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Two candidates are running for Texas' 14th District for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Incumbent Republican Randy Weber and Democrat Rhonda Hart will both appear on the ballot on Nov. 5 for the race.
District 14 covers part of Beaumont and goes to Port Arthur, stretching west to Galveston and Lake Jackson, according to a map from the U.S. House website. It goes up to south of League City as well.
Early voting starts Oct. 21. Election Day will be held Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words and asked to address the question and not attack other candidates. Answers may have been cut or edited to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*Indicates incumbent.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Gun violence prevention, women's health care [and] veteran’s issues.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
My district is very large, from Beaumont to Lake Jackson, and it can be hard to find a common issue among voters. But being near the coastline, we all worry about hurricane and storm damage. We're still in the middle of hurricane season and people worry about damage to their…
How does your experience prepare you for this role?
I have been volunteering in the gun violence prevention movement for six years and have helped pass three bills at the federal level, [which are] Protect Our Kids Act, Kimberly Vaughan Safe Storage Act and Build Safer Communities Act. I have also passed a Texas State Law, SB 435.
Are there any economic-related policies you think the federal government should focus on?
Corporate greed is a growing concern for people. It's getting harder and harder for people to afford the cost of living. We must hold these groups accountable for raising prices so much that folks can't afford groceries. We could create a stimulus package or tax refund to help boost the…
With space being a growing industry in the area, what policies would you support to continue that trend?
I would continue to support the [Kamala] Harris administration and their efforts with the National Space Council.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Restoring sensible border security is my top priority—securing the border, deporting illegals and removing terrorists. We must reverse the Democrats’ open-border policies that have raised costs for housing, education and health care. I will also focus on unleashing American energy to lower costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest issue or challenge facing your district right now?
Inflation is crushing families. Rising costs for everyday necessities like groceries, gas and health care are making it harder for people to make ends meet. Housing costs have skyrocketed because of high interest rates. We desperately need policies to make life affordable again for families.
How does your experience prepare you for this role?
The Texas Gulf Coast has been my home for 71 years, preparing me to serve as your congressman. As a small business owner and legislator, I've spent my life defending our families, values and future. I'm proud to be a Texan, a Christian and a conservative.
Are there any economic-related policies you think the federal government should focus on?
The federal government must stop reckless spending, cut taxes and provide relief to hard working Americans. Unleashing American energy will lower costs, create jobs and boost economic growth. Energy independence strengthens our economy, reduces inflation and decreases reliance on bad actors around the world.
With space being a growing industry in the area, what policies would you support to continue that trend?
As a sitting member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, I would continue supporting policies that secure America’s competitive edge over China, boost critical industries of the future, preserve our leadership in space and enhance efficiency and accountability within the government agencies managing this vital sector.
