Pedro Ruiz

[{"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>Pedro Ruiz 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 Ruiz'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-386038-2025-12-22\" id=\"heading-bio-386038-2025-12-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-386038-2025-12-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-386038-2025-12-22\" 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-386038-2025-12-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-386038-2025-12-22\" 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\tMy name is Pedro Pete Ruiz, and I’m running for Congress in District 11.\r\n<p>I’m not here as a politician. I'm a citizen like you who is exhausted, frustrated, and determined to push for change. Like many of you, I’m tired of the lies. Tired of the finger-pointing. Tired of leaders who talk but don’t act. I’m tired of watching our communities fight each other instead of working together to find common ground.\r\nForty-two years ago, I took an oath as a United States Marine to defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath wasn’t just words—it was a lifelong commitment. And I’ve honored it every single day since.\r\nAs a mental health counselor, I’ve worked with people from every walk of life. I’ve sat with them in their darkest moments. I’ve helped them rebuild. I’ve helped them believe again. And just as I’ve stood by my clients, I will stand by you.\r\nAs your congressman, I will be your driving force. I will be your strength when you feel powerless. I will go into the rooms you can’t enter and make sure your voice is heard. I will keep the people of District 11 at the forefront of every decision I make.\r\n</p>\nIf you’re ready for leadership that understands your pain—because I’ve lived it—then I’m your candidate.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-386038-2025-12-22\" id=\"heading-key-message-386038-2025-12-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-386038-2025-12-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-386038-2025-12-22\" 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-386038-2025-12-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-386038-2025-12-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>. Defending freedom, promoting energy independence in the United States, and providing support to rural communities are all things that the 11th Congressional District is committed to doing, and I am dedicated to make sure that the working people of this district are protected.</li><li>Public apprehension about healthcare, along with escalating expenses and the decline of employment possibilities and associated benefits, constitutes a significant societal worry. These issues ought to be the paramount concern for any congressman serving this district; nevertheless, the incumbent congressman tends to focus entirely on a demographic that looks to advantage only members of his party. By asserting the need to keep District 11 red, he is marginalizing a substantial segment of the population.</li><li>It is absolutely necessary for the 11th Congressional District of Texas to work toward achieving energy independence in order to advance. Nevertheless, we are also required to address the problem of employment losses in the transportation and energy industry. The utilization of retraining programs is of utmost importance in order to maintain employment for our population, decrease the rate of unemployment, and guarantee that every family has the opportunity to succeed. We ensure not only the prosperity of our communities but also the future of our economy by making investments in the development of our workforce in conjunction with energy leadership.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-386038-2025-12-22\" id=\"heading1-386038-2025-12-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-386038-2025-12-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-386038-2025-12-22\" 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=\"heading1-386038-2025-12-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-386038-2025-12-22\" 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\tAffordability means making sure that people can pay their bills and buy food, but it also means making sure that they can get good medical care without worrying about losing their coverage. It's also important that we protect the health care that people depend on now and keep Medicare users safe from rising premiums, deductibles, and the cost of prescription drugs. The ability to pay for medical care is not a luxury, but it is a must. By always sticking to these principles, we can make sure that our communities stay healthy and financially stable.\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>Ruiz'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\"><h1><strong>Affordability for All: Healthcare, Groceries, Cost of Living</strong></h1><p><br/></p><p>In Texas, hardworking families are feeling the squeeze. Healthcare costs have skyrocketed to the top of voters' concerns, with 67% of Texans deeply worried about rising premiums and access to care. Grocery bills and everyday expenses keep climbing, making it harder for parents to put food on the table and for seniors to make ends meet. Enough is enough.</p><p>I'm running for Congress to put <strong>Affordability for All</strong> at the forefront. I'll fight to:</p><p><br/></p><ul><li><strong>Lower healthcare costs</strong> by protecting and strengthening access to affordable coverage, capping out-of-pocket expenses, and bringing down prescription drug prices so no Texan has to choose between medicine and meals.</li><li><strong>Ease the burden on groceries and essentials</strong> by supporting policies that curb inflation on food staples, expand tax relief for working families, and crack down on price gouging that hits our wallets hardest.</li><li><strong>Tackle the full cost of living</strong> with real solutions for housing, energy, and wages—because Texas families deserve to thrive, not just survive.</li></ul><p>Washington has failed to deliver for too long. As your representative, I'll work across the aisle to pass common-sense reforms that put money back in your pocket and make Texas more affordable for every family, every community, and every generation.</p><p><br/></p><p>Together, we can build a future where opportunity isn't out of reach, and the American Dream is alive and well right here in Texas.</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>Affordability isn't a luxury—it's a right. Let's make it happen.</strong></p><h1><br/></h1><h1><strong>Higher-Quality Public Education</strong></h1><p><br/></p><p>Texas public schools educate millions of our children, yet too many face underfunding, teacher shortages, and outdated resources. I believe strong public education is the foundation of a strong Texas and a strong America.</p><p>In Congress, I will champion:</p><ul><li>Increased federal investment in Title I schools to support low-income students</li><li>Competitive teacher salaries and professional development to attract and retain the best educators</li><li>Expanded access to career readiness programs, STEM, and vocational training</li><li>Protections for local control while ensuring accountability and transparency</li><li>Support for students with disabilities and mental health resources</li></ul><p>Public schools should empower every child to reach their potential — not divide resources or leave communities behind. Together, we can build an education system that works for all Texas families.</p><p><br/></p><h1><strong>Better Care of Texas Veterans: Strengthening the VA and Beyond</strong></h1><p><br/></p><p>Texas veterans have served with distinction, yet too many face delays in VA care, mental health challenges, and barriers to benefits. In Congress, I will champion:</p><p><br/></p><ul><li>Full funding for VA medical care, including rural access and toxic exposure claims under the PACT Act</li><li>Expanded mental health and suicide prevention resources</li><li>Faster claims processing and better coordination between VA and DoD</li><li>Support for caregiver programs, homelessness initiatives, and home modifications</li><li>Bipartisan reforms to cut red tape and ensure accountability</li></ul><p>Our veterans aren't asking for handouts—they earned their benefits. I'll work across the aisle to deliver the care and respect they deserve, honoring Texas's proud military heritage.</p><p><br/></p><h1><strong>Immigration fairness</strong></h1><p><br/></p><p>Our southern border is under strain, and Texans bear the cost in safety, resources, and opportunity. </p><p><br/></p><p>I will fight in Congress for:</p><ul><li>Robust border security funding, advanced technology, advanced training for border patrol agents, ICE, and other immigration policing organizations</li><li>Fair reforms that promote legal immigration: more visas for skilled workers, streamlined processes for those who contribute, and protections for Dreamers who know no other home</li></ul><p>Immigration fairness means rewarding hard work and rule-following, protecting our communities, and fixing a broken system. Texas demands results—I'll deliver them.</p><p><br/></p><h1><strong>Artificial Intelligence: AI- Leading Texas into the Future While Protecting Our People</strong></h1><p><br/></p><p>Artificial Intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities – and challenges – of our time. As a Texan running for Congress, I am committed to ensuring Texas remains the national leader in AI innovation while safeguarding our energy grid, jobs, families, and freedoms.</p><p><br/></p><p>Texas is at the forefront of the AI boom. Massive data centers are transforming our state, creating high-paying jobs in tech, construction, and energy, and attracting billions in investment. But this rapid growth is straining our electric grid, driving up power demands, and raising concerns about rising electricity bills for hardworking families. We cannot allow unchecked AI expansion to threaten grid reliability or burden Texas ratepayers.</p><p><br/></p><p>I will fight for <strong>smart, pro-innovation federal policies</strong> that:</p><ul><li>Accelerate American AI leadership to stay ahead of China</li><li>Support responsible infrastructure development with reliable, affordable energy solutions (including natural gas, nuclear, and renewables)</li><li>Ensure data centers pay their fair share for grid upgrades and operate responsibly during peak demand</li></ul><p>At the same time, we must protect Texans from AI's real risks. Recent state laws like TRAIGA show bipartisan agreement on stopping harmful uses: banning AI-generated child exploitation material, prohibiting discriminatory algorithms, preventing manipulative deepfakes that endanger our children, and shielding privacy from Big Tech overreach.</p><p><br/></p><p>In Washington, I will oppose heavy-handed federal overreach that stifles innovation or preempts reasonable state protections. Instead, I will work across the aisle for common-sense national standards that promote ethical AI, defend free speech, secure our data, and prevent job displacement through workforce training programs.</p><p><br/></p><p>Texas has always been the land of big ideas and bold action. Let's harness AI to create prosperity for the next generation – while keeping our values, our energy independence, and our families first. Together, we can win the global AI race the right way: the Texas way.</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\">— Pedro Ruiz's <a href=\"https://www.pedroruizforcd11.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">campaign website</a> (February 10, 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\nPedro Ruiz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruiz's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Pedro Pete Ruiz, and I’m running for Congress in District 11. I’m not here as a politician. I'm a citizen like you who is exhausted, frustrated, and determined to push for change. Like many of you, I’m tired of the lies. Tired of the finger-pointing. Tired of leaders who talk but don’t act. I’m tired of watching our communities fight each other instead of working together to find common ground.\r\nForty-two years ago, I took an oath as a United States Marine to defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath wasn’t just words—it was a lifelong commitment. And I’ve honored it every single day since.\r\nAs a mental health counselor, I’ve worked with people from every walk of life. I’ve sat with them in their darkest moments. I’ve helped them rebuild. I’ve helped them believe again. And just as I’ve stood by my clients, I will stand by you.\r\nAs your congressman, I will be your driving force. I will be your strength when you feel powerless. I will go into the rooms you can’t enter and make sure your voice is heard. I will keep the people of District 11 at the forefront of every decision I make. If you’re ready for leadership that understands your pain—because I’ve lived it—then I’m your candidate. 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? . Defending freedom, promoting energy independence in the United States, and providing support to rural communities are all things that the 11th Congressional District is committed to doing, and I am dedicated to make sure that the working people of this district are protected. Public apprehension about healthcare, along with escalating expenses and the decline of employment possibilities and associated benefits, constitutes a significant societal worry. These issues ought to be the paramount concern for any congressman serving this district; nevertheless, the incumbent congressman tends to focus entirely on a demographic that looks to advantage only members of his party. By asserting the need to keep District 11 red, he is marginalizing a substantial segment of the population. It is absolutely necessary for the 11th Congressional District of Texas to work toward achieving energy independence in order to advance. Nevertheless, we are also required to address the problem of employment losses in the transportation and energy industry. The utilization of retraining programs is of utmost importance in order to maintain employment for our population, decrease the rate of unemployment, and guarantee that every family has the opportunity to succeed. We ensure not only the prosperity of our communities but also the future of our economy by making investments in the development of our workforce in conjunction with energy leadership. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Affordability means making sure that people can pay their bills and buy food, but it also means making sure that they can get good medical care without worrying about losing their coverage. It's also important that we protect the health care that people depend on now and keep Medicare users safe from rising premiums, deductibles, and the cost of prescription drugs. The ability to pay for medical care is not a luxury, but it is a must. By always sticking to these principles, we can make sure that our communities stay healthy and financially stable.\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 Ruiz's campaign website stated the following: Affordability for All: Healthcare, Groceries, Cost of Living In Texas, hardworking families are feeling the squeeze. Healthcare costs have skyrocketed to the top of voters' concerns, with 67% of Texans deeply worried about rising premiums and access to care. Grocery bills and everyday expenses keep climbing, making it harder for parents to put food on the table and for seniors to make ends meet. Enough is enough. I'm running for Congress to put Affordability for All at the forefront. I'll fight to: Lower healthcare costs by protecting and strengthening access to affordable coverage, capping out-of-pocket expenses, and bringing down prescription drug prices so no Texan has to choose between medicine and meals. Ease the burden on groceries and essentials by supporting policies that curb inflation on food staples, expand tax relief for working families, and crack down on price gouging that hits our wallets hardest. Tackle the full cost of living with real solutions for housing, energy, and wages—because Texas families deserve to thrive, not just survive. Washington has failed to deliver for too long. As your representative, I'll work across the aisle to pass common-sense reforms that put money back in your pocket and make Texas more affordable for every family, every community, and every generation. Together, we can build a future where opportunity isn't out of reach, and the American Dream is alive and well right here in Texas. Affordability isn't a luxury—it's a right. Let's make it happen. Higher-Quality Public Education Texas public schools educate millions of our children, yet too many face underfunding, teacher shortages, and outdated resources. I believe strong public education is the foundation of a strong Texas and a strong America. In Congress, I will champion: Increased federal investment in Title I schools to support low-income students Competitive teacher salaries and professional development to attract and retain the best educators Expanded access to career readiness programs, STEM, and vocational training Protections for local control while ensuring accountability and transparency Support for students with disabilities and mental health resources Public schools should empower every child to reach their potential — not divide resources or leave communities behind. Together, we can build an education system that works for all Texas families. Better Care of Texas Veterans: Strengthening the VA and Beyond Texas veterans have served with distinction, yet too many face delays in VA care, mental health challenges, and barriers to benefits. In Congress, I will champion: Full funding for VA medical care, including rural access and toxic exposure claims under the PACT Act Expanded mental health and suicide prevention resources Faster claims processing and better coordination between VA and DoD Support for caregiver programs, homelessness initiatives, and home modifications Bipartisan reforms to cut red tape and ensure accountability Our veterans aren't asking for handouts—they earned their benefits. I'll work across the aisle to deliver the care and respect they deserve, honoring Texas's proud military heritage. Immigration fairness Our southern border is under strain, and Texans bear the cost in safety, resources, and opportunity. I will fight in Congress for: Robust border security funding, advanced technology, advanced training for border patrol agents, ICE, and other immigration policing organizations Fair reforms that promote legal immigration: more visas for skilled workers, streamlined processes for those who contribute, and protections for Dreamers who know no other home Immigration fairness means rewarding hard work and rule-following, protecting our communities, and fixing a broken system. Texas demands results—I'll deliver them. Artificial Intelligence: AI- Leading Texas into the Future While Protecting Our People Artificial Intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities – and challenges – of our time. As a Texan running for Congress, I am committed to ensuring Texas remains the national leader in AI innovation while safeguarding our energy grid, jobs, families, and freedoms. Texas is at the forefront of the AI boom. Massive data centers are transforming our state, creating high-paying jobs in tech, construction, and energy, and attracting billions in investment. But this rapid growth is straining our electric grid, driving up power demands, and raising concerns about rising electricity bills for hardworking families. We cannot allow unchecked AI expansion to threaten grid reliability or burden Texas ratepayers. I will fight for smart, pro-innovation federal policies that: Accelerate American AI leadership to stay ahead of China Support responsible infrastructure development with reliable, affordable energy solutions (including natural gas, nuclear, and renewables) Ensure data centers pay their fair share for grid upgrades and operate responsibly during peak demand At the same time, we must protect Texans from AI's real risks. Recent state laws like TRAIGA show bipartisan agreement on stopping harmful uses: banning AI-generated child exploitation material, prohibiting discriminatory algorithms, preventing manipulative deepfakes that endanger our children, and shielding privacy from Big Tech overreach. In Washington, I will oppose heavy-handed federal overreach that stifles innovation or preempts reasonable state protections. Instead, I will work across the aisle for common-sense national standards that promote ethical AI, defend free speech, secure our data, and prevent job displacement through workforce training programs. Texas has always been the land of big ideas and bold action. Let's harness AI to create prosperity for the next generation – while keeping our values, our energy independence, and our families first. Together, we can win the global AI race the right way: the Texas way. — Pedro Ruiz's campaign website (February 10, 2026) Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source."}]