This story was edited on Feb. 24 at 9:49 a.m. to reflect that the candidates in this story are vying to be the Democratic nominee.
Four candidates are vying to be the lone Democrat in the U.S. Congress District 22 race in November. First, they must face off in the March 3 primary. Get to know each candidate here.
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire
Carmine Petrillo III
Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire
Derrick Reed
Years in District 22: 8
Campaign website: https://derrickreed.com/
If elected, I would change: healthcare policy, working to make it affordable to all Texans.
- What do you think is the biggest issue facing District 22?
Health care has been a defining issue in my life. I experienced the fatal flaws in our health care system up close when my Mom passed away despite the appearance of a recovery. The Affordable Care Act made great progress by expanding access to coverage and protecting Texans with pre-existing conditions. Despite this groundswell of progress, we still have a long way to go before every American can afford high-quality health care. As your representative, I’ll work with members from all over the country to put together a progressive, common sense package of reforms to build on the system that we have. - What would be your top priority if you are elected?
Investing in Affordable healthcare, especially by enacting common sense policies like a public option lowering the cost of prescription drugs. A public option will increase competition in the insurance marketplace, reducing both public and private sector premiums. I also support subsidizing the buy in for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid but find private insurance out of reach. At the same time, Texans who like their health care and want to keep it should be able to. I will further co-sponsor legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies directly—a policy already adopted by the rest of the developed world. - What are your thoughts on border security?
It is a right for anyone to seek asylum in America – and we should treat those seeking asylum with respect and due process. Unfortunately, the current administration’s reckless policies have created a humanitarian crisis at our border and separated families. We must end the child separation policy now. We have to improve our case-management system and invest in more asylum officers to ensure that these proceedings happen in a timely manner. Those who officers determine pose no risk should not be detained in federal facilities at taxpayer expense. Diversity and helping those in need is one of the things that makes our state great. We can enforce current laws while still being there to help those that need it the most.
Years in District 22: candidate did not respond
Campaign website: www.NyanzaForCongress.com
If elected, I would change: candidate did not respond
- What do you think is the biggest issue facing District 22?
Healthcare and Flooding are two of the biggest issues facing residents in District 22. There are just over 132,000 uninsured residents living in District 22. Of that, 19,000 are children under the age of 19. The lack of accessible and affordable health insurance is a mounting crisis. Not only are we uninsured, but we also have a large number of residents still affected by flooding throughout the district. Prior to and during Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath, I served as the legal expert on Fox 26 News providing residential and commercial property owners free legal advice on battling insurance claims, navigating FEMA and repairing flood damage. I provided free policy review for homeowners to make sure they had the right coverage and pro bono legal services to the underserved and uninsured renters for both 100 year floods and Hurricane Harvey. - What would be your top priority if you are elected?
My top priority would be passage of the Fair Pay Act so that women receive equal pay for equal work. As the only woman in this race, and a full-time working mom and wife, I must make it a top priority. We have been fighting to receive the same pay for 50 years. There are many single moms that are taking care of children without the support they need. It is only fair that Women be paid as much as the men they work beside. This needs to happen before my 11 year old daughter joins the workforce. - What are your thoughts on border security?
People come here because America is known as a place of hope and opportunity, where you can work hard and support your family. But there is no question that our immigration system is broken. We need an immigration plan that is tough, practical, and fair. We must strengthen border security and crack down on employers who knowingly skirt the law. I believe we should also allow law-abiding immigrant families to come out of the shadows, pay taxes, play by the rules, and earn their citizenship.
