Big GOP crowd wants to replace Michael Burgess in Congress. Here’s our endorsement | Opinion

Eleven men and women are running in the 26th Congressional District Republican primary, with the winner likely to replace longtime Rep. Michael Burgess.

In this congested field and with big shoes to fill, former Denton County Judge Scott Armey is the best choice. A resident of Corinth and a personal financial adviser, Armey has been active in local politics for a long time. His experience working in federal and local government will be an asset to voters.

Armey, 54, is the son of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey. He tried to follow his father directly into the seat in 2002 but lost to Burgess. With decades of additional seasoning, he’ll be able to step in and quickly be an effective lawmaker despite the district’s loss in seniority.

If elected to Congress, Armey said he wants to cut government spending by eliminating earmarks and enacting a flat tax, among other ideas. He wants to finish construction of a border wall.

Another strong candidate, Luisa Del Rosal, 37, is a proud, legal immigrant and calls herself a “devoted patriot.” She ran for state House in 2020. A resident of North Dallas, she is the owner of a parking lot line striping company. If elected, she said she wants to improve healthcare costs and options.

She comes across as energetic, optimistic, and passionate. While Del Rosal may not be ready to represent her community at such a high level, she should have a bright future in politics if she wants it.

The likely frontrunner is Brandon Gill, who turns 30 just before the primary election. He is a resident of Flower Mound and a conservative media figure backed by President Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz. Gill has considerable political talent, but his disdain for compromise and his far-right views do not bode well for getting much done in Congress.

Southlake Mayor John Huffman, 40, is another staunchly conservative candidate who could do well. He’s backed by former Gov. Rick Perry and neighboring U.S.. Rep. Beth Van Duyne. Huffman was the only candidate who did not respond to our interview requests.

Neena Biswas, 54, is a physician and entrepreneur. She’s passionate about improving healthcare costs, especially for veterans. A resident of Coppell, in 2020 she was elected as a trustee on the Coppell school board where she worked on anti-bullying initiatives and fentanyl awareness. She seems informed, steady and focused.

Also running are Vlad de Francheschi, an Oak Point lawyer; Jason Kergosien, a Plano technician and entrepreneur; Joel A. Krause of Highland Village, who runs a sports equipment company; Doug Robison of Denton, a former state district judge; Mark “Big Rut” Rutledge of Little Elm, who runs a mechanical contracting company; and Burt Thakur, a construction company owner who lives in Frisco (and is a former Jeopardy! champion).

Biswas, De Francheschi, Del Rosal and Thakur are all naturalized citizens. Four in one race is a testament to the spirit many legal immigrants have to serve their new country, along with the 26th District’s diversity.

Early voting in the primary begins Feb. 20 and runs through March 1. Election Day is March 5. If no candidate wins more than half the vote, the top two will advance to a May runoff. The winner will face Democrat Ernest R. Lineberger III in the November election.

Members of Congress are elected every two years.