Here’s who’s running to represent Texas’ 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House

For the first time this century, Texas’ 12th Congressional District will have a new representative.

Rep. Kay Granger — who made history in 1997 when she became the first Republican woman to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representative — opted not to seek a 15th term in congress.

“I am encouraged by the next generation of leaders in my district. It’s time for the next generation to step up and take the mantle and be a strong and fierce representative for the people,” Granger said in a statement announcing her decision not to run in 2024.

Republican state representative Craig Goldman is looking to keep the seat in his party’s column. Goldman has represented parts of central and southwest Fort Worth along with Benbrook since 2013.

Democratic challenger Trey Hunt is getting a second bite at the apple after losing to Granger in the 2022 contest.

Craig Goldman

Political Party: Republican

Did not respond

Trey Hunt

Political Party: Democrat

Age: 29

Campaign website: Treyonthehunt.com

Best way for voters to reach you: Treyonthehunt.com

Occupation: Housing Coordinator for the Homeless in Tarrant County

Education: Ph.D. Experimental Psychology (expected 2029), MS Sociology, MS Crimianl Justice, & BS Psychology

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought, with years): 2022 CD-12

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism: Mental health worker, substance abuse counselor, homeless outreach worker, homeless housing coordinator, and non-profit found provide supplemental food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No

Who are your top three campaign contributors?: The everyday citizens of Congressional District 12.

Why are you seeking this office?: The average American and their interests are not reflected by elected officials or the political parties that solicit contributions, only to redirect those funds to candidates they deem worthy. The DCCC and Texas Democratic Party Chair, Gilberto Hinojosa, have failed to effectively turn Texas into a competitive, purple state. I’m running because I reject blind loyalty to any party. My sole focus is on improving the lives of my neighbors.

What are your top 3 policy priorities?: Codify Roe, expanding healthcare coverage, and bring more high pay jobs to CD-12.

How will you ensure the district doesn’t get left behind as a Freshman member of Congress?: I’ll focus on local issues, foster bipartisan relationships, and advocate for our district’s needs. It’s crucial to remember that elected officials are accountable to their constituents, and we must engage and mobilize voters to influence their representatives effectively.

How will you ensure the federal government follows through on its commitments to fund the Central City Flood Control project?: To ensure the federal government follows through on its commitments to fund the Central City Flood Control project, I will advocate for sustained federal investment by actively engaging with federal agencies and securing bipartisan support. I’ll push for regular progress updates and ensure that any delays or funding gaps are addressed quickly. Incorporating greater transparency, along with a constituent oversight board, can increase accountability by providing regular reports to the public, ensuring the project stays on track, and giving the community a direct role in overseeing its progress. This approach will help build trust and ensure responsible use of funds.

What aspects of Rep. Kay Granger’s legacy will you continue if elected to congress?: If elected, I will continue to prioritize economic growth and job creation, building on Rep. Kay Granger’s efforts to strengthen the local economy of Texas’s 12th Congressional District. Her work in securing federal investments and infrastructure projects has been vital, and I will ensure that we maintain this focus on bringing jobs to our community. I’ll also prioritize supporting local businesses and advocating for the completion of key projects, such as the Central City Flood Control initiative, to protect and expand our district’s economic development.

Would you support the bipartisan border security bill that failed in the current Congress? Why or why not? If not, what changes would need to be made to win your vote?: I support strengthening border security to ensure the safety and integrity of our immigration system while also advocating for a fair and transparent pathway to citizenship. By securing our borders and implementing comprehensive immigration reform, we can both protect our nation and provide hardworking immigrants the opportunity to contribute fully to our society. A balanced approach that emphasizes security and humanity will help build a stronger, more inclusive future for all.

Do you support extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire in 2025? Why/why not?: No. The TCJA increased the federal debt from $15.5 trillion in 2017 to $30.2 trillion in 2025, which is over 100% of GDP. This is the highest debt level in peacetime, aside from the COVID-19 pandemic. The TCJA reduced the federal revenue base, with revenue as a share of GDP falling from 19.5% to 16.3%.

Would you support a Federal ban on abortion? Why/why not?: No. Pro-choice. People will support a federal ban as long as they can afford flights to states and countires where it would still be legal.

What role should the Federal government play in addressing the affordable housing crisis?: Build more housing. We could spend millions and billions on the military industrial complex but cannot spend enough on veteran housing.

Will you accept the results of your election regardless of the outcome?: I accept the results that gerrymandering produce. I accept the results of failed leadership by Gilberto Hinojosa produce. I do NOT accept false claims of election tampering.

What’s a Federal policy impacting Texas that’s important to you, but not necessarily as high profile? Why do you think it’s important?: The Community Eligibility Provision ensures free meals for all students, addressing hunger and boosting success.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?: I’m not the next version of Kay Granger, I am the next generation of Texas leadership.

This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 4:16 PM.

Harrison Mantas

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

817-390-7040

Harrison Mantas has covered Fort Worth city government, agencies and people since September 2021. He likes to live tweet city hall meetings, and help his fellow Fort Worthians figure out what’s going on.