local Communities
Continued activism and fight for Texans through protest and political involvement.
Continued Service in Retirement
Even in retirement, Paul continues his ministry work:
A&M United Methodist Church
Delivers Holy Communion to homebound members, serves on the Pastoral Care Committee, and teaches Sunday School.
Denominational Work
Preaches about once a month at a Spanish-centered church, Templo del Espiritu Santo Iglesia Metodista Unita. He also assists with pastor recruitment, retiree benefits, and occasional preaching in other area churches.
The Drive Behind the Mission
Learn more about our candidate background and what drives my mission. Contact us today!