Q&A: Meet the Democratic primary candidates running to represent US Rep. District 7

Why did you choose to run in this election?

Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District since 2019, I am proud of the work I have done for our district and our country. And there is much more to do. I look forward to continuing to partner with and advocate for our community and our values, and to delivering meaningful results.

What is your top priority if elected?

My top priority remains partnering with and for our dynamic community and bringing our voices to Washington. Of particular importance now is restoring the freedom for Texans (and all Americans) to make their own decisions about their bodies, their families and their futures, including about birth control and abortion.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing residents in District 7?

Accessing quality, affordable health care, including restoring reproductive rights; addressing climate change while keeping Houston the energy capital of the world; meeting critical infrastructure needs (including roads, flooding); reforming our immigration system and securing our border; protecting voting rights and elections; providing quality public education; ensuring equality; and defending democracy.

Are there any policies that can be passed, or anything Congress can do, to help Texans deal with inflation?

The Inflation Reduction Act, which caps the cost of insulin at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and extends subsidies to lower ACA premiums, demonstrates how Congress can help Texas families address costs. There are proposals to help bring down costs in other areas before Congress.

Why did you choose to run in this election?

Houston deserves leadership that truly represents our diverse communities and puts our constituents first instead of special interests.

What is your top priority if elected?

We need to build an economy that works for all of Houston. If our leaders stopped wasting taxpayer dollars on funding the catastrophic genocide in Gaza, and started delivering health care to all of us as a right, and created new, unionized jobs—everyone would be able to prosper.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing residents in District 7?

Health care, the environment and the economy. My dad passed away at the hands of the predatory insurance industry. Health care should be a right, not a privilege. We need more unionized jobs and a plan to save our planet.

Are there any policies that can be passed, or anything Congress can do, to help Texans deal with inflation?

When I am in Congress I will fight for a single-payer Medicare for All health care system and a green new economy that works for all of Houston. These common sense policies will put more money in Texans' pockets.