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Republican candidate Alex Mealer and Democratic candidate Leticia Gutierrez will face off in the Nov. 3 election for U.S. House District 9.
Texas' 9th Congressional District covers parts of Harris County and includes Chambers and Liberty counties.
What you need to know
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election runs from Oct. 19 to 30. Election Day is Nov. 3. The final day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or shortened to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Government Relations and Community Outreach Director, Air Alliance Houston; environmental justice advocate; community organizer
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My priorities are lowering housing and utility costs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, fully funding public schools, creating good-paying union jobs, and guaranteeing healthcare to every American. I will defend reproductive freedom, fight for comprehensive immigration reform, and hold polluters and corporations accountable so every family can live with dignity.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Families are facing crushing housing, healthcare, food, insurance, and utility costs, while flooding, industrial pollution, aging infrastructure, and underfunded schools threaten neighborhoods. Working people’s dignity is being eroded by an economy rigged for trillionaires, reckless tariffs and endless wars that raise prices and militarized ICE operations that endanger our neighborhoods.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
I will hold regular town halls throughout the district, maintain accessible district offices, and create resident advisory councils representing neighborhoods, workers, small businesses, educators, and seniors. My office will publish updates, provide multilingual outreach, and bring federal agencies into communities rather than making residents chase Washington for answers.
How will you ensure your constituents receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
Before disasters, I will fight for FEMA funding, flood control, drainage, weatherization, and resilient power infrastructure. Afterward, my office will operate a rapid-response constituent team, mobile assistance centers, and multilingual outreach; track delayed claims; coordinate with local officials; and press FEMA and insurers for timely, transparent, equitable aid.
How will you ensure Texans have enough water as the state continues to grow?
I will work with local water districts and cities to secure federal funding for modern pipes, reservoirs, flood-control and water-reuse projects; strengthen conservation and drought planning; protect aquifers and rivers from pollution; and require major industrial users, including data centers, to conserve water and pay their fair share.
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
What are the biggest challenges facing this district?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
How will you ensure your constituents receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
How will you ensure Texans have enough water as the state continues to grow?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
