State Representative Hillary Hickland is a ninth-generation Texan, devoted wife, and mother of four who is driven by her faith and commitment to serving her community. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University.

Biography | Texas House of Representatives

Hillary Hickland earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University.

Rep. Hickland, Hillary - District 55 - Texas House of Representatives

She holds a Bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. After graduating from Baylor, she and her husband lived in Mexico for a period of time, where she became fluent in Spanish while teaching English.

Hillary Hickland previously taught English while living in Mexico.

Rep. Hillary Hickland is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, first elected in November 2024 and sworn in on January 14, 2025 to represent District 55, which covers central Bell County and includes the cities of Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, Killeen (Part), and Nolanville.

State Rep. Hillary Hickland | Texas Policy Research

Hillary currently serves as a Texas state representative for District 55. She was first elected in November 2024.

State Rep. Hillary Hickland - Texas Policy Research

2026 Texas General Election

As of July 22, 2026, Hillary Hickland’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Economy

Each representative of course has their own priorities. However, there are some issues that are a priority throughout the house. “Across party lines, demographics, we are all concerned with property taxes… wanting our communities to be safe, so supporting law enforcement, border security,” Hickland said.

Local Texas House Representatives discuss the top priorities of this years legislative session, focusing on school choice

Garrit: What more do you think the state can do regarding border security, because a large problem is that the federal government is not enforcing the laws?

Hillary: “Well, we have the constitutional right to protect our borders. I’m so grateful that Governor Abbott is willing to take a stand against Biden when he is working against us, actively working against us to protect our own borders. So, I support Governor Abbott and the physical borders that he has put in place. I support him in having a border security force.” This March 28, 2024, interview position was checked against later available campaign and 2025 news coverage, which continued to list border security as a priority and did not show a contradictory statement.

An Interview with Hillary Hickland - The Texas Horn

Supports law enforcement to promote community safety.

Supports physical border barriers and a state border-security force.

- Supports law enforcement to promote community safety.
- Supports physical border barriers and a state border-security force.

Public Safety

Healthcare

But none more so than school choice, which is at the top of the list for Governor Greg Abbott and many representatives. Many of those he endorsed won their seats, including Representative Hickland, who ousted Hugh Shine after he voted against school choice. “While we absolutely have the support, we have the votes in the house, it all comes down to the details,” Hickland said, “making sure that we are considering all of the ramifications, all the rollout of what this could look like so that everyone is supported and that this is not harming public schools, but it’s actually opening the door for families to access alternatives”.

Garrit: Moving the focus to some policy issues, your support for ESAs [Educational Savings Accounts] and parental empowerment is quite clear. But could you speak about why you support ESAs and why you think it’s an important policy for the state to pursue?

Hillary: “Well, we have an education crisis, and public school is not right for all families. But the only families that have options are those who can afford it. When it comes to education, that’s wrong.” This March 28, 2024, interview position was checked against later available campaign and 2025 news coverage, which continued to identify school choice as a priority and did not show a contradictory statement.

Hillary: “Well, access to information. Prior to kids being developmentally able to handle some of this content or influences can really affect their development. I think we see that there is a mental health crisis in our kids. There are some studies that I’ve seen [that] have shown a direct correlation with smartphones and social media.” She continued: “[We need to make] sure that we protect our children from harmful materials and harmful content. The state has a vested interest to protect our kids.” This March 28, 2024, interview position was checked against later available campaign and 2025 news coverage; no newer contradictory position was found.

Supports school-choice policies that give families access to alternatives without harming public schools.

Supports state protections for children against harmful content and materials.

- Supports school-choice policies that give families access to alternatives without harming public schools.
- Supports state protections for children against harmful content and materials.

Education

Energy & the Environment

Voting & Elections

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Hillary Hickland

Hillary Hickland is from Belton, Texas. She has a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University. She is married and a mother of four. She is an active member of the Central Texas Republican Women.

Hillary is a homemaker and a crisis pregnancy center mentor. After graduating from Baylor University, she and her husband lived in Mexico for a period of time, where she became fluent in Spanish while teaching English. 

Rep. Hillary Hickland - Texas State Directory Online

Hillary is currently a state representative for Texas's District 55. She is currently serving her first term.

Has a master's degree in criminal justice.

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- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Texas House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Texas State Legislature
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. 
- There are 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives, each representing a single district. Representatives must be at least 21 years old and reside in the state for at least two years before their election. 
- State representatives are elected to two-year terms during even-numbered years. There are no term limits. 
- State representatives make $7,200 annually in addition to a $221 payment per day during legislative sessions and mileage reimbursements.

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Texas House of Representatives.