Early voting is underway as of June 29, and election day is July 14. The winner of the primary will go on to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, D-Houston, in November.
Learn about Champion and Cadena in the candidate Q&A below.
Robert M. Cadena
Occupation: small-business owner
Website: www.cadenaforcongress.com
How does your experience make you the best candidate for this elected office?
I am the current President of Harris County Mud 150 District. In comparison, the District is like a small City or Commissioners precinct. With a diverse District of more than 12,000 residents, water infrastructure, sewer infrastructure, water collection, drainage, tax assessment, tax collection, trash service contract, security service contract with the Harris County Sheriff Department, one hundred plus businesses, multiple apartment complexes, a district website, and neighborhoods. As a Mud Board, we are responsible for ensuring we meet the needs of our residents and businesses. My leadership of Harris Mud 150 alone puts me into a position to lead Congressional District 18. As a small business owner of twenty years, I understand what it will take to attract businesses to areas of District 18 without incentivizing them with taxpayer money. What I know is I am a constitutional conservative and a leader who leads with the people, not over them.
What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents?
Flooding, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Jobs, Education and Community Safety.
How will you build working relationships across districts and party lines?
I will work to build a dialogue and find common ground with other leaders to implement solutions that will benefit all communities.
Wendell Champion
Occupation: Harris County Sheriff's Office law enforcement/attorney
Campaign website: www.champion2020.com
How does your experience make you the best candidate for this elected office?
I have the educational, professional, and personal background that gives me a worldview that prepared me to deal with the most pressing issues of this district. From military defense to social needs to oil and gas industries, healthcare industries, law enforcement, and community. These experiences have given me the ability to develop non-partisan coalitions to solve issues.
What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents?
We have a very diverse district. But the core need across the district is the creation of more jobs at all levels. With education and training, access to jobs, and the development of industries we can provide the communities with opportunity and prosperity.
How will you build working relationships across districts and party lines?
Simple. I will engage folks from both parties with the respect and dignity that's required to work together on behalf of our common goal which is to serve our people and make America the country we all truly believe in and desire.
