“ My Love "
Erica Davis, is a Houston-based politician, educator, and public servant who has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between government institutions and the communities they serve. Growing up in Houston's Sunnyside and Acres Homes communities, Davis developed a deep understanding of local issues and community needs that would shape her future work in public service. She is married to a United States Airman (David) and serves as a loving bonus mom to Elijah.
Erica Davis's educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in the 3rd Ward, Our Mother of Mercy in the 5th Ward, and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart before graduating from Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice High School, where she received the principal's scholarship. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communication with a minor in Spanish from the University of Houston, followed by a Master's in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Davis continued her education at the Ivy League level, obtaining a Master of Science from Columbia University in New York. She currently completed her doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, with an expected completion date of December 2025. Her dissertation research focuses on "Learning in the Political Ecosystem: A Case Study Approach to Self-Directed Learning of Language Among Local Elected Officials," exploring how political candidates and elected officials learn their roles.
Erica Davis made history as the first African American woman to serve as Civilian Chief of Staff for a law enforcement agency in Harris County, specifically at the Precinct One Constable's Office under Constable Alan Rosen. She began her tenure with the office in 2013 as Community Outreach Director before being promoted to Chief of Staff. In this groundbreaking role, she has focused on building bridges between law enforcement and the community for nearly a decade, developing educational safety seminars for all communities, providing resource fairs for low-income areas, and creating multiple platforms for youth to engage in dialogue on progressive issues. She provides executive support for departmental policy development, collaborates with Command Staff on long-term strategic planning, oversees comprehensive public affairs operations including media relations and crisis response, and serves as the principal liaison between agency executives and external stakeholders.
Enjoys learning
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Committed to serving Harris County with transparency and community focus.
Our Community Impact
Empowering Harris County through dedicated leadership.
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.
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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Building Stronger Harris
Prior to her work with the Constable's office, Davis served as a High School Spanish Teacher at Mt. Carmel High School and as interim director for the Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Economic Development. Throughout her 14 years of public service, she has demonstrated exceptional ability in strengthening relationships between governmental institutions and the communities they serve, with particular expertise in law enforcement community engagement. Davis is a champion for criminal justice reform, believing in effecting change from within the system through collaboration and best practice policies. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public service, education, and building stronger connections between government and the people it serves.