Steven James Shook

[{"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>Steven Shook 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 Shook'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-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading-bio-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-382388-2025-10-09\" 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-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-382388-2025-10-09\" 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\tFor nearly twenty years, I’ve served the people of North Texas as a healthcare provider, caring for the critically ill and injured. That experience has shaped how I view leadership — it’s about service, not self-promotion. I’ve stood with families during their hardest moments, and I’ve learned that good leadership means showing up when people need you most, not when the cameras are rolling.\r\n<p>I’m running for Congress because North Texas deserves representation that focuses on people, not politics. My priorities are keeping rural hospitals open, lowering healthcare costs, supporting local businesses, creating good jobs, strengthening public safety through community policing, and restoring accountability and balance in Washington.\r\n</p>\nThis campaign is about repairing what’s broken — in healthcare, in the economy, and in our politics — so that every Texan has a fair chance to succeed.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading-key-message-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-382388-2025-10-09\" 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-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-382388-2025-10-09\" 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’m running for Congress because Washington has lost touch with the people it’s supposed to serve. I believe in restoring balance, rebuilding trust, and putting people before politics.</li><li>My priorities are keeping rural hospitals open, lowering healthcare costs, supporting local businesses and job growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting constitutional rights.</li><li>This campaign is about repairing what’s broken — in our healthcare system, in our economy, and in our democracy — so every American has a fair chance to thrive.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading1-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading1-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-382388-2025-10-09\" 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 healthcare, public safety, and government accountability. As a healthcare provider for nearly twenty years, I’ve seen how access to care can determine whether a family survives a crisis. Every American deserves affordable, reliable healthcare, and we must keep rural hospitals open. I also believe in strengthening public safety through community policing and supporting local law enforcement. Finally, I’m committed to restoring accountability and balance in Washington—putting people over politics and ensuring government works for North Texans, not partisan interests.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading2-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading2-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-382388-2025-10-09\" 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 most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, and empathy. Public service should be about doing what’s right, not what’s popular. Leaders must listen before they speak, tell the truth even when it’s hard, and put the needs of their constituents ahead of party or personal gain. I believe in transparency, respect for the Constitution, and a commitment to facts over rhetoric. Real leadership means showing up for people — not when the cameras are on, but when they need you most.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading3-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading3-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-382388-2025-10-09\" 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 a member of Congress is to serve the people they represent — not special interests or partisan agendas. That means listening to constituents, writing and supporting legislation that improves lives, and ensuring tax dollars are used responsibly. It also means providing oversight to keep government accountable, protecting constitutional rights, and making sure federal policies reflect the real needs of our communities. Above all, an elected official must put people first and always remember who they work for.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading4-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading4-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-382388-2025-10-09\" 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 my legacy to be one of service, integrity, and results — someone who put people above politics and helped restore trust in government. I hope to be remembered as a leader who showed up when it mattered most, listened with empathy, and worked across divides to solve real problems. If I can help make healthcare more accessible, strengthen our local economy, and rebuild faith in public service, then I’ll have done my job. My goal is simple: to leave our country, 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=\"#collapse5-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading5-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading5-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-382388-2025-10-09\" 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’d choose Obi-Wan Kenobi. He represents calm strength, wisdom, and the belief that doing what’s right often requires courage and patience. Obi-Wan leads with integrity, mentors others, and stands firm in his principles even when the odds are against him. He doesn’t seek power — he uses it responsibly, guided by duty and compassion. I admire that kind of leadership. In public service real strength comes from serving others and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading6-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading6-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-382388-2025-10-09\" 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 U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it’s the chamber closest to the people. Members serve smaller districts and shorter terms, which keeps them directly accountable to voters and responsive to local needs. The House embodies the principle of representative democracy — giving every community a voice in how our nation is governed. Its diversity of perspectives and frequent elections ensure that it reflects the changing will of the people and serves as a vital check on concentrated power in Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-382388-2025-10-09\" id=\"heading7-382388-2025-10-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-382388-2025-10-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-382388-2025-10-09\" 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=\"heading7-382388-2025-10-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-382388-2025-10-09\" 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\tOver the next decade, our greatest challenges will be restoring trust in government, fixing our broken healthcare system, and strengthening the middle class. Too many Americans feel left behind by rising costs, political division, and policies that put power before people. We must also address global instability, protect democracy, and invest in education, innovation, and infrastructure to keep America competitive. Meeting these challenges will require unity, accountability, and leadership focused on service — not self-interest.\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\nSteven Shook completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shook's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. For nearly twenty years, I’ve served the people of North Texas as a healthcare provider, caring for the critically ill and injured. That experience has shaped how I view leadership — it’s about service, not self-promotion. I’ve stood with families during their hardest moments, and I’ve learned that good leadership means showing up when people need you most, not when the cameras are rolling. I’m running for Congress because North Texas deserves representation that focuses on people, not politics. My priorities are keeping rural hospitals open, lowering healthcare costs, supporting local businesses, creating good jobs, strengthening public safety through community policing, and restoring accountability and balance in Washington. This campaign is about repairing what’s broken — in healthcare, in the economy, and in our politics — so that every Texan has a fair chance to succeed. 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’m running for Congress because Washington has lost touch with the people it’s supposed to serve. I believe in restoring balance, rebuilding trust, and putting people before politics. My priorities are keeping rural hospitals open, lowering healthcare costs, supporting local businesses and job growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting constitutional rights. This campaign is about repairing what’s broken — in our healthcare system, in our economy, and in our democracy — so every American has a fair chance to thrive. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about healthcare, public safety, and government accountability. As a healthcare provider for nearly twenty years, I’ve seen how access to care can determine whether a family survives a crisis. Every American deserves affordable, reliable healthcare, and we must keep rural hospitals open. I also believe in strengthening public safety through community policing and supporting local law enforcement. Finally, I’m committed to restoring accountability and balance in Washington—putting people over politics and ensuring government works for North Texans, not partisan interests. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, and empathy. Public service should be about doing what’s right, not what’s popular. Leaders must listen before they speak, tell the truth even when it’s hard, and put the needs of their constituents ahead of party or personal gain. I believe in transparency, respect for the Constitution, and a commitment to facts over rhetoric. Real leadership means showing up for people — not when the cameras are on, but when they need you most. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibility of a member of Congress is to serve the people they represent — not special interests or partisan agendas. That means listening to constituents, writing and supporting legislation that improves lives, and ensuring tax dollars are used responsibly. It also means providing oversight to keep government accountable, protecting constitutional rights, and making sure federal policies reflect the real needs of our communities. Above all, an elected official must put people first and always remember who they work for. What legacy would you like to leave? I want my legacy to be one of service, integrity, and results — someone who put people above politics and helped restore trust in government. I hope to be remembered as a leader who showed up when it mattered most, listened with empathy, and worked across divides to solve real problems. If I can help make healthcare more accessible, strengthen our local economy, and rebuild faith in public service, then I’ll have done my job. My goal is simple: to leave our country, better than I found it. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? I’d choose Obi-Wan Kenobi. He represents calm strength, wisdom, and the belief that doing what’s right often requires courage and patience. Obi-Wan leads with integrity, mentors others, and stands firm in his principles even when the odds are against him. He doesn’t seek power — he uses it responsibly, guided by duty and compassion. I admire that kind of leadership. In public service real strength comes from serving others and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it’s the chamber closest to the people. Members serve smaller districts and shorter terms, which keeps them directly accountable to voters and responsive to local needs. The House embodies the principle of representative democracy — giving every community a voice in how our nation is governed. Its diversity of perspectives and frequent elections ensure that it reflects the changing will of the people and serves as a vital check on concentrated power in Washington. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Over the next decade, our greatest challenges will be restoring trust in government, fixing our broken healthcare system, and strengthening the middle class. Too many Americans feel left behind by rising costs, political division, and policies that put power before people. We must also address global instability, protect democracy, and invest in education, innovation, and infrastructure to keep America competitive. Meeting these challenges will require unity, accountability, and leadership focused on service — not self-interest.\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."}]