With San Jacinto County now in House District 10, and with current District 10 Rep. Michael McCaul opting for retirement, voters are faced with a host of candidates seeking to represent the county in Washington, D.C.
Nine candidates have filed for the March primary election seeking the Republican nomination for the November general election; early voting began Tuesday and continues through Feb. 27.
Polk County Publishing sought answers from all candidates; however, only two responded to inquiries. Other information was gained from campaign websites.
Q1: What skills would you bring to the position?
I was raised by a United States Marine. I learned at an early age to have honor, courage and integrity. I believe that if you have no honor, you will have no courage. Without courage, it is impossible to act with integrity. It takes courage to run for public office and earn your vote. As your representative, I will take these beliefs with me to Washington D.C. and serve our district with integrity we can all be proud of.
As a mother to a school aged child and a caregiver to a senior parent I am now in what it is referred to as the ‘Sandwich Generation.’ A generation that has been blessed to honor the life of our parents and help shape the future of our children. This blessing has provided the ability to understand first-hand the grievances of many of our seniors and the grievances that many parents have concerning the future of their children.
As a three-time Republican Party Congressional nominee, I have had the opportunity to interact directly with thousands of great Texans across many counties over the past six years. I have knocked on doors and listened to countless stories directly from Texans. Throughout my life, people have consistently highlighted my ability to listen and see them when others do not. My approach to representing you in Congress will always be the same — to listen, put myself in your shoes, and think outside the box to address issues that are important to you, your family, and our community.
Q2: What are the most important issues facing Texas and the nation?
Texas agriculture runs on water. I will promote initiatives that economically benefit Texans. Due to AI data center developers targeting buildouts in Texas, I will ensure that economic growth is achieved responsibly. I will be laser focused on ensuring that water and energy resources remain sustainable for generations of Texans to come.
Ranchers and farmers are the lifeblood of Texas. I will ensure they have a strong voice at the table in Washington D.C. The majority of Texas’ farmers and ranchers are small businesses. I will consistently support initiatives that solidify the America First agenda of low taxes and maximizing American energy production to reduce domestic energy costs and keep America and Texas self-reliant.
Public safety in CD 10 starts with National security. I will push for urgently codifying President Trump’s executive orders relating to border security. I will also propose legislation to address the dangerous practice of prosecutorial and judicial activism we have seen sweeping the country over the past decade. I will support legislation that ensures accountability for political activist prosecutors and judges that allow dangerous criminals back on our streets to repeat heinous crimes against our citizens.
My initial focus will be Medicare and Social Security reform, securing our elections through legislation such as the proposed SAVE America Act, strengthening our border security, and protecting taxpayers from waste, fraud, and abuse that has established deep roots in our government. I am passionate about research. My focus in Congress will be identifying issues that are most important for each constituent and then acting efficiently to address them. I want to do work that makes a positive impact in the lives of every constituent of CD 10.
Q3: How would you balance the needs of rural East Texas with the larger communities, and how would you keep your constituents apprised of your work?
My work in Congress will focus on issues important to all Texans — border security, infrastructure security, food security, affordability, parental rights, and ensuring our senior generation of Americans, and those of us that follow, have seamless access to their earned benefits in their golden years. I will oppose special interest earmark funding for projects or programs that do not benefit the vast majority of constituents in the district.
I plan to establish streamlined communication channels for the constituents of CD 10, including in-person town hall meetings as well regular updates through electronic communication to provide ample avenues for feedback. The greatest goal I have is to ensure constituents feel heard and that their opinions are valued.
I've been a software engineer for most of my life and as such I have been uniquely good at troubleshooting and solving complex problems. This also means I can offer unprecedented capabilities and representation at a level never seen before, by making dashboards, submission forms, polls, and collaborative tools to serve district 10 objectively and in clear alignment with the goals and wishes of the district.
Throughout my life, I've also had several technical support and customer service roles, making my service of Texans second nature to me. No matter how difficult the challenge, I've been trained throughout my life to satisfy people even when it is difficult.
Lastly and most importantly, my faithful service to Jesus Christ throughout my life, the fact that he has asked me to do this, and the fact that he has explicitly told me to be available to people in the district means they will have my absolute commitment, devotion, and love.
The most important thing that Texas and our nation needs is Christ-like love for one another, which has the power to heal virtually everything. I've heard individuals tell me they wish we can get back to communicating and listening to one another. Charlie Kirk was a good example of this. I can't think of any problem that can't be solved with enough listening, patience, and hard work.
That being said, there are many important issues that have some urgency. One matter of urgency effecting district 10 are the water consumption concerns. I've heard multiple people raise water consumption concerns from one end of the district to the other. For example, one gentleman I talked to had to lower his well another 100 feet lower due to the water level dropping due to excessive water extraction. Multiple people have expressed concerns over the national debt, our budget, and reckless spending resulting in extremely high inflation and skyrocketing costs. Personally, I believe a very large contributor to this problem is the federal reserve system and fractional reserve banking.
Another major concern I have is the sovereignty of Texas and the United States of America. There is far too much foreign influence and control of our government. Before we can fix our country it needs to be ours to begin with.
Furthermore, election integrity is a serious issue as well, because without honest elections, how could we ever fix our state and country, once our elections are fully compromised.
I would balance the diverse needs first by collecting as much information as possible to fully understand the needs of rural Texans and more populated areas. In addition to the online tools described above, every time I meet with Texans, I bring a box for people to submit their concerns and ideas anonymously, I have a binder where people can list their concerns, and I always have a notepad in my pocket to write down the exact issues brought up to me, so I can later organize this information to understand the more pressing pain points.
I plan to have regular online town-halls and also go from county to county in person periodically to stay continuously connected so I can listen to the concerns, ideas and suggestions of the residents. I've even proposed the idea of coming to a gathering, sitting down, and letting every person that wants to speak go up and talk about their concerns, while I record and capture the concerns. I plan on putting most of my focus on listening rather than talking, but after I've given people a chance to speak, I will give regular reports both online and in person of the current status of achieving the district's goals, how I'm being blocked or slowed if appropriate, and what I'm currently doing about it.
For the prioritized list of issues raised by the district, I will form groups and committees which include people in our district, to brainstorm and find solutions so long as they are Constitutional, protect our liberties, and bring power back to the state of Texas. This will also make it possible to scale up, accelerate our ability to get the right legislation to the floor, and ensure quality in every action we take.
Also, I will always respond to every email and watch, monitor and interact via social media with the objective of being available as previously mentioned. Over time, I would like to directly visit every person, talk with them over the phone, or chat with them online to make sure I'm not missing individuals that would like to speak with me.
(Information from campaign website)
Rob Altman joined the U.S. Army at just 19, serving more than 25 years as both an enlisted Soldier and commissioned officer, leading teams from 16 to 600 personnel across multiple combat deployments.
After retiring from active duty, he continued his service in the private sector, bringing the same discipline, integrity, and results-driven leadership that guided his military career. Today, he serves in a senior role with a Fortune 500 firm, helping strengthen American businesses and create opportunities for working families.
A proud Aggie and graduate of Texas A&M University, Rob Altman remains deeply connected with his community, veterans, business owners, and families across the region who share his belief in hard work, faith, and freedom.
He believes leadership is about stewardship, serving others with integrity, courage, and humility. As a veteran, husband, father, follower of Christ, and civic leader, Rob Altman is committed to ensuring that every Texan, especially those in underserved and overlooked communities, has the opportunity to thrive.
Washington has lost its way, but Texas still knows what it means to stand for what’s right. Rob Altman is committed to bringing common sense back to government, standing with leaders who put America First, and protecting the freedoms and values that define our nation.
Issues
(Information from campaign website)
Ben Bius is an independent businessman with deep Texas roots, descended from generations of farmers, ranchers, and small-business owners. Raised on the values of faith, hard work, and family, Ben built his real estate investment and development company from the ground up, growing it into a respected regional firm known for creating jobs, opportunity, and long-lasting community impact.
His work includes major residential, commercial, and retail developments that have strengthened the region’s economy. He has also led successful companies such as B&B Properties, Legacy Builders, Caliber Investment Corporation, and Bius Investments.
Ben graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Finance and supporting coursework in Agri-Business. He is also a commercial pilot; experience and skills he has maintained and developed since his teen years. He applies the same discipline to business and public service.
Issues
Defend the Constitution: Protect the fundamental rights of every American — life, liberty, and property — and uphold the principles our nation was built on.
Strengthen Small Business: Cut red tape that hurts small businesses so they can thrive, create jobs, and expand opportunity across Texas.
Empower Parents and Families: Return control of education to Texas by eliminating the federal Department of Education and sending those dollars back to the states.
Fight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse: Root out corruption and the weaponization of government by cutting wasteful spending, reining in federal overreach, and keeping taxes low to safeguard Texas’ economic future.
Secure Our Border: Work with President Trump to enforce immigration laws, prioritize national security, and ensure a safe, orderly, and lawful border.
Support President Trump's America First Agenda: Restore accountability in Washington by putting the interests of American families — not bureaucrats or special interests — first.
(Information from campaign website)
Robert Brown is dedicated to delivering real results for our community. With a focus on new leadership, he is committed to making a difference and bringing about positive change for the people of Texas.
After actively participating in running his family farm until he was 15, he went on to a 20-year career in retail corporate management as a turnaround specialist where he went into broken business units and making them function properly, so they stay in business and keep people employed.
After retiring, he took positions in consulting, manufacturing, logistics and guest speaking at universities and business conferences on organizational management and operations. These experiences broadened his horizons leading him to understand exactly how broken the government is.
Now he is focusing his attention on the largest broken organization in the world, the US Government.
He will work to repeal government infringement of your rights and instill fiscal sanity in congress where they are currently racking up dept that will not be paid back for 100 years, effectively taxing people that haven't been born yet.
(Information from campaign website)
Chris Gober is a 7th-generation Texan, a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2001, and a devoted husband and father raising two daughters in Austin. Born and raised in the rural Texas towns of Throckmorton and Graham, Chris learned early the timeless conservative values of Christian faith, family, and hard work — principles that continue to guide his life and service today.
He is one of us — rooted in Texas, shaped by small-town values, and determined to defend the freedom, faith, and frontier grit that built Texas and will keep America free.
After graduating from Texas A&M and Harvard Law School, Chris worked on national security and border security issues at the Justice Department before serving as a top lawyer for the Republican Party. He moved back to Texas and built the nation’s top conservative law practice, consistently winning for conservatives in the toughest legal and political battles of our time.
In 2024, Chris led Elon Musk’s America PAC as its director and chief lawyer, deploying nearly $300 million to help ensure President Trump defeated Kamala Harris and returned to the White House.
Issues
Stop The Weaponization of Government: Stop the weaponization of government by radical Democrats against conservatives, President Trump, and America First patriots.
Crush The Cartels: Crush the cartels by helping President Trump secure our border and empowering Texas law enforcement to halt the invasion of drugs, violence, and gangs into our community.
Grow Texas’s Economy and Beat China: President Trump’s America First agenda is unleashing economic growth, and Chris will fight to keep Texas leading the way. He’ll boost investment in cutting-edge defense and technology and position Austin and the Brazos Valley as America’s center for innovation — ensuring we outcompete China and strengthen our technology infrastructure and national security.
Fight For Rural Texas and Make Life More Affordable: Rural Texans are feeling the squeeze from rising costs and limited access to quality care. Chris will fight to cut burdensome regulations, expand small business opportunities, make essentials more affordable, and strengthen rural healthcare so families don’t have to drive hours for treatment.
Defend Election Integrity: Defend election integrity by stopping Democrats’ unconstitutional attempts to rig our elections and deny the will of the American people.
Safeguard Our Constitution: Safeguard our Constitution by protecting freedom of speech and our God-given rights under attack by unhinged Democrats and liberal judicial activists.
Ensuring America' s AI Dominance: Chris will fight for policies that protect American innovation from China’s economic espionage and champion smart investments in American AI infrastructure that protect rural Texans from projects that drive up electricity rates and drain local water supplies. While we must win the global AI race, it is critical that we preserve our rural character and invest in infrastructure that benefits — not burdens — our local communities.
(Information from campaign website)
Jessica Karlsruher is a 5th-generation Texan and a life-long conservative running to represent Texas’s 10th Congressional District. Born in Kerrville and raised in Houston, she attended St. Thomas More for elementary school and high school at St. Agnes Academy. Jessica learned early the values of faith, family, and freedom that continue to guide her life today.
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Communication Studies, Jessica began her career at the Texas Capitol and later joined the Texas Association of Realtors in their government affairs department. Her work defending private property rights and advocating for Texas families set the stage for a two-decade career as a proven advocate and proven fighter for conservative Texas values.
Most recently, Jessica served as CEO of the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (TREAD) Coalition, where she fought tirelessly to defend landowners, protect Texas ranchers and farmers, strengthen rural communities, preserve our natural resources, and stand up for the state’s vital oil and gas industry. During her time at TREAD, Jessica has worked with the Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers, Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association, Land Trust Groups, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, working to protect our land and safeguard resources for future generations. She also built a coalition made up of industry experts, conservation leaders, and universities from around the state to address policy issues at the state level. In 2025, she joined the Texas Credit Union Association, continuing her work to empower families, small businesses, and communities across Texas.
Issues
Make America Healthy Again: Support U.S. farmers and ranchers who produce the safest food supply in the world. Stop unregulated and untested food imports that are loaded with illegal chemicals. We must stop making our fellow Americans sick with toxic foods.
Make America Affordable Again: Democrat fueled Inflation is a crushing tax on American families. We need to rein in wasteful spending. We are robbing the American dream from our children, and their future is bleak if we don’t continue turning our economy around and lowering taxes. We are suffocating the self-employed, the single parent and the hourly worker.
Make America the Dominant Energy Producer: I come from an oil and gas family — my grandfather was a land acquisition attorney for Exxon. We must protect and advocate for this vital Texas industry. In my role as CEO of TREAD Coalition, I advocated for smart siting and construction of renewable energy projects. Personally, I was a part of a coalition that ran a wind project out of Fayette County where my family ranch is.
Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms: We must not take our country for granted and it needs to be defended. I come from a long line of fighters including my great, great grandfather who fought in the winning battle of San Jacinto during the Texas Revolution and my great grandfather who fought against Mexico, chasing Pancho Villa out of Texas.
Seal the border and stop the illegal migrant invasion: My family had a contract during the first TRUMP administration to build the border wall in El Paso.
Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders: Having family and many of my friends live along parts of the border, I hear about the threats they face daily by these dangers. Neither they nor any Texans should have to live in fear because of an unsecure border and the dangers it brings into our country.
Continue to strengthen and modernize our military: America faces growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and rogue actors. A modern, well-equipped military is the best way to prevent conflict before it starts and keep our adversaries in check. Our military must keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies — from cyber warfare and AI to hypersonic weapons and space defense. Strengthening and modernizing ensures our forces stay ahead of adversaries and can protect America’s interests at home and abroad.
Fight for and protect social security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age: Social Security and Medicare are commitments Americans have paid into and earned over a lifetime of hard work. We must protect these programs, honor that promise, and ensure they remain fully funded without cutting benefits or raising the retirement age.
Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children: I have been appalled by the radical movement on the left being forced on our children. From the “Pride Movement” to other toxic learning platforms that are inappropriate and not in alignment with our beliefs, as your Representative I will do everything in my power to stop it and return power to the parents.
Keep men out of women's sports: I will not stand for men attempting to participate in female sports or be in their locker rooms.
Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations: Most of our district does not want electronic vehicles nor are they conducive to the work they do — be it farming, ranching, and wildlife management.
Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship: Americans deserve to know that every legal vote counts and that our elections are free from fraud and manipulation. Common-sense measures like same-day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship help ensure secure, transparent, and trustworthy elections.
Stand for Life and Liberty: Defend the unborn, protect religious freedom and the Second Amendment, and stop federal overreach that threatens our way of life.
Term Limits: There should be term limits for service.
(Information from campaign website)
Scott MacLeod is a decorated veteran, strong conservative, and proven leader who has spent more than three decades defending America from foreign threats and fighting for Texas. He retired from the Army as a Colonel after a 31-year career that culminated as a Brigade Commander, leading thousands of soldiers at home and abroad.
When President Donald J. Trump gave the order, MacLeod led the 2,000-member Texas National Guard deployment to our southern border to stop illegal immigration, fight the drug cartels, and combat human trafficking. When Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas Gulf Coast, MacLeod led the 6,000 Soldiers and Marines of Joint Task Force Harvey into the storm in one of the most destructive hurricanes in Texas history. Troops under his command protected property, enforced the rule of law, and were credited with saving thousands of lives.
Issues
Strong Domestic Economy and Lowering the National Debt: Fiscal discipline is stewardship, and stewardship is a moral obligation. A free-market economy, powered by American energy and innovation, is the only sustainable path to prosperity. Lowering costs, reducing federal waste, and restoring confidence in long-term programs like Social Security protects seniors while ensuring our children are not handed a bankrupt nation.
Price Affordability: Inflation under Biden crippled this nation and created a hidden tax on families, retirees, and fixed-income Texans. Washington’s spending addiction has driven up prices on groceries, fuel, and housing. Restoring affordability requires cutting spending, stabilizing the dollar, and unleashing domestic production.
Social Security Fortification: Social Security is a promise made to generations of Americans who paid into the system. It must be protected from bankruptcy through responsible reforms that prioritize seniors, not political games or fiscal denial.
Lower Energy Costs: Affordable energy lowers the cost of everything. Texas-led energy dominance, oil, gas, and next-generation innovation, strengthens national security while reducing costs for families and businesses.
Tackling the National Debt: A nation trillions in debt is not sovereign; it is vulnerable. Debt weakens our country and gives leverage to foreign adversaries.
Cutting Waste and Fraud: Federal programs riddled with waste and fraud undermine public trust. Every dollar wasted in Washington is a dollar taken from American families.
Growing the Economy: Growth comes from private investment, entrepreneurship, and hard work, not bureaucratic planning. Lower taxes and fewer regulations allow American businesses to outcompete the world.
National Security: Border security is inseparable from national security. Criminal cartels, traffickers, and potential terrorists exploit weak enforcement, while overwhelmed agencies struggle to keep pace. The federal government’s first duty is to protect its people, and that starts at the border. Military readiness is equally critical. A hollowed-out military, depleted stockpiles, and delayed modernization invite aggression. America must project strength, not apologize for it.
Deporting Criminal Illegal Immigrants: Criminal illegal immigrants endanger communities and strain local resources. Swift enforcement and deportation restore the rule of law and protect innocent lives.
Funding and Supporting ICE and Border Patrol: Frontline agents need resources, authority, and political backing. Morale and effectiveness suffer when Washington Democrats and the Mainstream Media undermine the men and women doing the job.
Keeping the Border Secured: President Trump secured the southern border. But border security cannot depend on one president. Lasting solutions require laws, enforcement, and leadership that endure beyond political cycles.
Replenishing U.S. Arms Stockpiles: America cannot deter adversaries with empty warehouses. Rebuilding stockpiles strengthens readiness and supports domestic manufacturing.
Fighting for Texas Farmers and Ranchers: Texas agriculture fuels local economies, sustains rural communities, and anchors national food security. Yet Washington’s policies often treat producers as obstacles rather than partners. Excessive regulation, unfair trade practices, and federal overreach threaten livelihoods passed down for generations. Conservatives understand that protecting agriculture is both an economic and moral imperative. Backing farmers and ranchers means respecting property rights, expanding market access, and defending them against threats that originate far beyond the fence line.
Water Rights: Water is life in Texas. Federal intrusion into water rights undermines local control and long-term agricultural planning.
Crop and Cattle Diseases: Diseases crossing the border threaten food supply and livelihoods. Strong biosecurity and border enforcement are essential protections.
Eminent Domain Abuse: Property rights are foundational to liberty. Government abuse of eminent domain destroys trust and family legacies.
Fair Trading Markets: Farmers deserve fair access to domestic and global markets. Trade policy must protect producers from foreign manipulation and dumping.
AI and Technology: America must lead, not follow, in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and emerging technologies. AI presents an enormous opportunity when guided by moral clarity and constitutional limits. A free-market, innovation-friendly environment is the only way to beat China and secure America’s technological future.
Leveraging AI for Society and Safety: AI can accelerate cures, improve infrastructure, and enhance public safety. Ethical use must always place human life and liberty first.
Defeating China in the Tech War: China seeks technological dominance to expand authoritarian control. America must out-innovate, out-build, and out-compete.
Training More American Tech Workers: America’s workforce should power America’s future. Education and training must prioritize domestic talent over foreign dependence.
(Information from campaign website)
Jeremy has started and sold several small businesses. He currently owns a restaurant that serves up scratch-made Southern dishes and an event center that hosts large events on a large ranch. He has also started and led several national movements among Christians on college campuses.
In addition, he has been Chaplain of the Republican Party of Texas multiple times, was elected to the State Republican Executive Committee, served as a precinct chair and a delegate to the Republican National Convention.
Issues
Reducing the deficit, shrinking government, eliminating fraud: The deficit has grown to be completely unsustainable. $1 Trillion dollars of our annual $7 trillion budget goes just to pay interest for our deficit. Fraudulent use of foreign aid, domestic welfare programs and government grants must be stopped. Congress needs to stop passing the buck to future generations through ongoing continuing resolutions rather than making tough choices.
Continue securing our borders and reforming immigration laws: Border security and immigration reform is crucial to Texas and America. Jeremy will press forward to ensure illegal immigration is curbed. It is simultaneously important that the current ambiguous maze of our current immigration laws is reformed to be clear, fair and consistent for all seeking to immigrate to America. We should only encourage and allow immigration by people who share our values for democracy, a constitutional republic, God given rights rather than government given, and who will not advocate for socialist, Marxist or other forms of government foreign to our constitution or other contrary laws like Sharia law.
Promoting religious freedom and stopping woke agendas to silence conservatives: Jeremy is a committed Christian. He knows that the first amendment guarantees religious freedom for all. Our founders linked this right, the right to free speech and the right to petition your government before all other constitutional amendments because these three God-given rights help preserve many other constitutional rights.
