U.S. Congress members are elected to two-year terms, and District 18 covers the northern portions of the Greater Houston area, such as Spring and Cy-Fair, among others.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 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.
Carmen Maria Montiel
Experience:
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Candidate Website:
www.carmenforcongress.com
More Information:
Republican
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?
There are several issues that need to be addressed on January 3, 2023, and they are: secure the border; re-establish law and order at the border. We need to start drilling again in order to reduce inflation. Hold accountable local governments for not enforcing laws that protect citizens and allowing crime to increase in our country.
What is the No. 1 challenge residents in District 18 are now facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Crime is the No. 1 issue in U.S. Congressional District 18. We need to hold local politicians and elected officials accountable for not enforcing the law of the land and protecting their citizens. The defund the police narrative has to end, and we need to return pride and moral to our men and women in blue.
How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
I think all U.S. Congressional Representatives need to find common ground and work together to improve the lives of our constituents.
What are the largest effects of COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 18, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
The COVID-19 pandemic affected our children's education. Education is the most important tool to improve the lives of the constituents in our district. Our local, state and federal government need to recover the time lost that affected our children's education.
Sheila Jackson Lee
Experience:
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Candidate Website:
https://jacksonlee.house.gov
More Information:
Democrat, incumbent
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
What is the No. 1 challenge residents in District 18 are now facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
What are the largest effects of COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 18, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
Candidate did not respond as of press time.
Philip S. Kurtz
Experience:
MBA, MIE, business owner, investor, business development manager, ACTS ministry director, music ministry, Catholic Catechist, libertarian activist since 2004
Occupation:
Business owner, investor
Candidate Website:
www.facebook.com/ushousetxcd29
Contact Information:
281-574-4652
More Information:
Libertarian
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?
Reduce government spending, reduce taxes, [and] work toward free market solutions to economic challenges. Get the electorate involved in volunteerism and self reliance. Adhere strictly to the Constitution.
What is the No. 1 challenge residents in District 18 are now facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Unemployment and Inflation. I will work to reduce taxes, eliminate restrictions on businesses, reduce government spending and encourage investment by private business. I am a big supporter of free enterprise.
How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
As a Libertarian, it is easier for me to align with caucuses that are addressing specific issues without the pressure of a party's national committee pushing its agenda on me. I will seek other representatives, Democrats, Republicans and Independents with similar interests and get involved in their initiatives.
What are the largest effects of COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 18, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
Unemployment and inflation. The government, on all levels, needs to reduce regulations and lift restrictions that inhibit free market solutions from working.
Vince Duncan
Experience:
The ability to design building plans for homes, furniture and millworks for any type of construction; coordinate all skills and tradesman to complete the projects
Occupation:
Builder, carpenter, designer
Candidate Website:
www.vinceforus.com
Contact Information:
713-252-2436
More Information:
Independent
What would be your top priorities if you are elected?
Top priority: economic development for all level of business, small and large businesses; job security and domestic pubic safety and security; education; environment; reduce inflation; free and clear property ownership reform; mortgage and foreclosure reform; end all fines associated with the Affordable Care Act
What is the No. 1 challenge residents in District 18 are now facing, and how do you plan to address it?
Economics and public safety; job security and affordable housing; health care and food security; address issues by working with captains of American industries from oil and gas to farming all areas of industry that affects our daily lives
How will you work to build productive relationships across districts and party lines?
Building productive relationship. As an Independent candidate For United States Congress, I gained a place on the ballot by asking thousands of the constituents of District 18 what they wanted from their Representative. I created a political platform based on the feedback from registered voters. My top and only priority is to speak for the people of the district. By committing myself to the will of the people, I am free and open to discussion on all areas of politics with all political parties.
What are the largest effects of COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in District 18, and what role does the state government have in local recovery?
The largest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: Although I believe the COVID[-19] virus was a threat to people who have pre-existing medical issues, the management of this public health issue was a failure. For example, jobs or jabs American industries attempted forced vaccinations as a condition of employment. The biggest issue is the fear that the actions of our nation’s public health care leadership failed those who trusted them.
