Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, one of the youngest members of the Texas House, revealed in a recent podcast interview that she nearly threw up before her first campaign speech and considered not running due to a fear of public speaking. The admission came during Episode 78 of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, hosted by Bryan Eisenberg, titled "Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative." The episode, aired on June 16, 2026, offers an unusually personal glimpse into the life of a lawmaker who represents District 19, covering Round Rock and parts of Williamson County.
Harris Davila, a pastor's kid who grew up alongside Mark Westerfield of Central Baptist Church, credits her faith and family for pushing her past her fears. She told Eisenberg, "My first speech I ever gave when I was running for office, I almost threw up right after. I mean, I was just petrified. I was shaking... it really was one of the top reasons of why I didn't even want to run because I just didn't think I would be able to communicate." Her grandparents, now aged 90 and 95, still live next door and provided a support system.
The conversation quickly moved beyond politics into the texture of civic life in Round Rock. Harris Davila discussed the mechanics of a part-time Texas legislature that pays $600 a month and convenes 140 days every other year, a structure that she says forces lawmakers to stay connected to their communities. She highlighted housing affordability, trade school pathways like TSTC in Hutto, and efforts to keep young talent in Central Texas as key priorities.
Harris Davila emphasized that constituent service is the core of her job, with the most common request being help securing a driver license appointment. She recounted extraordinary cases, including helping a family streamline an autopsy for a loved one. She noted that over 95% of Texas House initiatives are bipartisan, a statistic she said surprises many who are familiar with national politics. Her office also acts as a connector, linking constituents to nonprofits, sponsoring silent auction items, arranging flags flown over the Capitol, and recruiting young people nationally to run for local office through a candidate development group.
The episode underscores the importance of understanding state and local government, which often has a more direct impact on daily life than federal politics. Harris Davila's story of overcoming personal fear to serve her community resonates in an era where many are hesitant to enter public service. The podcast, produced by Round Rock Studio and hosted by bestselling author Bryan Eisenberg, aims to spotlight the entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and civic leaders building one of Central Texas's fastest-growing communities.
For those interested in the full conversation, Episode 78 is available now on major podcast platforms. The discussion provides a rare look at the human side of governance and the grit required to represent a community effectively.
