Eight candidates are contesting for Texas’ 7th Congressional District seat in the upcoming March primaries, including one Democrat and seven Republicans.
The winners for each party in the March primaries will be on the ballot in November’s general election. The winner of the Republican primary for the 7th District will face Democratic incumbent Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, who is running unopposed in the primary.
Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity. For more information about voting in Harris County, click here.
Rudy Atencio
Experience: international negotiations and conflict resolution specialty, peacebuilding, former CEO of a multinational company, international political economy
Occupation: conflict resolution specialist; international negotiator and former CEO
Website: www.americansforpeace.us
Contact Information: twitter: @rudy_atencio
Tina Blum Cohen
Candidate did not submit responses as of press time.
Benson Gitau
Experience: served in the U.S. Marine Corps, deployed to Afghanistan and now runs a successful real estate business
Occupation: businessman
Website: www.bensongitau.com
Contact Information: 760-695-7848
Laique Rehman
Experience: www.laiquerehman.com/about.html
Occupation: CEO and founder of different companies
Website: www.laiquerehman.com
Lance Stewart
Experience: Christian, father, husband, veteran small-business owner
Occupation: franchisee
Website: www.lance4tx.com
Tim Stroud
Experience: I have built sustainable programs on the national, state and local levels. I have worked directly with the [Veterans Administration], White House, state of Texas, city of Killeen and city of Houston.
Occupation: director of community relations, ABGi USA
Website: www.timstroud.com
Contact Information: 713-254-9577
Johnny Teague
Experience: accountant—Shell, pharmaceuticals—Pfizer, manager—SCI, education—two bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees and a doctorate
Occupation: pastor, rancher, author
Website: www.johnnyteague.com
Contact Information: 281-924-4460
Questions
Q: Why are you running for U.S. representative in the 7th District?
Atencio: The Ukraine crisis threatens our peace and security interests in District 7. The [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]/Ukraine connection? A problem. The price tag? CD 7 families. Say no to the Bidens and yes to your America. That is why the presence of NATO is unnecessary, the MABUS bill, or "Making America a Better Unified State" bill, will implement conflict resolution strategies locally and internationally with the potential of diverting war while turning the temperature down domestically.
Gitau: Just like most Americans, I am tired of sending representatives to Washington only to get disappointed because they either were not committed to the job or they just wanted a pathway to retire. They get bullied by the Democrats into submission. I will be upholding the conservative values and the will of the people while delivering desired results.
Rehman: [So] our children and future generations have better opportunities.
Stewart: This country cannot continue down the path we are currently heading. We need to not merely take control of the House, but we must elect members who aren't cowards and will fight to keep our constitutional rights which are being attacked by the democratic party. The democrats' radical agenda will destroy our freedom if we elect members who allow it to happen. Common sense and accountability are void in Congress. I am also running to restore those attributes.
Stroud: I have supported great candidates for the last 16 years after my military service. I have declined to run in the past five years due to my commitment to support veterans and their families. After building several programs and mentor[ing] solid leaders to continue the mission, I’m ready to ensure America has that same commitment.
Teague: There is a lack of leadership in Congress. National debt is growing. National defense is suffering. Inflation is exorbitant. Borders are porous. Education has left the parents out. Oil and gas is demonized. Crime is on the increase. There seems to be no resolve in Washington to deal with reality. I believe in term limits, where we address and solve the issues, then go back to live under the measures we pass.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the district today, and how would you tackle it?
Atencio: The first piece of legislation I would bring to Congress involves public safety. District 7 is the second largest human trafficking hub in the United States. Our campaign is in talks with agents in [the Department of Homeland Security], and some [nongovernmental organizations] on creating a Human Trafficking Bureau—a well-oiled machine that would deal with these issue deterring efforts by novice traffickers while capturing seasoned one[s] as well.
Gitau: Flooding and crime are the prominent issues currently. I would coordinate with the federal government to get enough funding for supplies needed during flooding and coordinate with the local government on how to better utilize the funds. As far as crime is concerned, I would work with the local administration to tighten the sentences and reduce bailable crimes. This would disincentivize criminals.
Rehman: We need to modernize our electricity grid while maintaining our independence to avoid a future winter freeze in Texas. I will work across the aisle to ensure the funds collected from the district are spent to improve the infrastructure of the district and our great state of Texas to avoid flooding such as one experienced during [Hurricane] Harvey. Similarly, as our exports oil, gas and downstream products grow we need to improve our infrastructure.
Stewart: Election integrity is our biggest threat now. ... We must elect representatives who aren’t cowards and will fight for all our rights.
Stroud: Our economy is our top issue and we need to ensure that Congress passes good laws that will improve our financial prowess. We need to vote out those who continue to increase our national debt and cripple our economy. I will tackle it head on by eliminating the pork from legislation and putting resources into our states where small businesses need it most.
Teague: Each issue is important, but we have to start somewhere. We should start with the debt. We cannot hope to have the wherewithal to deal with the problems that exist and those that are coming our way in our current financial state. I believe we need to budget based on forecasted tax revenues, set aside a portion each year to pay down debt and use the rest for the needs of this nation.
Q: What would some of your top priorities be if elected?
Atencio: First, jobs and to hybridize our energy grid through the Dream Big America Project, which would give us trade independence, energy independence, decrease human trafficking and generate a PFD that could pay for Medicare access for all. Doing away with mandates, voting no to vaccine surveillance, eliminating lockdowns, yes to the equality act with two proposed amendments, and to keep the federal government out of your wallet, out of your churches and out of your bedroom.
Gitau: Immigration—We need controlled immigration [as soon as possible]! Second Amendment—We have to protect the second amendment. Vaccine and mandates—We have to eliminate coercion and encourage personal choice.
Rehman: Safer neighborhoods and secure borders. Stop the war on oil and gas. Fiscal responsibility ... stop indebting our children. America first.
Stewart: Pro-life, keep Texans working, abolish cancel culture, election integrity, protect constitutional rights, stop reckless federal spending, keep parents involved with education, protect and promote capitalism, law and order. I will meet with leaders from the district on a weekly basis. This is your district, and you need to know I am the mouthpiece for advancing what you feel is important.
Stroud: Securing the southern border, election integrity, refunding the police, improving the health care system (and eliminating mandates), improving the economy (cutting government pork and reducing inflation).
Teague: Begin our climb out of debt. Set term limits for the U.S. House for eight years. Close the borders and assimilate those who should be here. Defend oil and gas—clean energy alternatives are fine, but they can never efficiently or effectively replace oil and gas. We should never bow to China’s rare earth metal monopoly, nor make ourselves dependent on anyone. Education—Parents should have primary say in what their kids learn.
