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Editor's note: This article was updated on Oct. 4 to include responses from Caroline Kane, which were received by Community Impact after publication of the article.
Two candidates are running for election to represent U.S. Congressional District 7 in for Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives this November.
What you need to know
Democratic incumbent Lizzie Fletcher, who has been in office since 2019, will face newcomer Republican Caroline Kane.
The district encompasses a portion of Houston, including Montrose, the Heights, Bellaire and Westchase, as well as surrounding areas such as Mission Bend, Sugar Land and Richmond.
Keep in mind
Early voting will take place Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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. For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Why are you running for election to District 7?
Representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District is an honor and a privilege. I am proud of the work I have done for our community and country since 2019, but there is much more work to do to ensure progress, equality and opportunity for all Americans.
How will you ensure that federal funding is allocated to essential infrastructure projects in the district?
Since 2019, I have worked to bring federal infrastructure funding to our region, voting for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has brought more than $1 billion to our area, and directing millions in congressional appropriations for flood control projects, including Meyergrove Detention Basin, Poor Farm Ditch and more.
How do you plan to involve the community in decision-making processes to ensure transparency?
Advocating for our community means understanding our needs. I have prioritized partnering with city and county leaders, and organizations, and communicating directly with constituents, meeting regularly with them in Washington and Houston. I send a weekly email newsletter during session weeks designed to inform and engage our community.
What are your plans for improving disaster preparedness and response in a region prone to flooding and hurricanes?
In Congress, I have secured significant funding for flooding infrastructure projects for Harris County Flood Control, led a bipartisan coalition to ensure completion of studies for future regional projects, worked with FEMA and SBA to improve disaster response and passed the HELP Act law to remove barriers to storm recovery.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent District 7?
I am proud of the broad, diverse coalition I have worked with since 2018 to bring “a little more Houston” to Washington, D.C.. I am proud of the work I have done for our community and country and proud of my record of meaningful, bipartisan accomplishments for all Americans.
Why are you running for election to District 7?
I am running to be a defender of the middle-class, a woman of the people and to return the power of the U.S. Constitution to ‘We, The People.’ We must substantially reduce wasteful and weaponized government spending to reduce inflation and ensure freedom for future generations.
How will you ensure that federal funding is allocated to essential infrastructure projects in the district?
There has been over a billion dollars already allocated to flooding in the district since 2020. This money must be accounted for by the county as well as the Army Corp of Engineers who were to have overseen these projects.
How do you plan to involve the community in decision-making processes to ensure transparency?
I will not be taking money from any special interest groups, lobbyists, big-pharma, big-tech or the military-industrial complex. I am funded by people who have an interest in turning the country around, and it will remain so. Our politicians are too often beholden to these entities rather than their constituents …
What are your plans for improving disaster preparedness and response in a region prone to flooding and hurricanes?
As we are witnessing with recent disasters, the federal government is not proficient at mitigating loss from disasters. Maui and the recent hurricanes are evidence of FEMA’s failures. Disasters should be handled by the state at the direction of the governor, engaging the National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent District 7?
I believe in American values and the American Dream—things that seem to be slipping away. I believe that American tax dollars should stay in America and be used for the benefit of Americans. Parents know what is best for their kids, not the government. We must lighten the burden …
