Q&A: Meet the Democratic primary candidates for US House District 38

Why are you running for office?

In education, our annual training includes how to apply tourniquets and pack bullet wounds; tasks learned in the Army for war. On campus, more students face hunger and homelessness. Our communities deserve better, with leaders who will fight to keep our schools safe and make the American Dream accessible again.

What are the biggest challenges facing this district?

Life is becoming less affordable for everyday families. Housing, healthcare, childcare, and groceries have all risen dramatically. College costs rise every year. Severe weather and flooding remain an ever present danger for our communities. The status quo in congress got us here; we need new leadership to bring positive change.

What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?

The American Dream needs to be accessible again. The rise in monopolies and megacorporations have led to higher prices for consumers, lower wages for workers. We need to strengthen anti-trust laws to weaken them, and bring competition back to the markets. Schools need to be made safe, focusing on education.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?

In congress, I will work for the people of the district. Establishing an advisory committee of community members from all walks of life will keep the needs of the community centered in our work. Hosting town halls and community meetings throughout the year to meet constituents where they are at.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for Congress because our country is facing a constitutional crisis. We must refocus leadership on everyday, hardworking Americans—not the top 1%. The chaos, corruption, and mismanagement in government must end, and our economy must be handled responsibly, with accountability and fairness for all.

What are the biggest challenges facing this district?

The biggest challenges facing this district are affordability and the rising cost of living, access to quality affordable healthcare, and public safety. These issues strain household budgets, limit opportunity, and threaten families’ long-term economic stability, health, and security across our community.

What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?

The legislature must prioritize protecting voting rights, ensuring a quality education for every child, expanding access to healthcare, and investing in housing and infrastructure—especially flood mitigation and streets—to strengthen communities, promote opportunity, and secure Texas’ future.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?

I will stay accountable and transparent year-round by holding regular town halls, sharing clear updates, and maintaining open, accessible channels for constituents. By listening to residents and acting on their input, I will ensure community voices guide my work in Congress.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running to restore checks and balances and be a strong, accessible representative for my district. With over 20 years as a volunteer lobbyist on Capitol Hill, I’ve worked with both parties to advance legislation, including healthcare reform, while advocating for small businesses, veterans, housing affordability, and economic growth.

What are the biggest challenges facing this district?

Constituents consistently raise healthcare, affordability, and civil rights. Tariff wars threaten economic stability, housing, and small businesses. The Affordable Care Act remains at risk. Residents also fear aggressive immigration enforcement and ICE impersonators. Protecting affordable healthcare, economic opportunity, public safety, and human dignity must guide governance across our district forward.

What projects are most important for the legislature to focus on for the future of Texas?

We must restore constitutional checks and balances so no branch of government dominates another, and each remains accountable to the people. Just as urgent is affordability. Families in Texas face soaring rent, food, and healthcare costs, with insurance premiums rising 300-400%, threatening access to care.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?