Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, representing Round Rock, shared personal insights and legislative realities in a recent episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast. The episode, titled "Caroline Harris Davila | From Round Rock Kid to State Representative," aired on June 16, 2026, and features host Bryan Eisenberg in a conversation that delves into Davila's journey from a fearful speaker to a community advocate.
Davila, one of the youngest members of the Texas House, revealed that she struggled with public speaking early in her political career. "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," she said. Her parents, grandparents (still living next door at 90 and 95), and her faith helped her overcome these fears.
The conversation also highlighted the mechanics of the Texas Legislature, which is a part-time body that pays $600 a month and convenes 140 days every other year. Davila emphasized that over 95% of Texas House initiatives are bipartisan, a statistic that contrasts sharply with national politics. She noted that constituent service is a significant part of her job, with the most common request being help securing a driver license appointment. More extraordinary cases include assisting a family with streamlining an autopsy for a loved one.
Davila addressed key issues for Round Rock, including housing affordability and trade school pathways such as those offered by Texas State Technical College in Hutto. She discussed efforts to keep young talent in Central Texas and highlighted the role of nonprofits, like Will Williams' organization that distributes power wheelchairs to veterans, in plugging into her office.
Growing up as a pastor's kid alongside Mark Westerfield of Central Baptist Church, Davila credits her faith-based upbringing for shaping her worldview and commitment to service. She also described her role 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 group she works with on candidate development.
The episode provides a rare glimpse into the personal and professional life of a state representative, focusing on the neighbor-helping-neighbor culture of Round Rock. Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast is produced by Round Rock Studio and hosted by bestselling author Bryan Eisenberg. Episode 78 is available now wherever podcasts are heard.
