On January 3, 2021, I swore an oath in Washington before God to defend the Constitution and serve the incredible people of the 11th District of Texas.
Since then, I have experienced some of the most challenging, memorable, and rewarding days of my life, but one thing has remained the same—I could not be more humbled or honored to represent this district and the exemplary people in it.
The 11th District of Texas is special. It is a critical intersection of national security for our country. Home to the largest oil and gas producing region in the Nation, over 15 million acres of farm and ranch land, multiple premiere universities—both public and private—and a world class Air Force Base that trains service members from every branch of our military in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as specialized firefighting techniques. Our district also plays a key role in border security and many other critical operations.
Each of these pieces work together to make up a district that delivers so much for the safety and security of our country. It is humbling to recognize the millions of lives who depend on critical industries that are centered right here.
I am proud to be a 7th generation Texan, born and raised in the heart of this district, in a family whose livelihoods depended on agriculture and oil and gas. To us, these are more than just industries and economics—they are personal.
Midland and Odessa, the hub of the largest oil and gas producing region in the Nation provides clean, affordable, reliable energy to the entire country. Energy that heats our homes, fuels industry and innovation, puts gas in the tractors of farmers, makes our military the best in the world, and allows agriculture producers of all stripes to run their equipment and produce their products at an affordable cost to the American people.
In fact, the 11th District is one of the top agriculture-producing regions in the U.S.
Nationwide, our region is in the top 10 for cotton and cattle production. In Texas, we are in the top 5 for crop and livestock production of cotton, cattle, milk, sheep, goats, and even horses. With over 20,000 farms, 96% of them still being family owned, the agriculture industry in this district is responsible for supporting over 50,000 jobs.
We are also home to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, a premier facility that trains service members from every branch of our military in world-class intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance procedures, as well as specialized firefighting techniques. The base graduates roughly 12,000 military professionals each year, and the work they do at Goodfellow, right here in the 11th District, makes the lives of every American just a little bit safer.
But more than contributing energy, agriculture, and military training, the 11th District is home to the absolute best people in the world.
Traveling each of the 29 counties, I have truly come face to face with the most decent, honest, hardworking men and women out there. People who want the best for others, and the best for our country. These folks do not just talk about it, they act on it with kindness and generosity in their own communities.
As I said before, this district is special, and I mean it. We quite literally supply this country with the food, fuel, and fiber that powers our Nation and feeds the American people. I truly believe that this is the best district in the United States, and it becomes more evident with every passing day.
I have my work cut out for me going up against policies in Washington that seek to undercut conservative values and overblow the scope of federal government control. I pledge to stand up for agriculture, energy, and the security of our nation through my voice, my vote, and legislation.
To everyone in the 11th District: thank you for trusting me with this responsibility—I am determined to work hard every day to be a strong voice and advocate for you in Washington.
God bless you, God bless the 11th District of Texas, and may God Bless the United States of America.