SK Alexander has filed to run for U.S. representative, District 35. He is running against David Smalling, also a Republican, in the March 6 primary election. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett is unopposed in the Democratic primary election. Community Impact Newspaper sent Alexander a list of questions about his candidacy. Below are his answers, edited for newspaper style. Why are you running? I’m running for Congress because I think our nation is at a critical juncture. For eight of the last nine years, we had an administration that increased taxes on businesses and individuals, burdened Americans with restrictions on what they could and couldn’t say, and perpetuated a culture of victimhood. As a fifth-generation Texan, I’m confident that we can do better. What relevant experience do you have? While I have a degree in accounting, I think my career as a cattle rancher best prepared me to run for office. It may sound silly, but the long hours and work ethic required to keep up a ranch is no small task. I know that if I can move a bunch of stubborn cattle in a certain direction then I ought to be able to convince some congressmen to do what’s best for America. What are the top issues the district is facing? District 35 is a very diverse district. Many parts of my district, especially the smaller towns and cities, are in economic recovery mode. After eight years of economic turmoil, people and businesses are just starting to regain their footing on the road to prosperity again. On top of that, we have a bloated health care insurance system that continues to make it hard for Texas families to make ends meet. What are your thoughts on the growth and development within District 35? I want to see policy in place that enables responsible growth and development in the district. If the growth and development can match the pace of economic growth, and we know that families will be able to provide for themselves with a great job and living situation, then I’m all for it. Why should residents vote for you? I hope that residents will vote for me because I care deeply about our district, our state and our country. I’m not running for office to install myself in D.C. for a couple decades; I genuinely want to listen to my constituents and serve them. Even if we disagree on some of the issues, my neighbors in District 35 will always have an open door to talk with me. What are your thoughts on the gerrymandering case, which involves District 35, currently awaiting a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court? We need to make sure every Texan has adequate representation in Washington, D.C.