Brian Stahl

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>\t\tBrian Stahl has not yet completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you are Brian Stahl, <a href=\"/Survey?utm_source=ballotpedia&amp;utm_medium=widget&amp;utm_campaign=survey_cta&amp;utm_id=Ballotpedia&amp;Source=survey\">click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection survey</a>. \t\t\t</p>\n<p><b>Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?</b></p>\n<p>Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">here</a>.</p>\n<p>\t\tHelp improve Ballotpedia - <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddoUjxvy5yEyoKoltTe6-B_j668rbBsbcf7UDJI8cOgG2FBA/viewform\" target=\"_blank\">send us candidate contact info</a>.\n</p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Brian Stahl completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stahl's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a Christian, husband, father, law enforcement officer, and lifelong public servant. For over 20 years, I have proudly worn the badge to protect and serve our community and now I am ready to take that service to next level. \n<p>I have been married to Zoe for 18 years, and together we are raising three amazing children. Our oldest son is heading to the University of Alabama, our younger son is going into 8th grade, and our daughter will be in 2nd grade this fall. Like any parent, I want to leave behind a better, safer, and stronger community for my children. \n</p><p>My career in law enforcement has taken me from the front lines to leadership. I’ve served as a Field Training Officer, Undercover Narcotics Officer, SWAT Team Member, Air Support Officer, and am currently a Full-Time Firearms Instructor.\n</p><p>Today, I serve as a Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Covington as well as a Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (DHS/HSI).\n</p><p>I have been awarded the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall of Fame, along with multiple awards for Meritorious Conduct and Certificates of Merit.\n</p><p>I have sat on the Use of Force Review Board, provided peer support for officers after critical incidents, and advocated for mental health and suicide prevention through my work as a Founding National Board Member of Survivors of Blue Suicide\n</p>\nI am ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to fight for Texas Conservative values.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I believe that being an involved representative who is willing to fight for what is best for my constituents is paramount. With that must come transparency, accountability, consistency, loyalty, and genuine commitment. I will work tirelessly to avoid opportunism and not base decisions or votes on what is best for “me” but instead what is best for those I represent. I will advocate for the needs of our community and work to create good-paying jobs, improve local schools, and support parents rights, teachers, veterans, first responders, farmers, and small business owners.</li><li>The foundation of effective representation begins with listening. I am committed to engaging directly with residents. Whether through town halls, community events, or one-on-one conversations. I want to understand your concerns, hopes, and aspirations. Your voice matters and I will advocate in Washington, ensuring that your issues are heard loud and clear. \r\nAnother key issue is ensuring a thriving and prosperous community. I will prioritize policies that create good paying jobs, support small businesses, and attract investments to our district. This includes advocating for workforce development programs, and investing in local infrastructure. I want every family to have the opportunity to succeed</li><li>I believe that investing in our children’s education is investing in our future. I will champion increased funding for public schools, support pay raises for teachers, ensure school safety and security by unlocking funds that have been allocated for the Guardian Program, and promote vocational training programs. Every child deserves a quality education and we need to support all of those who work towards providing that. \r\n\r\nPublic safety is a key foundation for growth. I believe in smart community-centered approaches that protects residents and supports law enforcement with resources and training as well as judicial accountability.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading1-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEconomic Development and Job Creation - Support small businesses, Infrastructure improvements to boost commerce, and workforce development.<br/>\n<p>Public Education - Funding for public schools, access to quality education and resources, supporting teachers needs.<br/>\r\nImmigration and Border Security - Ensuring that all who are involved with securing our borders and enforcing immigration are fully supported and funded.<br/>\r\nEnvironmental and Water Resources - Managing water resources and addressing concerns related to development.<br/>\r\nPublic Safety and Crime Prevention - Addressing local crime rates and supporting law enforcement agencies.<br/>\n</p>\nEnergy - Support the energy sector including oil and natural gas.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading2-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity - Honesty and earning public trust.<br/><br/>\n<p>Empathy - The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.<br/><br/>\r\nCourage - Willingness to stand up for what is right.<br/><br/>\r\nHumility - Recognizing limitations and being open to learning and feedback.<br/><br/>\r\nAccountability - Owning decisions and actions, and being answerable to the public.<br/><br/>\r\nTransparency - Clearly communicating intentions, decisions, and reasons to constituent's<br/><br/>\r\nPublic Service - Prioritizing the needs of the community over personal gain.<br/><br/>\r\nResponsibility - Taking ownership of policies and their impacts.<br/><br/>\r\nEthical Conduct - Upholding high moral standards and avoiding conflicts of interest.<br/><br/>\r\nLong-term Vision - Making decisions with future generations and sustainability in mind.<br/><br/>\r\nDecisiveness - Ability to make decisions based on available information.<br/><br/>\r\nListening Skills - Truly hearing constituents’ concerns and issues.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAdaptability - Adjusting policies and approaches in response to changing circumstances.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading3-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCareer public servant who has always fought for what is right and supporting the community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading4-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tConstituent Services - Assisting constituents with issues related to government services.<br/><br/>\n<p>Representation - Acting as a voice for their constituents and advocating on their behalf.<br/><br/>\r\nCommunity Engagement - Communicating regularly with constituents through town halls, meetings, forums, and one-on-one to gather feedback and foster transparency.<br/><br/>\r\nAdvocacy - Leading initiatives, raising awareness, and mobilizing support for community priorities.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nLegislation - Drafting, debating, amending, and voting on laws, and policies to affect their jurisdiction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading5-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t9/11<br/>\r\n17 years old\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading6-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo. I believe that career politicians tend to have more of a self centered approach to governing and often times do what is best for them instead of their constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading7-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, I believe that it should be increased to 4 years. Some representatives have to spend a better part of a year campaigning instead of focusing on serving their constituents. This often times leads to a short amount of time allotted to fighting for their people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading8-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFort Wort Police Officer Association<br/>\r\nWalter West\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-355709-2025-06-27\" id=\"heading9-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-355709-2025-06-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-355709-2025-06-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-355709-2025-06-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHomeland Security, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Small Businesses, Ethics, Foreign Affairs,\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div><div style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem\"><h4>Campaign website</h4><p>Stahl's campaign website stated the following:</p><div style=\"max-height:400px;overflow-y:auto;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:10px;margin:20px\"><blockquote style=\"margin:0px\"><h3><strong>Americans for Tax Reform</strong></h3><p>Brian is a proud signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge — a written promise to voters to oppose any and all tax increases.</p><p>Specifically, Brian will oppose any efforts to raise marginal income tax rates for individuals or businesses and any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits unless matched by further rate reductions.</p><h3><strong>Government Spending</strong></h3><p>Brian believes that government spending must be guided by responsibility, transparency, and justification. Every taxpayer dollar should be spent with purpose and accountability.</p><p>A strong economy depends on fiscal discipline — ensuring that funds are used wisely and that the needs of the American people come first. Brian will work to eliminate waste, demand transparency, and ensure every expenditure serves the nation’s best interests.</p><h3><strong>Pro-Birth vs. Pro-Life</strong></h3><p>Being truly pro-life means advocating for the well-being of every child throughout their entire life. Brian is committed to meaningful reform of America’s foster care and adoption systems.</p><p>Too many loving, qualified Americans are forced to look overseas to adopt. Brian will fight to streamline adoption, strengthen foster family support, and ensure every child in America has a real chance at the American Dream.</p><h3><strong>Infrastructure</strong></h3><p>Texas Congressional District 6 is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in the state. Brian supports modernizing and strengthening roads, bridges, water systems, and the power grid to prepare for future growth.</p><p>He believes in bipartisan, forward-looking solutions that create jobs, boost local economies, and make our communities safer and stronger.</p><h3><strong>Law Enforcement &amp; Judicial Reform</strong></h3><p>With 20 years in law enforcement, Brian knows where reform is needed most. He supports improved, scenario-based training for officers and ensuring that federal funds actually reach local departments.</p><p>Brian also calls for serious judicial reform — holding judges accountable for dangerous bail decisions and ensuring that repeat offenders are kept off the streets to protect law-abiding citizens.</p><h3><strong>Border Security</strong></h3><p>Border security is national security. Brian supports serious investment in modern technology, increased personnel, and infrastructure like barriers where appropriate — paired with fully enforcing immigration laws.</p><p>He believes in common-sense, results-driven solutions that strengthen the border, uphold legal immigration, and put the safety of Texans first.</p><h3><strong>Tenth Amendment</strong></h3><p>Brian firmly believes in returning power to the states — where it rightfully belongs. He supports the Tenth Amendment’s guarantee that states control issues like education, law enforcement, and local governance.</p><p>Strong, effective government starts at the local level. Brian will fight to ensure states have the freedom to serve their communities without unnecessary federal overreach.</p></blockquote><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><p style=\"font-size:0.9em;color:#555\">— Brian Stahl's <a href=\"https://stahlfortexas.com/issues/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">campaign website</a> (February 19, 2026)</p></div></div></div><div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><i>Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.</i></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nBrian Stahl has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection survey.\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you are Brian Stahl, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2028 Candidate Connection survey .\nWho fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?\nAny candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 28,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here .\nHelp improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info .\n\n\nBrian Stahl completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stahl's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a Christian, husband, father, law enforcement officer, and lifelong public servant. For over 20 years, I have proudly worn the badge to protect and serve our community and now I am ready to take that service to next level. I have been married to Zoe for 18 years, and together we are raising three amazing children. Our oldest son is heading to the University of Alabama, our younger son is going into 8th grade, and our daughter will be in 2nd grade this fall. Like any parent, I want to leave behind a better, safer, and stronger community for my children. My career in law enforcement has taken me from the front lines to leadership. I’ve served as a Field Training Officer, Undercover Narcotics Officer, SWAT Team Member, Air Support Officer, and am currently a Full-Time Firearms Instructor. Today, I serve as a Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Covington as well as a Task Force Officer with the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (DHS/HSI). I have been awarded the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall of Fame, along with multiple awards for Meritorious Conduct and Certificates of Merit. I have sat on the Use of Force Review Board, provided peer support for officers after critical incidents, and advocated for mental health and suicide prevention through my work as a Founding National Board Member of Survivors of Blue Suicide I am ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to fight for Texas Conservative values. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I believe that being an involved representative who is willing to fight for what is best for my constituents is paramount. With that must come transparency, accountability, consistency, loyalty, and genuine commitment. I will work tirelessly to avoid opportunism and not base decisions or votes on what is best for “me” but instead what is best for those I represent. I will advocate for the needs of our community and work to create good-paying jobs, improve local schools, and support parents rights, teachers, veterans, first responders, farmers, and small business owners. The foundation of effective representation begins with listening. I am committed to engaging directly with residents. Whether through town halls, community events, or one-on-one conversations. I want to understand your concerns, hopes, and aspirations. Your voice matters and I will advocate in Washington, ensuring that your issues are heard loud and clear. \r\nAnother key issue is ensuring a thriving and prosperous community. I will prioritize policies that create good paying jobs, support small businesses, and attract investments to our district. This includes advocating for workforce development programs, and investing in local infrastructure. I want every family to have the opportunity to succeed I believe that investing in our children’s education is investing in our future. I will champion increased funding for public schools, support pay raises for teachers, ensure school safety and security by unlocking funds that have been allocated for the Guardian Program, and promote vocational training programs. Every child deserves a quality education and we need to support all of those who work towards providing that. \r\n\r\nPublic safety is a key foundation for growth. I believe in smart community-centered approaches that protects residents and supports law enforcement with resources and training as well as judicial accountability. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Economic Development and Job Creation - Support small businesses, Infrastructure improvements to boost commerce, and workforce development. Public Education - Funding for public schools, access to quality education and resources, supporting teachers needs. Immigration and Border Security - Ensuring that all who are involved with securing our borders and enforcing immigration are fully supported and funded. Environmental and Water Resources - Managing water resources and addressing concerns related to development. Public Safety and Crime Prevention - Addressing local crime rates and supporting law enforcement agencies. Energy - Support the energy sector including oil and natural gas. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity - Honesty and earning public trust. Empathy - The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Courage - Willingness to stand up for what is right. Humility - Recognizing limitations and being open to learning and feedback. Accountability - Owning decisions and actions, and being answerable to the public. Transparency - Clearly communicating intentions, decisions, and reasons to constituent's Public Service - Prioritizing the needs of the community over personal gain. Responsibility - Taking ownership of policies and their impacts. Ethical Conduct - Upholding high moral standards and avoiding conflicts of interest. Long-term Vision - Making decisions with future generations and sustainability in mind. Decisiveness - Ability to make decisions based on available information. Listening Skills - Truly hearing constituents’ concerns and issues. Adaptability - Adjusting policies and approaches in response to changing circumstances. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Career public servant who has always fought for what is right and supporting the community. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Constituent Services - Assisting constituents with issues related to government services. Representation - Acting as a voice for their constituents and advocating on their behalf. Community Engagement - Communicating regularly with constituents through town halls, meetings, forums, and one-on-one to gather feedback and foster transparency. Advocacy - Leading initiatives, raising awareness, and mobilizing support for community priorities. Legislation - Drafting, debating, amending, and voting on laws, and policies to affect their jurisdiction. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? 9/11 17 years old Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? No. I believe that career politicians tend to have more of a self centered approach to governing and often times do what is best for them instead of their constituents. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No, I believe that it should be increased to 4 years. Some representatives have to spend a better part of a year campaigning instead of focusing on serving their constituents. This often times leads to a short amount of time allotted to fighting for their people. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Fort Wort Police Officer Association Walter West What committees interest you? Homeland Security, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Small Businesses, Ethics, Foreign Affairs,\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nCampaign website Stahl's campaign website stated the following: Americans for Tax Reform Brian is a proud signer of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge — a written promise to voters to oppose any and all tax increases. Specifically, Brian will oppose any efforts to raise marginal income tax rates for individuals or businesses and any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits unless matched by further rate reductions. Government Spending Brian believes that government spending must be guided by responsibility, transparency, and justification. Every taxpayer dollar should be spent with purpose and accountability. A strong economy depends on fiscal discipline — ensuring that funds are used wisely and that the needs of the American people come first. Brian will work to eliminate waste, demand transparency, and ensure every expenditure serves the nation’s best interests. Pro-Birth vs. Pro-Life Being truly pro-life means advocating for the well-being of every child throughout their entire life. Brian is committed to meaningful reform of America’s foster care and adoption systems. Too many loving, qualified Americans are forced to look overseas to adopt. Brian will fight to streamline adoption, strengthen foster family support, and ensure every child in America has a real chance at the American Dream. Infrastructure Texas Congressional District 6 is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in the state. Brian supports modernizing and strengthening roads, bridges, water systems, and the power grid to prepare for future growth. He believes in bipartisan, forward-looking solutions that create jobs, boost local economies, and make our communities safer and stronger. Law Enforcement & Judicial Reform With 20 years in law enforcement, Brian knows where reform is needed most. He supports improved, scenario-based training for officers and ensuring that federal funds actually reach local departments. Brian also calls for serious judicial reform — holding judges accountable for dangerous bail decisions and ensuring that repeat offenders are kept off the streets to protect law-abiding citizens. Border Security Border security is national security. Brian supports serious investment in modern technology, increased personnel, and infrastructure like barriers where appropriate — paired with fully enforcing immigration laws. He believes in common-sense, results-driven solutions that strengthen the border, uphold legal immigration, and put the safety of Texans first. Tenth Amendment Brian firmly believes in returning power to the states — where it rightfully belongs. He supports the Tenth Amendment’s guarantee that states control issues like education, law enforcement, and local governance. Strong, effective government starts at the local level. Brian will fight to ensure states have the freedom to serve their communities without unnecessary federal overreach. — Brian Stahl's campaign website (February 19, 2026) Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source."}]