With early voting starting this Tuesday in the Democratic Party Primary, the Williamson County Democratic Party is publishing a series of posts highlighting the races and candidates voters can expect to find on their ballots. Each post focuses on a different office and presents all candidates with the opportunity to answer the same series of four questions. Today, we’re meeting the candidates for the United States House of Representatives, Districts 10, 17, 31, and 37.
A United States Representative has the important duty of representing the people of their specific congressional district within Texas. They are a key part of the U.S. House of Representatives, where they draft and vote on federal laws that impact the entire nation. They also serve on committees focused on particular policy areas, such as education or healthcare, and act as strong advocates for the needs and concerns of their constituents back home.
District 10
Theresa Boisseau
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
As a single mother I have fought everyday for my child and as a teacher for each student in my classroom. Now I will take the fight to DC to build a brighter future for all Texas children and beyond. I am a Democrat because we do the most good for the most people.
What are your qualifications?
Skills learned as a teacher and in the family business including the art of negotiation, striving to make transactions a win-win while working with a broad spectrum of students and clients from varying socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures will prove invaluable.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Reproductive justice would be a top priority for me in Congress. Equitable and Accessible Healthcare for all, in all stages of our human existence. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act should be passed immediately along with rebuilding the gutted Voting Rights Act. And fully fund and support Education.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
I am a proven and trusted member of the community, I have marched from Georgetown to Austin and testified against the awful R voting bill, was campaign manager for a school board re-election that defeated the Mom’s for Liberty in Round Rock, phone banks for Beto and much more that won’t fit here.
Keith McPhail
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Right-wing authoritarianism requires immediate action. From Roe to the border to environmental protection, an extremist wing is using legal tricks to erase our civil liberties and Federal oversight. The House must get back to work, which requires a Democratic majority. We must flip these seats.
What are your qualifications?
I am a former Texas Exes chapter leader & Texas A&M grad. I first lobbied Congress for UT Austin in my role with Texas Exes and I bring perspective covering both our great research universities. My background in Media + Entertainment will help us win back LBJ’s former seat to Democratic control.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Codify Roe. Restore civil liberties. Automatic voter registration. End Citizens United. Navigate Central Texas to the coming wave of technologies, steering investment to universities and start ups, while creating good union jobs for those disrupted by change, especially Farm & Ranch communities.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
We want a candidate capable of winning a General Election. My opponent has no path to victory. TX-10 is a safe red district, largely rural, only 23% Dem. To win back Reproductive Freedom, we need TX-10 voters to cross parties. I am the only D candidate that could build the votes to win the seat.
District 17
Mark Lorenzen
Mark Lorenzen is running opposed in the Democratic Party Primary for U.S. Representative for District 17.
District 31
Stuart Whitlow
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
I’m running because democracy is on the ballot in 2024. To protect the rights of ALL Texans we must stand up to John Carter and elect a leader who will fight for the issues that matter most. Every Texan should have access to opportunities to improve their lives.
What are your qualifications?
I earned a BA from Southwestern, a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt, & joint degrees from UT’s LBJ School and UT Law. I’ve spent 35 years as an attorney and worked with the TLSC to provide legal help to 7,000+ Texans seeking free services. I also founded the Capital Idea job-training program.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I will get back to work on the issues that matter most to our community: abortion access, Medicaid, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protections, public education, expanding our economy, ending gun violence, protecting our democracy, and more. As your congressman, I will fight for what we believe in.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
As a lifelong Democrat, voters can go to the polls knowing that I share their values and their priorities for our community. And as your congressman, I will fight for those values and to protect our Democracy every single day. I’m ready to deliver progressive results for CD 31.
Rick Von Pfeil
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Congress is dysfunctional, and I have been developing concepts to decrease polarization and increase bi-partisanship. My liberal political values are rooted in my personal philosophy of equality and my passion for civil rights, and liberals are always on the right side of history!
What are your qualifications?
I’m a business executive with 25 years’ experience in many industries. Over 20 years of social activism and campaign work including: 3 House, 1 Senate, 2 President campaigns. Years of following and studying political strategy and history, campaign tactics, operations, and game theory.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
To be clear, any and all dire and exigent legislation will be written and sponsored by Sr. Reps. As a freshman Rep, after flipping an entrenched GOP seat on a campaign to “Fix Congress”, the best aides will be lining up to help draft historic legislation for term limits and anti-gerrymandering.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
We have been strategically building a November game plan from the beginning. My platform is broadly appealing and will allow me to recruit young people and disillusioned independents, and grow the party. And I am a 5th Generation Central Texan who actually lives in our district.
Brian Walbridge
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
These are uncertain times, yet I believe in our democracy. My motivation for public service: to shape policy in healthcare, artificial intelligence, the environment, and other issues that impact our wellbeing. I believe Democrats uniquely have a chance shape a better future this election cycle.
What are your qualifications?
I am a graduate of Baylor University and UT Austin. I have experience as a certified Texas teacher and a business compliance advisor. As a diplomat, I supported federal agencies and the military overseas. More recently, I had the privilege of leading a team to support pandemic healthcare needs.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Healthcare: We need to improve healthcare access and affordability for all walks of life. Right to Choose: Women everywhere have my pledge to tirelessly drive the conversation on reproductive choice. Military: We need to improve resources for active-duty military, veterans, and their families.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
If elected, I will defend our democracy. At every decision, I will work to ensure a future where our children can thrive. I care deeply about the issues that impact our collective wellbeing. Most importantly, I am focused on the challenges ahead and motivated to work for Central Texas families.
District 37
Lloyd Doggett
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
To preserve our democracy. I saw Jan 6 overthrow attempt. All insurrectionists inciting & participating must be accountable. Electing one who admires foreign thugs & declares he’ll be dictator “on day one” means autocracy. Require Congress approve before entering foreign conflict. Defeat Trumpism.
What are your qualifications?
A life-long Austinite, I’ve served in Texas State Senate, Texas Supreme Court, U.S. House, Ranking Member and hopefully Chair again for the Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, Budget Committee. For a total of 14 times, I received the “Best of Austin” Austin Chronicle award by its readers.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
As top Democrat on the Health Subcommittee, I seek better Medicare for more Americans, closing the coverage gap created by Greg Abbott’s refusal to accept federal Medicaid funds to assure access to a family physician for up to 2 million uninsured Texans, including dental, vision & hearing coverage.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Our shared values and my long, proven record of doing the most for those with the least. That the Republicans have worked so hard to defeat me is a reflection of my success seeking to push back against their extremist agenda. Endorsed by every local Dem group so far but most important one is yours.
Eduardo “Lalito” Romero
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What are your qualifications?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Christopher “Chris” McNerny
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
I’m running to tackle corruption, ensure basic human and civil rights are available to all Americans regardless of which state they are in, strengthen our international institutions, and fight back against right-wing extremism. To that end, the Democratic Party best represents my progressive values.
What are your qualifications?
I’m from Austin, have a Master’s in International Affairs, spent 20 years in the DOD working national security issues, and founded a cybersecurity firm. I’m familiar with numerous tech issues like AI/ML, have a clear vision for this country, and already know how to get things done in Washington.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
In office I will end Congressional insider trading, pursue corruption of the Courts, ensure women have autonomy over their bodies, repeal the Hyde Amendment, pass Medicare for All, create strong data privacy protections, and tackle problems affecting millions like wage theft and lack of sick leave.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Because I represent the change that Americans are clamoring for while still understanding Austin and Central Texas. Because I will enter Washington with a clear understanding of how government functions. And because I will accomplish the things I promise to do.
Candidates for U.S. Representative will appear on your ballot in this year’s Democratic Party Primary, depending on if you reside in Districts 10, 17, 31, or 37. Don’t forget to vote for this important office, and remember that early voting starts Tuesday, February 20 and continues through Friday, March 1. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.
Find your polling place in Williamson County.