Issue Position: Why I'm Running

Issue Position

On December 14, 2015 I made the decision to run for Congress in District 29. It was a decision that I did not take lightly. It was a decision that I have thought about for many days, one that required reflection through prayer, and a conversation with my deceased father at his grave.

My father instilled in me a sense of responsibility to this great country that has remained strong over my 35 plus years of public service- twenty-three years as a Houston Police Officer, six years on City Council serving the people of District H, and over six years as your Harris County Sheriff.

As the first natural born citizen in my immediate family, I have worked to raise my family with the same sense of duty and service that was instilled in me, but my story is not unique. The communities that make up District 29 are full of families who have worked hard, given back and have bled for America- yet lack an energetic voice that reflects their values. District 29 is made up of teachers, veterans, police officers and fire fighters who take a stand and invest in America every day. But who will stand up for them?
This is my calling.

This is not about one person or a job, it is about giving a voice to a community that has gone unheard for far too long. I am determined to help cultivate a Hispanic electorate to lead the country forward in a district that is 80% Hispanic. In 1992 this district was drawn as a Hispanic opportunity district.

As a former police officer and your Sheriff I know what it means to keep you safe, but safety does not come from excluding entire faiths or building walls.
I believe in an America that provides the opportunity for the minority son of immigrant parents to run for Congress. The opportunity for all Americans, regardless of faith, race or economic status, to take part in the American Dream. And most importantly, the opportunity to live free and contribute to the America they love.

I'm running because we need someone to stand up for us and speak out against the likes of Donald Trump. There are plenty of politicians in Washington who simply want to go along with D.C. politics and not enough willing to stand up for the issues having an impact on our daily lives.

Over the coming days expect to hear from me directly. I'll need your help to change the way Washington operates.

It's our time.

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