Next representative should come from 17th District

Following my announcement on September 4th that I would not be running for another term in the U.S. Congress,  The Waco Tribune-Herald (“WTH”) published an Op-ed setting forth their opinions why the next Congressional Representative for the 17th District of Texas (“TX17”) should come from Waco.

 That op-ed actually introduces a much more important issue – who should we elect to represent us in Congress beginning in 2021. The announcement earlier this week by a former Congressman that he is going to move from his current area and drop into TX17 should give us all something to think about – where should our next Representative come from? In the days since my announcement, the WTH published their Op-ed about the need for a Waco person to serve in this role, and many persons from other areas of the district have opined to others and me that the next Representative needs to be from their respective areas.

 I want to push back on those narratives by stating what I think is obvious – the next Congressman/Congresswoman for TX 17 should come from . . . TX17. We need to seek out and find the person who will represent ALL areas of this wonderful district equitably, effectively, and passionately. If we get involved in “geographic” battles to try to pit one area versus other areas, we are essentially saying that there will be winners and losers. I think that is wrong and it runs counter to the way that my office strives to treat all areas equally. After all, the Representative for TX17 will be elected by voters from all over the district, therefore, they should represent all of the district without regard to geography.

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