El Paso Matters sent questionnaires to every candidate in a contested primary race to help you decide who you want to represent you. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and to fit the word count.

U.S. House District 23: Democratic Primary

The 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.

Who’s running for this seat?

John Lira

John Lira, 40, is a policy analyst and former Marine.

Learn More

Priscilla Golden

Priscilla Golden did not return the El Paso Matters questionnaire.

Lira

Continued public service to the country is at the heart of why I am running for the U.S. Congress in Texas 23. I have served in foreign battlefields and at policy-making tables in Washington, D.C. has provided me the passion and experience to elevate our voice, values, and interests on the floor of the U.S. House chamber. Texas-23 is one of the most historic and diverse places in our country and faces some of the most unique challenges of our nation. My neighbors deserve a representative who is a partner and a problem solver for the people of TX-23; not a partisan.

Lira

Small businesses are the backbone of TX-23’s economy and provide vital services, products, and jobs. I want more small businesses open and more capable of recovering from natural disasters.

TX-23 lacks access to medical facilities and health care professionals, leaving some to drive far for basic medical services. I support the creation of a rural medicine center of excellence in TX-23 to develop strategies to serve rural communities.

TX-23’s infrastructure hasn’t seen investments since the New Deal. I will ensure TX-23 is not forgotten on infrastructure projects and fight for investments in our roads, bridges, clean water, irrigation, and rural broadband.

Lira

The challenges we face require us to come together to work in unity toward the common good and betterment of our country. However, many representatives personally profit off division and dissent. I served in the military alongside Americans from all walks of life. I will listen to and work with members from both parties. I will join bipartisan caucuses and organize bipartisan trips to the border to bridge the cooperation gap. I will engage republican constituents; not hide from them. Americans must demand that democrats and republicans work together to move our country forward.

Lira

America must remain the land of opportunity for all, including immigrants who continue to add value to our nation. The U.S. government must provide more legal immigration options so there is no need to choose illegal migration. We must reimagine immigration and fix our broken refugee asylum, immigration, and work visa processes. I call for the creation of a National Border Commission that engages border communities, academics, and national security experts to recommend long-term, humane border solutions. Mexico and the South American countries must be part of any strategy. I support pathways for migrants to earn income and pay taxes while awaiting their asylum hearings.

Lira

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be easy, secure, and encouraged. Casting undue cost, burden, and doubt on citizens is un-American. Laws restricting early voting, denying 24-hour voting, limiting the number of ballot dropboxes, and requiring limited forms of identification are only meant to keep people from voting. I will ensure our elections remain accessible, secure, and not susceptible to subversion by supporting legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. I fought for the Iraqi people’s right to vote and will now fight for my fellow Texans’ rights to vote.

Lira

The COVID-19 pandemic stressed many of our local governments, education systems, and local economies with extra costs, a dwindling workforce, and confusion. The federal government should provide and cover the costs of preventive supplies like masks, tests, and vaccinations for government entities, schools, and small businesses. I support continued investments in our medical systems and relief exhausted medical professionals who have taken on the full burden of the pandemic. The government should do more to avoid confusion by educating the public about the virus, the vaccination, and how we can work together to recover. Together, we can beat this virus.

Read more about this race

Back to Voter Guide