About Me
My background
Erica Davis (born November 19, 1985) is an African American politician. Davis was elected to the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) on November 3, 2020 and sworn into office on January 1, 2021. HCDE is a public entity dedicated to helping meet the needs of uniquely challenged learners and school staff in the state’s largest county through innovative programming and support services. Davis was voted as Chairwoman of Governmental Affairs, Chairwoman of Special Schools, and a member of the policy committee. Davis acts to establish policies governing the operation of Harris County Department of Education with an annual budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 at $154,234,536.
As Chief of Staff, for Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office of Alan Rosen, Davis focuses on building bridges between law enforcement and the community. As a true public servant for the past 14 years, Davis develops educational safety seminars to all communities; provide resource fairs for low-income communities and developed multiple platforms for youth to dialogue on progressive issues. She believes in working with everyone for a common goal for best practice policies. Prior to the Constables office, Davis worked as a High School Spanish Teacher at Mt. Carmel High School and served as interim director for the Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Economic Development.
Davis, from the Sunnyside neighborhood of Houston, is the daughter of Charolette T. Francois Davis (deceased) and Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Davis (Dr. Charlotte Davis, stepmother). Her mother worked for the Catholic Diocese under bishop Fiorenza as a Director for Black Catholics. Her father became the first Black Chaplain of the Houston Police Department and served over 40 years. He was appointed under Sheriff Adrian Garcia as a Major for the Sheriff’s Office and currently a Captain at Harris County Pct. 1 Constables Office of Alan Rosen. Davis’ father also pastors Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in the Acres Homes community for past 34 years where she is a member.
Davis attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in the 3rd Ward and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. Davis is a graduate of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice High School where she received the principal’s scholarship upon graduation. She enrolled at the University of Houston-Central graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communication minor in Spanish. Davis earned her Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and then a Masters in Science from Columbia University-New York. Davis recently completed a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) in Learning and Organizational Change at the University of Pennsylvania
She is a proud Veteran’s wife to David, devoted mom to Elijah, & native Houstonian
University of Houston
University of Texas
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Columbia University -New York
Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
Columbia University -New York
Describe your involvement with organizations and events.
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WHAT I'VE ACCOMPLISHED IN MY FIRST TERM
Since being elected in 2020, I've served as:
Chairwoman of Governmental Affairs
Chairwoman of Special Schools
Member of the Policy Committee
I've helped oversee HCDE's growth from a $128 million budget to over $162 million—not because we're spending more, but because we're serving more.
I've advocated for:
✅ Four alternative high schools serving students who need different learning environments—including Texas' first public recovery high school for students overcoming substance abuse
✅ 21 Head Start centers (up from 17) providing early childhood education
✅ Expanded adult education programs that go beyond GED completion
✅ School-based therapy services addressing mental health crises
✅ LGBTQ+ inclusive policies ensuring every student feels safe
✅ Breaking the school-to-prison pipeline through evidence-based interventions
But the achievement gaps persist. The inequities remain. And that's why I'm running for re-election.
MY VISION FOR THE NEXT TERM
1. EXPAND COMMUNITY OUTREACH WHERE IT'S NEEDED MOST
Communities like the one I grew up in need to know HCDE exists. We must utilize every communication channel—churches, community centers, social media, door-to-door outreach—to ensure families access our resources.
I will host town halls in the neighborhoods where HCDE services are most needed. If my mother had known about HCDE's resources, she might have been the first in her family to graduate from college. I won't let another mother miss that opportunity.
2. BREAK GENERATIONAL CURSES OF ILLITERACY
We must expand:
Pre-K literacy programs that catch children early
ESL and Spanish language immersion programs ensuring academic success for our diverse communities
Adult education beyond GED incorporating technology skills, trade certifications, and pathways to college
Literacy is liberation. And we're going to liberate generations.
3. DISMANTLE THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE
Using my experience as the first Civilian Chief of Staff for Law Enforcement at Harris County Precinct One, I've seen how the system criminalizes students instead of educating them.
In my next term, I will:
Expand alternative education models that work
Increase mental health and trauma-informed care
Partner with law enforcement on de-escalation and cultural competency
Ensure our schools are pathways to success, not prisons
4. IMPLEMENT RESEARCH-BASED GOVERNANCE
My doctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that elected officials face systemic barriers to effective service—especially officials from marginalized backgrounds.
I'm implementing:
Comprehensive onboarding for trustees so we govern effectively from day one
Evidence-based policymaking grounded in research, not politics
Inclusive governance structures that amplify diverse voices
Accountability systems ensuring taxpayer dollars create real results
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