Representative Daniel Alders is currently serving his first term as the State Representative for House District 6, which encompasses the entirety of Smith County, including the communities of Arp, Bullard, Emerald Bay, New Chapel Hill, Noonday, Troup, Whitehouse, and Tyler. He is a seventh-generation Texan, having deep family roots in East Texas that trace back to 1836. Daniel grew up on a family farm in Nacogdoches County and later earned a degree in Liberal Arts from New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. Following his education, he married Joanna, and together they have two daughters, Trinity and Madeleine.
Before his election to the Texas House, Daniel built a career in real estate and served as the East Texas Regional Director for Senator Ted Cruz, where he acted as the Senator’s primary liaison to business owners and community leaders across a 35-county area. He later transitioned to the private sector, becoming the Executive Property Manager and President of Drake Management Services. His community involvement extends to leadership roles such as chairman of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee and participation in various local organizations, including the diaconate at Fifth Street Presbyterian Church and the Smith County Advisory Board for Unbound Now.
In the Texas Legislature, Alders is a member of key committees, including the Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee and the Land & Resource Management Committee. His legislative focus reflects strong conservative principles, particularly in areas concerning individual rights, public safety, and local governance.
One of his significant sponsored bills, House Bill 162, aims to prohibit extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs) in Texas, underscoring his alignment with Second Amendment rights and opposition to what he perceives as government overreach regarding gun control measures. This bill, also known as the "Anti-Red Flag Act," seeks to render any form of ERPOs unenforceable within Texas, which has sparked debate about balancing rights with public safety concerns.
Additionally, Alders co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 91, proposing a constitutional amendment that recognizes an individual's right to refuse vaccinations. This initiative ties into the broader discussions surrounding personal autonomy and public health policy, particularly in light of challenges raised during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another noteworthy bill is House Bill 1354, which seeks to establish a Texas Adoption Assistance Program, designed to provide financial support to adoptive parents, thus promoting family growth and stability within communities.
Alders has also shown interest in enhancing local governance and accountability through House Bill 4943, which would enable property owners to seek compensation from municipalities that fail to enforce laws affecting public nuisances, thereby facilitating greater local oversight. His legislative agenda often illustrates a commitment to reducing regulatory burdens on businesses and property owners, as seen in bills addressing real estate transactions and the operational authority of homeowners' associations.
Overall, Alders' political leanings are characterized by a commitment to conservative values, including an emphasis on individual rights, local control, and a favorable perspective on measures that promote economic and community autonomy. His legislative efforts reflect an integration of traditional Texas values with contemporary issues affecting his constituents and the broader state.