Q&A: Meet the candidates running to represent U.S. Rep. District 38 in the Democratic primary

Why are you running for this position?

Passing the fewest bills since [World War] II is not representation nor productive. I have 30 years of representation, negotiation, and contract experience. I have lobbied Congress for health care, affordable housing and consumer protection. Congressional District 38 deserves a representative that lives in CD-38 and can get things done.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

Just a few of our challenges are inequality in health care cost, homelessness and veterans housing, affordable housing, and infrastructure. We need to properly allocate federal funds to local organizations and initiatives, and hold them accountable for those funds, making sure they reach the people of CD-38.

What are your top priorities regarding the nation’s economy?

Continue to bring jobs back to America. Struggling to pass a budget caused America's credit rating to drop. We need to stop "kicking the can down the road," agree on a budget and make the government work for the people.

How would you ensure your constituents have access to the health care services they need?

On a federal level, I can advocate that health care programs are adequately funded. Texas needs to expand Medicaid, but that is a state level decision. We are all paying into other states that did expand their Medicaid, and CD-38 should also have those services.

How would you build productive relationships across districts and party lines?

Extremism is tearing Congress apart. It is time to find common ground and get Congress back to representing the people. By focusing on the needs, wants and dreams of the people, I will shape policies that support them at every level of government.

Why are you running for this position?

I'm running for office because, despite positive reports on the economy, upward mobility in America has stagnated. Small-business owners and hardworking Americans are facing challenges, and I believe it's crucial to shift our focus from excessive spending on wars to investing resources back into our nation and the economy.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

The district grapples with school closures, flooding risks and declining small-business growth. We address these issues by advocating for legislation to financially support our struggling schools; pushing for infrastructure bills to address flooding; and promoting initiatives to bring back manufacturing, support startups and provide federal grants for small businesses.

What are your top priorities regarding the nation’s economy?

My top priorities for the nation's economy includes advocating for a living wage by raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour, supporting small businesses through access to resources, fair compensation for workers and transitioning to renewable energy jobs for a sustainable future.

How would you ensure your constituents have access to the health care services they need?