Early voting starts on Feb. 17, and election day is March 3. For more information on voting procedures, visit your county's website. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
What you need to know
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
"Stock" Castro-Mendoza
Occupation & Experience:
30-year US Navy captain, (Ret.); teacher and farmer
Candidate Website:
https://www.stockforcongress.com
Why are you running for office?
I have dedicated my life to my adopted country through military service and teaching. America made it possible for me, a first-generation immigrant, to achieve the American Dream. I am running to make life affordable, restore the American Dream for our future generations and narrow the income inequality gap.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities are: lowering the cost of living; affordable healthcare for all, protecting earned benefits including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans' Care, and supporting our farmers and small businesses while protecting the environment.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
What I hear is that everything costs too much, housing and healthcare primarily, and jobs are scarce and do not pay a living wage. We need our representatives to represent the needs of their constituents, not their own pocketbooks.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I will institute legislation to keep corporations from monopolizing housing, enact legislation that punishes price gougers, promote low-interest loans for our farmers and small businesses, enact legislation to restore Medicaid and Veterans' benefits, and work toward universal healthcare.
Tanya Lloyd
Occupation & Experience:
Public school teacher for 20 years; mom, lifelong TX-27 resident
Candidate Website:
https://www.tanyafortexas.com
Why are you running for office?
I’m running because Congress needs a kindergarten teacher. After more than two decades in public schools, I’ve seen how federal decisions affect families, schools, and rural communities. I believe Congress needs leaders who listen, show up, and focus on practical solutions that help people get ahead.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Fully funding public education, protecting access to healthcare—especially in rural areas—and lowering everyday costs for working families. I also prioritize infrastructure like broadband and roads so rural communities can grow, attract jobs, and stay connected.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Rural communities are being left behind. Schools are underfunded, healthcare access is shrinking, costs keep rising, and infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Too many families feel ignored by leaders who don’t spend time in the district or understand daily life here.
How do you plan to address these issues?
By showing up, listening, and advocating for targeted federal investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. I’ll focus on practical solutions, strong oversight, and accountability to ensure resources reach the communities that need them most.
Wayne Raasch
Occupation & Experience:
Candidate did not respond by press time.
Why are you running for office?
Candidate did not respond by press time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Candidate did not respond by press time.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Candidate did not respond by press time.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Candidate did not respond by press time.
