South Texas and the Coastal Bend helped build America's energy, agriculture, and shipping economy, but Democrat Vicente Gonzalez only treats us like an afterthought. I'll bring federal funds to our community, push back on mandates that ignore how our region actually works, hold federal agencies accountable when they slow down projects that lead to good-paying jobs, and always deliver real, lasting results.

Families in our communities are struggling because of rising grocery bills, gas prices, insurance premiums, and housing costs. I'll oppose reckless federal spending that fuels inflation, fight to cut the red tape driving up costs for families and small businesses, and support affordable housing solutions that keep pace with our growing communities. Just this past year, Vicente Gonzalez voted against real tax relief for working families and those in the service industry. His failure to act on their behalf is inexcusable.

South Texas and the Coastal Bend's infrastructure carry the weight of our nation's energy exports and agricultural trade, but our roads, bridges, and utilities haven't kept pace and are in disrepair. I'll fight to secure federal funding for road, bridge, and port improvements, expand broadband in rural communities, and advocate for the Port of Corpus Christi and Brownsville like the national economic assets they are.

Water is critical to South Texas. It's vital for our families, our farmers, and our ranchers. I'll fight for federal investment in our water infrastructure, support efforts to protect agricultural and municipal water supplies, and push for long-term regional water planning instead of relying on short-term fixes.

As an Infantry Captain in the Army National Guard, I know firsthand what our men and women in uniform sacrifice, as well as what they're owed when they come home. I'll fight to reduce VA wait times and expand access to care throughout our communities, support fully funding veterans' benefits and disability claims, and champion mental health and suicide prevention resources for veterans.

Seniors in our communities have worked their whole lives to afford a comfortable life. The promise of their money being available after retirement must be kept. While Vicente Gonzalez wants to tax seniors' benefits, I'll oppose any effort to cut those earned benefits, fight to ensure they keep pace with the true cost of living, support expanding access to affordable prescription drugs, and push for stronger protections against elder fraud and financial exploitation.

Agriculture is the backbone of South Texas. As our farmers and ranchers are hit by continued drought, rising costs, and parasitic pests, they need our support now more than ever. I'll fight for strong legislation that protects South Texas producers, pushes for crop insurance and disaster relief that responds quickly to extreme weather, opposes trade policies that hurt local agricultural markets, and defends farm and ranch property rights.

Small businesses are the economic engine of South Texas and the Coastal Bend. I'll fight for tax relief and reduced regulatory burdens for small business owners, support workforce development that connects South Texans to good-paying local jobs, and champion policies that keep economic opportunity growing here at home, not just in big cities like Houston and Dallas.