Four Republican candidates are vying for the U.S. District 29 position in the upcoming March primaries.

Among the Republican candidates are Jaimy Blanco, Julio Garza, Lulite Ejigu and Robert Schafranek.
Incumbent and Democratic candidate Sylvia Garcia is running unopposed.

The winners for each party in the March primaries will be on the ballot in the November general election. Candidate responses may have been edited for length and clarity.

Jaimy Blanco


Occupation: real estate investor



Relevant experience: Candidate did not submit response as of press time

Contact information: 832-876-0128

Website: www.jaimyblancoforcongress.com

Lulite Ejigu


Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Website: www.lulitefortexas.com

Julio Garza


Occupation: insurance agent


Relevant experience: I have obtained a B.S. in political science, a minor in international relations and a masters in public administration. In which I’ve studied extensively the causation of oppression over submission through history, whether here at home and abroad, this has taught me to look for the reasoning of opposition in any negotiations.

Contact information: 713-470-7994

Website: www.juliogarzatexas29forcongress.com

Robert Schafranek


Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

QUESTIONS:

Q: What inspired you to run for this office, and what qualifications do you possess?

Blanco: I was raised in the 29th district. I have firsthand experienced and seen the need in this district. I have risen above all adversities and can say that I am the change that I want to bring to this district. ... As a real estate investor, I learned to create passive income to cover my salary and could focus my time attending to help others. I have been blessed to travel to over 30 countries for mission work. ... I have meet with politicians. ...


Ejigu: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Garza: My love for our country, everything is upside, and our allies are no longer standing with us after Afghanistan. I believe I can make good decisions for District 29, Texas and the U.S. I have a strong sense of patriotism, love for my country and a civic duty to be a representative.

Schafranek: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Q: What would be your top priorities if elected?


Blanco: I will always fight to protect our rights, our freedoms and our individual liberties that are under attack by Democrats. I will work to restore the American dream by getting government out of the way and Americans back to work. We must create an environment that encourages economic opportunity for all. ... I support an immigration policy that respects the rule of law and protects American sovereignty. We must secure our borders—that means building a wall and giving Border Patrol agents the resources they need.

Ejigu: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Garza: To secure the southern border, energy independence, rebuild our military, regain the trust of our allies, retrieve any Americans still left behind in Afghanistan, re-establish peace in the Middle East, for starters.

Schafranek: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Q: What are the top challenges now facing residents in District 29, and how do you plan to address them?


Blanco: Slyvia Garcia and the Democrats in Congress have worked to fundamentally change America. We are witnessing a supply chain crisis and a crisis at the border. Meanwhile, mounting debt, massive spending, and rising inflation threaten to cripple our economy. I will fight the rise of socialism; defend our Constitution; and preserve our fundamental rights, liberties and freedoms. The Democrats have taken advantage of the Hispanic vote and taken them for granted. We want to give them a hand up not a hand down.

Ejigu: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Garza: The refineries in Pasadena and Texas City are a major employer for the area, also the Port of Houston, all need representation in Washington, establish good rapport with EPA, OSHA and Homeland Security. Sometimes environmental emergencies occur, and we have to be ready to ensure a proper response for the community.

Schafranek: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Q: How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?


Blanco: I have been building productive relationships throughout my whole involvement in the political realm. As a public servant my loyalty is [to] the people in the district, voting based on what is best for the district.

Ejigu: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time

Garza: Again, with my experience with situational opposing parties’ study, this will help to reach common ground. Even with the other party in other districts. I believe there is always a solution where all sides benefit. Case in point, after Hurricane Harvey, I witnessed a community coming together, no parties, just people helping people.

Schafranek: Candidate did not submit responses as of press time