Four New Texans Join the 119th Congress
As the 119th Congress got underway in Washington, D.C., four Texans took their oath of office, ready to represent the Lone Star State in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, these newcomers—two Democrats and two Republicans—bring a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Let’s break down who they are and what they might bring to the national stage.
Craig Goldman (R) – District 12
Replacing a Long-Serving Representative
Craig Goldman steps into the seat once held by Rep. Kay Granger, who served District 12 for over two decades before deciding not to run for reelection. Granger’s tenure was notable, but in recent years, she faced health challenges and moved to a retirement facility.
Goldman, a former Texas House member for District 97, previously led the Energy Resources Committee—experience that could prove influential in shaping national energy and infrastructure policies. District 12 covers parts of Fort Worth and sections of Tarrant and Parker counties.
Julie Johnson (D) – District 32
Making History in Congress
Julie Johnson made headlines when she became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to represent Texas—and the broader South—in Congress. She fills the seat previously held by Colin Allred, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in November. Johnson represented Texas House District 115 before moving to Capitol Hill, advocating strongly for healthcare access and equality issues. District 32 covers parts of northeastern Dallas County and portions of Collin and Denton counties.
Brandon Gill (R) – District 26
A Political Newcomer with Conservative Roots
Brandon Gill, a former Wall Street executive and the son-in-law of conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, now represents a district stretching from northern Dallas suburbs to the Oklahoma border. He earned the seat after a competitive primary to replace Michael Burgess, who retired after holding the position since 2003. Gill has been vocal in his support of former President Donald Trump, even launching a news site, DC Enquirer, aimed at amplifying Trump’s platform. District 26 comprises parts of Denton, Cooke, and Wise counties.
Sylvester Turner (D) – District 18
From Houston’s City Hall to Capitol Hill
Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, replaces the late Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in July. Turner brings with him nearly a decade of experience leading one of the nation’s largest cities, serving as mayor from 2016 through early 2024. He was also diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2022 but continued his mayoral duties amid treatment. Backed by endorsements from Jackson Lee’s children, Turner will represent District 18, encompassing much of central Houston.
Why These Four Matter
Texas has become an increasingly influential state on the national level, both in terms of population growth and political clout. These four new lawmakers will have the opportunity to shape policy on a range of issues—from energy independence and urban development to healthcare access and civil rights.
- Craig Goldman could be a key voice in national energy debates, given his background in the Texas House Energy Resources Committee.
- Julie Johnson will likely continue her advocacy for healthcare and LGBTQ+ equality.
- Brandon Gill has positioned himself as a strong conservative voice, championing the Trump agenda.
- Sylvester Turner brings significant executive experience and firsthand knowledge of municipal governance.
Stay Informed and Engaged
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, it’s important to keep an eye on your representatives:
- Check their official websites for updates on legislation they sponsor.
- Attend town halls (in person or virtually) when possible.
- Voice your concerns and opinions via phone calls or emails to their offices.
Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate and hold their leaders accountable.
Want to share your thoughts on these new representatives? Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me directly. I’m always interested in hearing from fellow Texans about the issues that matter most to them.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog post is based on reporting by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth and publicly available details about the newly elected officials. Please consult official congressional websites or additional reliable news sources for the most up-to-date information.
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