The Texas Politicians You Should Be Paying Attention To

This former NFL linebacker turned Democratic congressman has quickly risen as a prominent figure in Texas politics. Since unseating 20-year Republican incumbent Pete Sessions in 2018 for his current seat in Congress, he has been a vocal advocate for voting rights.

Allred’s background in civil rights law and his experience working under the Obama administration have shaped his legislative priorities. He is a staunch supporter of expanding access to affordable health care and has been a critical voice in the fight against gerrymandering and voter suppression. His efforts to bridge the gap between parties on both sides of the aisle make him unique.

In November, representative Allred is set to take on incumbent senator Ted Cruz in what promises to be one of the most closely watched races in the country. Six years ago, Beto O’Rourke came up just 2.6 percent short in his matchup against the seasoned conservative Republican.

Known for his support for grassroots activism and advocacy for working-class families, representative Casar has been a vocal proponent of issues like affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. The Houston native champions progressive causes that often align with the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party.

During his tenure as an Austin City Council member, Casar played a key role in efforts to decriminalize homelessness, which included a controversial policy allowing homeless individuals to set up camps in public areas—a move that eventually faced significant backlash and was later overturned by voters. In Congress, Casar has continued to push for ambitious reforms. In February, he introduced the Connect the Grid Act , a proposal to integrate Texas’s isolated energy grid with neighboring states. The bill aims to enhance grid reliability, lower energy costs, and promote the use of renewable energy.

Casar is running for reelection against Republican challenger Steven Wright. He has maintained a strong base among progressive voters and his campaign has been endorsed by prominent national figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Anyone paying attention to politics has likely heard of Dallas’s outspoken congresswoman, Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Since assuming her seat in 2023, taking over from longtime representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, she has quickly become known for her passionate rhetoric and unfiltered approach.

Her tenure in the Texas House was marked by her vocal opposition to restrictive voting laws. In Congress, she serves on the House Oversight Committee, where she has gained social media attention for her sharp questioning. Her presence on the committee has been particularly notable during high-profile hearings, where she has used her platform to speak out on government accountability.

In March, ​​Crockett went viral, once again, during a particularly notable committee hearing where she clashed with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The tension reached a peak when Greene made a derogatory comment about Crockett’s eyelashes. Crockett, known for her quick wit, questioned the decorum of such personal attacks, then referred to Green as “bleached blonde bad-built butch body.” The phrase quickly caught the attention of social media, with clips of the exchange circulating widely and many memes ensuing.

Flores made history in 2022 by becoming the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress. Her victory marked a significant shift in a district traditionally held by Democrats, underscoring a broader trend of increasing Republican support among Latino voters in South Texas. Her campaign capitalized on a strong message of conservative values, focusing on border security, economic opportunity, and traditional familial beliefs.

The daughter of migrant workers, Flores’s American Dream narrative resonated with many of her constituents. During her short tenure in Congress, she was an outspoken advocate for policies to strengthen the US-Mexico border and curb illegal immigration. Her legislative priorities included supporting law enforcement and opposing policies that she believed could increase immigration and crime.

Flores served one term then lost to Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. She is currently running to reclaim her seat in the 34th Congressional District and her campaign has continued to emphasize the same key issues, particularly around border security and conservative family values, which she argues are aligned with the interests of her district.

This state senator also moonlights as an ER nurse, a job that has influenced her political stances. Sen. Cook, who got elected through a special election after state senator John Whitmire became Houston’s mayor, brings a unique perspective to the legislature, focusing on policies that address the social determinants of health and improve public health outcomes.

She is known for her grassroots activism, having advocated on behalf of community groups opposing the I-45 highway expansion project. As the first openly bisexual member of the state senate, Cook is also a strong proponent for statewide LGBTQ+ rights. She will be defending her seat in November against Republican challenger Joseph Trahan.

A West Point graduate and former US Army officer, representative Hunt’s military history, including flying Apache helicopters in Iraq, has heavily influenced his legislative agenda, particularly his focus on national security and veterans’ issues.

Hunt’s district, created during the latest round of redistricting and encompassing a large portion of western and northwestern Houston, was designed to be a stronghold for the GOP. He has leveraged this advantage to focus on traditional Republican priorities, including a robust defense policy, fiscal conservatism, and support for the energy sector. He is running for reelection in November against Democrat Melissa McDonough.