U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul assumed office in 2005, according to Congress' website. In March, he will be running as the incumbent for the Republican primary for Texas' 10th Congressional District.
The district covers cities from Austin to the Greater Houston area, including Waller, Katy and the Cinco Ranch neighborhood.
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 information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
*Indicates incumbent
Michael McCaul*
Experience:
Serving in Congress as chairman of Homeland Security Committee, chair of the China Task Force, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Occupation:
Congressman for the 10th Congressional District of Texas
Candidate Website:
https://www.michaelmccaul.com
Contact Information:
512-494-1882
What experiences and qualifications do you believe make you well-suited for this role?
I’m a former federal prosecutor, and I have spent my entire career fighting to keep America safe and deliver results for Texans. I’ve been ranked as one of the most effective legislators in Congress and have served as chairman on both the Homeland Security Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
What is the top issue you believe is most critical for your constituents, and how do you plan to address it?
The top issues are securing the border, restoring the American economy and standing up to communist China. I believe we accomplish these objectives by putting the interests of American citizens first, implementing commonsense conservative policy measures and projecting strength on the world stage.
What specific initiatives do you propose to stimulate economic growth and job creation within your district?
We must get the government off the back and out of the pockets of hardworking Americans. We need to rein in the reckless spending, lower taxes, restore our energy independence, bring our factories home from abroad and ensure America leads the world in advanced manufacturing.
How do you plan to address the education needs of the district and support local schools and teachers?
I support higher pay for teachers. Washington bureaucrats should not be making more than Texas teachers. We should provide more opportunities for students to learn science, technology, engineering and math, while also providing more options when it comes to vocational education. Furthermore, we need to invest in school security.
How do you plan to stay connected with the concerns and priorities of the residents of your district, and what avenues will you provide for community input?
It’s the honor of my lifetime representing the people of TX-10. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling all over the district talking to voters. I’ve also assembled a team that’s helped countless constituents with issues ranging from accessing veterans benefits to obtaining social security to handling problems with the IRS.
Jared Lovelace
Experience:
Army captain in infantry, MBA, startup CEO, husband, father, Eagle Scout
Occupation:
Entrepreneur
Candidate Website:
https://www.jared2024.com
Contact Information:
281-923-6123
What experiences and qualifications do you believe make you well-suited for this role?
I led infantry soldiers in the U.S. Army. I know what it means to serve. It’s about doing the right thing, making sacrifices and serving the people—not political masters. I have a master’s in business administration and I am an entrepreneur that knows how to apply sound financial principles.
What is the top issue you believe is most critical for your constituents, and how do you plan to address it?
Fiscal accountability. I will vote against any budget that does not decrease the previous year’s deficit by at least 10%. People want to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are being managed well and put towards dire issues, such as the border. We need more prudent financial management in Congress.
What specific initiatives do you propose to stimulate economic growth and job creation within your district?
I will introduce legislation that simplifies the tax code, reduces the tax burden on our citizens and ensures that tourists and illegal aliens pay into the system through Fair Tax. This stimulates economic growth because everyone living on the U.S. economy will be forced to pay into the system.
How do you plan to address the education needs of the district and support local schools and teachers?
I think education issues belong at the state level and below. Each state and community has different needs and those issues are best legislated locally where citizens have more control over taxes and social dialogue. There isn’t any one education agenda that would benefit the whole country.
How do you plan to stay connected with the concerns and priorities of the residents of your district, and what avenues will you provide for community input?
I plan to hold a town hall in every county of my district that is open to the public at least annually. Too many representatives talk at their constituents, not with them. I don’t sit in the big chair behind the oak desk in my congressional office, the people do.
