Paul Rojas

[{"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>Paul Rojas 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 Rojas' 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-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading-bio-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-386040-2025-10-20\" 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-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-386040-2025-10-20\" 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’m Paul Rojas, an engineer, small-business owner, and lifelong Texan running to represent Texas’ 21st District. I’m one of the youngest candidates in the race and the only one who’s actually built something outside of politics.\r\n<p>I grew up watching how hard-working people get left behind while insiders in Washington look out for each other. Through my company, Alamo Brass, I’ve seen how red tape, bad trade deals, and unchecked bureaucracy crush local businesses.\r\nI’ve also worked in technology with companies like Microsoft and Cisco — so I know how innovation can lift communities when government gets out of the way.\r\n</p>\nI’m running because Texas deserves leaders who understand real work, real families, and real accountability — not polished talking points or political dynasties.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading-key-message-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-386040-2025-10-20\" 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-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Washington is broken because too many politicians treat it like a career, not a calling. I’ll fight to impose term limits, end insider trading, and hold Congress to the same standards as every working American. Public service should be temporary, a duty to your country, not a lifelong paycheck.</li><li>We need to rebuild the American middle class not just with slogans, but with action. As a business owner and engineer, I’ll stand up for small businesses, rebuild domestic manufacturing, and make it easier for families to own a home, raise kids, and build a future without government standing in their way.</li><li>Texas is powering America’s future from energy to AI but our communities shouldn’t pay the price for corporate greed. I’ll fight to make sure data centers and AI companies invest in local jobs, not just drain our water and power. Innovation should strengthen our grid, create real careers, and protect the natural resources that make Texas home. Technology should serve people not to replace them.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading1-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading1-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-386040-2025-10-20\" 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’m passionate about rebuilding the American middle class and putting working people back at the center of our economy. Washington has spent too long serving lobbyists, not families, and I want to change that.<br/><br/>\n<p>I care about how technology and energy shape our future. I’ve worked in both fields, and I’ve seen how decisions about AI, data centers, and automation can help or hurt real communities. Innovation should create jobs here in Texas, not drive up our power bills or use up our resources while giving nothing back.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI’m also focused on border security, protecting constitutional rights, and cutting red tape for small businesses. I believe government should protect opportunity, not stand in the way of it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading2-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 look up to people who built something from nothing and never forgot where they came from. My biggest inspirations are men and women who worked hard, took care of their families, and stood by their word even when no one was watching.<br/><br/>\n<p>In public life, I respect leaders like Ron Paul, who stood on principle, spoke plainly, and put country above party. He was never afraid to challenge the system or tell the truth when it was unpopular.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI try to follow that same example. I believe leadership means staying grounded, standing firm on values, and fighting for the people who do not have a voice in Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading3-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading3-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tAn elected official should remember who they work for, the people, not the donors or the party bosses. Character matters more than connections. You should tell the truth even when it costs you and keep your word once you give it.<br/><br/>\n<p>The best leaders listen more than they talk and never forget what it is like to earn a paycheck, pay a mortgage, or run a small business. Public service is not about building a career, it is about doing what is right and stepping aside when the job is done.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nHumility, honesty, and courage are the principles that matter most. If you cannot look the people you represent in the eye and explain your vote, you do not belong in office.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading4-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading4-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThe core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people, not themselves. That means listening to their district, fighting for their interests, and being honest about where you stand. Too many politicians forget that their job is to represent, not to rule.<br/><br/>\n<p>A member of Congress should protect the Constitution, defend American jobs, and make sure our government works for working people again. They should know when to say no to wasteful spending and when to stand up to their own party if it means doing what is right for their community.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAt the end of the day, the job is simple: tell the truth, fight for your people, and never forget who sent you to Washington in the first place.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading5-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, hard work, and results. I want people to say that I kept my word, that I fought for them, and that I never forgot where I came from.<br/><br/>\n<p>If I can help restore faith in government and show that regular people can still step up and make a difference, that would mean more than any title or headline.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI want to prove that public service can be done with integrity and that you do not have to sell out to make change. My hope is that a few young people will look at my campaign and believe that they can do it too — that America still belongs to the people willing to work for it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading6-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading6-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThe first major events I remember were the Waco siege, the Black Hawk Down incident, and the Oklahoma City bombing. I was a young kid during those years, born in 1987, but they left a lasting impression on me. Waco showed how government power can go too far, Black Hawk Down revealed the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, and Oklahoma City showed both the pain and strength of the American people.<br/><br/>\r\nThose moments taught me early that leadership and restraint matter, and that government must always be accountable to the people it serves.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading7-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 first job was with Geek Squad when I was 17, and I stayed there for five years. I started out fixing computers and helping families set up their first networks, and I ended up managing some of the more complex service projects. It was my first real taste of responsibility and customer service.<br/><br/>\r\nThat job taught me how to problem solve under pressure, how to explain complicated things in plain English, and how to earn someone’s trust by doing the work right. It also opened the door to a career in technology, where I later worked with companies like Microsoft and Cisco. Looking back, that first job shaped how I lead today by staying hands-on, solving problems directly, and treating people with respect.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading8-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tOne of my favorite books is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. It is a story about struggle, survival, and the limits of human endurance. What I took from it was not just the danger of climbing a mountain, but the importance of teamwork, leadership, and accountability when everything is on the line.<br/><br/>\r\nThe book reminds me that success and failure both reveal a person’s character. In politics, as in life, you find out who people really are when the pressure hits. Into Thin Air taught me that leadership is about staying calm in the storm, owning your decisions, and never leaving your team behind.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading9-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 would choose Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher. He is not perfect, but he lives by a clear code in a world that often has none. He does the right thing even when it costs him, and he stays true to his values no matter who stands against him.<br/><br/>\r\nGeralt reminds me that strength without integrity is dangerous, and that sometimes leadership means standing alone. He is loyal, disciplined, and guided by a deep sense of duty. Those are the same qualities I try to live by in my own life and in how I would serve the people I represent.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading10-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tLike a lot of people, I have had to build everything the hard way. I did not come from money or politics, and there was no safety net if things went wrong. Balancing work, family, and responsibility while trying to build a business from the ground up has been one of the toughest challenges of my life.<br/><br/>\r\nThere were times when I was working two jobs just to keep things moving forward. But those struggles taught me what it means to sacrifice, to keep going when it would be easier to quit, and to take pride in earning every bit of progress. It shaped how I lead today with patience, grit, and respect for anyone trying to make a living and do things the right way.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading11-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThe House of Representatives is the people’s chamber. It was designed to keep government close to the voters and to reflect the voice of everyday Americans. Members of the House answer to their districts every two years, which means they cannot hide from the people they represent.<br/><br/>\n<p>The House gives every community a seat at the table, from small towns to big cities. It is meant to be loud, messy, and full of debate because that is how democracy works. The founders wanted the House to be the part of government that never forgets who it serves.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAt its best, the House reminds Washington that power comes from the people, not the politicians.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading12-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading12-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tExperience can help, but it is not the same as understanding. Too many people in Washington have decades of political experience and still have no idea how real life works. What matters most is good judgment, honesty, and the ability to listen to the people you represent.<br/><br/>\r\nI believe Congress needs fewer career politicians and more people who have signed paychecks, built businesses, and worked real jobs. Government should look more like the country it serves. The best experience a representative can have is living under the same rules and challenges as everyone else.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading13-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tOur greatest challenges are rebuilding the middle class, protecting our national security, and keeping control of our own future in a changing world. Too much of our economy depends on foreign countries, from energy to manufacturing to technology. That weakens us.<br/><br/>\n<p>We also face a cultural challenge. Families are struggling, young people are losing hope, and too many Americans feel disconnected from their government and each other. We need to restore faith, community, and purpose in this country.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nFinally, we must make sure technology works for us, not against us. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data control will shape the next decade. If we do not lead with values, we risk losing what makes America free and strong.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading14-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-386040-2025-10-20\" 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=\"heading14-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tYes, I do. Two years keeps members of Congress close to the people they serve. It forces accountability and reminds representatives that their job belongs to the voters, not to them. If you cannot earn the trust of your district every two years, you do not deserve to stay in office.<br/><br/>\r\nThe short term also helps prevent politicians from getting too comfortable or disconnected from real life. It was designed to keep the House responsive, not insulated. I support two-year terms as long as we also pass term limits to make sure new voices and fresh ideas keep coming to Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading15-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 fully support term limits. Congress was never meant to be a retirement plan. Too many politicians have turned public service into a lifelong career, and that is part of why Washington is so disconnected from real life.<br/><br/>\n<p>When people stay in power for decades, they stop listening to the voters and start listening to the lobbyists. Term limits would bring in fresh voices, new ideas, and leaders who still remember what it feels like to earn a paycheck and live under the laws they pass.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nServing in Congress should be a duty, not a career. Do your job, make a difference, and then step aside so others can do the same.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading16-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 have a lot of respect for leaders who spoke plainly, stood by their convictions, and never forgot where they came from. People like Ron Paul showed that you can tell the truth in Washington and still earn respect, even from those who disagree with you.<br/><br/>\r\nI want to follow that example to be honest, independent, and grounded in principle. My goal is not to fit in with the political class but to represent the people who sent me there. I believe in serving with integrity, voting with conscience, and leaving the office better than I found it.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading17-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tOne story that stuck with me came from a small business owner in my district who told me he was thinking about closing his shop. He said it was not because people stopped buying, but because he could not keep up with rising costs, taxes, and red tape. He told me he felt like the system was built to crush people like him.<br/><br/>\r\nThat conversation hit home because I have lived it too. I have seen how hardworking Texans are punished for trying to build something. It reminded me why I am running to make sure people like him are not forgotten, and that the next generation still believes it is worth working hard and building in America.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading18-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tCompromise can be necessary, but it should never come at the cost of your values. Too many politicians confuse compromise with surrender. Real leadership means finding common ground where you can, but standing firm when it matters.<br/><br/>\n<p>If both sides walk away a little uncomfortable but the country is better off, that is a fair deal. But if compromise means raising taxes, weakening the border, or selling out working families, then it is not worth it.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI believe in working with anyone who loves this country and wants to make life better for the people we serve. We can disagree on policy, but we should never forget that we are supposed to be on the same team: America’s.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading19-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThat power is one of the most important checks the people have on Washington. The House controls the purse, and that means it controls priorities. I would use that authority to protect taxpayers, cut wasteful spending, and make sure every dollar serves the public, not the bureaucracy.<br/><br/>\r\nWe should not raise another cent in taxes until we stop the corruption, end insider deals, and balance the budget. The power to raise revenue should never be used to punish working families or reward special interests. It should be used to keep government honest and accountable to the people who pay the bills.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading20-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThe House should use its investigative powers to hold government accountable, not to play political games. Oversight is one of Congress’s most important responsibilities. It is how we make sure federal agencies, corporate interests, and even the White House answer to the people.<br/><br/>\r\nInvestigations should focus on truth and transparency, not headlines. The goal is to expose waste, corruption, and abuse of power wherever it happens, no matter which party is involved. The House must never forget that it works for the American people, and its duty is to protect their trust, their tax dollars, and their freedom.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading21-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tCandidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tOne story that really stayed with me came from a single mother who told me she was working two jobs and still falling behind. She said she did not want a handout, just a fair chance to get ahead. She talked about how everything from groceries to rent kept climbing, while her paycheck stayed the same.<br/><br/>\r\nWhat struck me most was that she still had hope. She just wanted leaders who understood what it feels like to struggle and who would fight for people like her instead of corporate donors and party insiders. Her story reminded me why I am running because people who work hard should be able to build a life, not just survive one.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading22-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-386040-2025-10-20\" 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 an accomplishment that you are proud of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tOne accomplishment I am especially proud of is working on the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s LAMP project, which helped confirm the presence of water on the lunar poles. That discovery changed how we think about future space exploration and opened the door for missions that could one day sustain human life beyond Earth.<br/><br/>\r\nBeing part of that effort reminded me what American ingenuity can accomplish when science and purpose come together. It taught me that progress requires courage, teamwork, and vision the same qualities we need to solve the challenges we face here at home.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading23-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tThe government should make sure artificial intelligence serves the people, not the other way around. AI has the power to change everything from national defense to small business, but it must be guided by values, not greed.<br/><br/>\n<p>Washington’s job is to set clear rules that protect privacy, jobs, and national security while still allowing innovation to grow. We cannot let a handful of corporations or foreign countries control the future of technology.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nAI should make American workers stronger, not replace them. The government should support research, protect our data, and ensure that this technology is used to build up our communities, not hollow them out.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-386040-2025-10-20\" id=\"heading24-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-386040-2025-10-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-386040-2025-10-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-386040-2025-10-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-386040-2025-10-20\" 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\tFree and fair elections are the foundation of this country, and we need laws that rebuild trust in how our votes are cast and counted.<br/><br/>\n<p>I would support legislation that ensures every legal vote is counted and every election is secure, transparent, and accountable. That starts with strong voter identification, clean voter rolls, and paper ballot backups that can be audited after every election.<br/><br/>\r\nI would also push for national standards that require open reporting of election data and consistent security practices across all states. Elections should be run by local officials, not partisan bureaucrats, and the process should be simple enough for every voter to understand and trust.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nThe goal is not to make it harder to vote or easier to cheat. The goal is to make sure every American can believe in the outcome again.\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>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nPaul Rojas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rojas' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m Paul Rojas, an engineer, small-business owner, and lifelong Texan running to represent Texas’ 21st District. I’m one of the youngest candidates in the race and the only one who’s actually built something outside of politics. I grew up watching how hard-working people get left behind while insiders in Washington look out for each other. Through my company, Alamo Brass, I’ve seen how red tape, bad trade deals, and unchecked bureaucracy crush local businesses.\r\nI’ve also worked in technology with companies like Microsoft and Cisco — so I know how innovation can lift communities when government gets out of the way. I’m running because Texas deserves leaders who understand real work, real families, and real accountability — not polished talking points or political dynasties. 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? Washington is broken because too many politicians treat it like a career, not a calling. I’ll fight to impose term limits, end insider trading, and hold Congress to the same standards as every working American. Public service should be temporary, a duty to your country, not a lifelong paycheck. We need to rebuild the American middle class not just with slogans, but with action. As a business owner and engineer, I’ll stand up for small businesses, rebuild domestic manufacturing, and make it easier for families to own a home, raise kids, and build a future without government standing in their way. Texas is powering America’s future from energy to AI but our communities shouldn’t pay the price for corporate greed. I’ll fight to make sure data centers and AI companies invest in local jobs, not just drain our water and power. Innovation should strengthen our grid, create real careers, and protect the natural resources that make Texas home. Technology should serve people not to replace them. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about rebuilding the American middle class and putting working people back at the center of our economy. Washington has spent too long serving lobbyists, not families, and I want to change that. I care about how technology and energy shape our future. I’ve worked in both fields, and I’ve seen how decisions about AI, data centers, and automation can help or hurt real communities. Innovation should create jobs here in Texas, not drive up our power bills or use up our resources while giving nothing back. I’m also focused on border security, protecting constitutional rights, and cutting red tape for small businesses. I believe government should protect opportunity, not stand in the way of it. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to people who built something from nothing and never forgot where they came from. My biggest inspirations are men and women who worked hard, took care of their families, and stood by their word even when no one was watching. In public life, I respect leaders like Ron Paul, who stood on principle, spoke plainly, and put country above party. He was never afraid to challenge the system or tell the truth when it was unpopular. I try to follow that same example. I believe leadership means staying grounded, standing firm on values, and fighting for the people who do not have a voice in Washington. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? An elected official should remember who they work for, the people, not the donors or the party bosses. Character matters more than connections. You should tell the truth even when it costs you and keep your word once you give it. The best leaders listen more than they talk and never forget what it is like to earn a paycheck, pay a mortgage, or run a small business. Public service is not about building a career, it is about doing what is right and stepping aside when the job is done. Humility, honesty, and courage are the principles that matter most. If you cannot look the people you represent in the eye and explain your vote, you do not belong in office. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibility of anyone elected to Congress is to serve the people, not themselves. That means listening to their district, fighting for their interests, and being honest about where you stand. Too many politicians forget that their job is to represent, not to rule. A member of Congress should protect the Constitution, defend American jobs, and make sure our government works for working people again. They should know when to say no to wasteful spending and when to stand up to their own party if it means doing what is right for their community. At the end of the day, the job is simple: tell the truth, fight for your people, and never forget who sent you to Washington in the first place. What legacy would you like to leave? I want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, hard work, and results. I want people to say that I kept my word, that I fought for them, and that I never forgot where I came from. If I can help restore faith in government and show that regular people can still step up and make a difference, that would mean more than any title or headline. I want to prove that public service can be done with integrity and that you do not have to sell out to make change. My hope is that a few young people will look at my campaign and believe that they can do it too — that America still belongs to the people willing to work for it. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first major events I remember were the Waco siege, the Black Hawk Down incident, and the Oklahoma City bombing. I was a young kid during those years, born in 1987, but they left a lasting impression on me. Waco showed how government power can go too far, Black Hawk Down revealed the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, and Oklahoma City showed both the pain and strength of the American people. Those moments taught me early that leadership and restraint matter, and that government must always be accountable to the people it serves. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was with Geek Squad when I was 17, and I stayed there for five years. I started out fixing computers and helping families set up their first networks, and I ended up managing some of the more complex service projects. It was my first real taste of responsibility and customer service. That job taught me how to problem solve under pressure, how to explain complicated things in plain English, and how to earn someone’s trust by doing the work right. It also opened the door to a career in technology, where I later worked with companies like Microsoft and Cisco. Looking back, that first job shaped how I lead today by staying hands-on, solving problems directly, and treating people with respect. What is your favorite book? Why? One of my favorite books is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. It is a story about struggle, survival, and the limits of human endurance. What I took from it was not just the danger of climbing a mountain, but the importance of teamwork, leadership, and accountability when everything is on the line. The book reminds me that success and failure both reveal a person’s character. In politics, as in life, you find out who people really are when the pressure hits. Into Thin Air taught me that leadership is about staying calm in the storm, owning your decisions, and never leaving your team behind. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? I would choose Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher. He is not perfect, but he lives by a clear code in a world that often has none. He does the right thing even when it costs him, and he stays true to his values no matter who stands against him. Geralt reminds me that strength without integrity is dangerous, and that sometimes leadership means standing alone. He is loyal, disciplined, and guided by a deep sense of duty. Those are the same qualities I try to live by in my own life and in how I would serve the people I represent. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Like a lot of people, I have had to build everything the hard way. I did not come from money or politics, and there was no safety net if things went wrong. Balancing work, family, and responsibility while trying to build a business from the ground up has been one of the toughest challenges of my life. There were times when I was working two jobs just to keep things moving forward. But those struggles taught me what it means to sacrifice, to keep going when it would be easier to quit, and to take pride in earning every bit of progress. It shaped how I lead today with patience, grit, and respect for anyone trying to make a living and do things the right way. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The House of Representatives is the people’s chamber. It was designed to keep government close to the voters and to reflect the voice of everyday Americans. Members of the House answer to their districts every two years, which means they cannot hide from the people they represent. The House gives every community a seat at the table, from small towns to big cities. It is meant to be loud, messy, and full of debate because that is how democracy works. The founders wanted the House to be the part of government that never forgets who it serves. At its best, the House reminds Washington that power comes from the people, not the politicians. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Experience can help, but it is not the same as understanding. Too many people in Washington have decades of political experience and still have no idea how real life works. What matters most is good judgment, honesty, and the ability to listen to the people you represent. I believe Congress needs fewer career politicians and more people who have signed paychecks, built businesses, and worked real jobs. Government should look more like the country it serves. The best experience a representative can have is living under the same rules and challenges as everyone else. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Our greatest challenges are rebuilding the middle class, protecting our national security, and keeping control of our own future in a changing world. Too much of our economy depends on foreign countries, from energy to manufacturing to technology. That weakens us. We also face a cultural challenge. Families are struggling, young people are losing hope, and too many Americans feel disconnected from their government and each other. We need to restore faith, community, and purpose in this country. Finally, we must make sure technology works for us, not against us. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data control will shape the next decade. If we do not lead with values, we risk losing what makes America free and strong. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes, I do. Two years keeps members of Congress close to the people they serve. It forces accountability and reminds representatives that their job belongs to the voters, not to them. If you cannot earn the trust of your district every two years, you do not deserve to stay in office. The short term also helps prevent politicians from getting too comfortable or disconnected from real life. It was designed to keep the House responsive, not insulated. I support two-year terms as long as we also pass term limits to make sure new voices and fresh ideas keep coming to Washington. What are your thoughts on term limits? I fully support term limits. Congress was never meant to be a retirement plan. Too many politicians have turned public service into a lifelong career, and that is part of why Washington is so disconnected from real life. When people stay in power for decades, they stop listening to the voters and start listening to the lobbyists. Term limits would bring in fresh voices, new ideas, and leaders who still remember what it feels like to earn a paycheck and live under the laws they pass. Serving in Congress should be a duty, not a career. Do your job, make a difference, and then step aside so others can do the same. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I have a lot of respect for leaders who spoke plainly, stood by their convictions, and never forgot where they came from. People like Ron Paul showed that you can tell the truth in Washington and still earn respect, even from those who disagree with you. I want to follow that example to be honest, independent, and grounded in principle. My goal is not to fit in with the political class but to represent the people who sent me there. I believe in serving with integrity, voting with conscience, and leaving the office better than I found it. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? One story that stuck with me came from a small business owner in my district who told me he was thinking about closing his shop. He said it was not because people stopped buying, but because he could not keep up with rising costs, taxes, and red tape. He told me he felt like the system was built to crush people like him. That conversation hit home because I have lived it too. I have seen how hardworking Texans are punished for trying to build something. It reminded me why I am running to make sure people like him are not forgotten, and that the next generation still believes it is worth working hard and building in America. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise can be necessary, but it should never come at the cost of your values. Too many politicians confuse compromise with surrender. Real leadership means finding common ground where you can, but standing firm when it matters. If both sides walk away a little uncomfortable but the country is better off, that is a fair deal. But if compromise means raising taxes, weakening the border, or selling out working families, then it is not worth it. I believe in working with anyone who loves this country and wants to make life better for the people we serve. We can disagree on policy, but we should never forget that we are supposed to be on the same team: America’s. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? That power is one of the most important checks the people have on Washington. The House controls the purse, and that means it controls priorities. I would use that authority to protect taxpayers, cut wasteful spending, and make sure every dollar serves the public, not the bureaucracy. We should not raise another cent in taxes until we stop the corruption, end insider deals, and balance the budget. The power to raise revenue should never be used to punish working families or reward special interests. It should be used to keep government honest and accountable to the people who pay the bills. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House should use its investigative powers to hold government accountable, not to play political games. Oversight is one of Congress’s most important responsibilities. It is how we make sure federal agencies, corporate interests, and even the White House answer to the people. Investigations should focus on truth and transparency, not headlines. The goal is to expose waste, corruption, and abuse of power wherever it happens, no matter which party is involved. The House must never forget that it works for the American people, and its duty is to protect their trust, their tax dollars, and their freedom. Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable? One story that really stayed with me came from a single mother who told me she was working two jobs and still falling behind. She said she did not want a handout, just a fair chance to get ahead. She talked about how everything from groceries to rent kept climbing, while her paycheck stayed the same. What struck me most was that she still had hope. She just wanted leaders who understood what it feels like to struggle and who would fight for people like her instead of corporate donors and party insiders. Her story reminded me why I am running because people who work hard should be able to build a life, not just survive one. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? One accomplishment I am especially proud of is working on the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s LAMP project, which helped confirm the presence of water on the lunar poles. That discovery changed how we think about future space exploration and opened the door for missions that could one day sustain human life beyond Earth. Being part of that effort reminded me what American ingenuity can accomplish when science and purpose come together. It taught me that progress requires courage, teamwork, and vision the same qualities we need to solve the challenges we face here at home. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? The government should make sure artificial intelligence serves the people, not the other way around. AI has the power to change everything from national defense to small business, but it must be guided by values, not greed. Washington’s job is to set clear rules that protect privacy, jobs, and national security while still allowing innovation to grow. We cannot let a handful of corporations or foreign countries control the future of technology. AI should make American workers stronger, not replace them. The government should support research, protect our data, and ensure that this technology is used to build up our communities, not hollow them out. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? Free and fair elections are the foundation of this country, and we need laws that rebuild trust in how our votes are cast and counted. I would support legislation that ensures every legal vote is counted and every election is secure, transparent, and accountable. That starts with strong voter identification, clean voter rolls, and paper ballot backups that can be audited after every election. I would also push for national standards that require open reporting of election data and consistent security practices across all states. Elections should be run by local officials, not partisan bureaucrats, and the process should be simple enough for every voter to understand and trust. The goal is not to make it harder to vote or easier to cheat. The goal is to make sure every American can believe in the outcome again.\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."}]