In keeping with our effort to provide Texans with the information they need to be informed voters, Texas Scorecard made a questionnaire available to those running the State Republican Executive Committee. While we won’t be issuing an endorsement in any of these races, we hope that the responses to these questions will help you decide which man and which woman will best represent your interest on the SREC.
Here are the answers from the Senate District 26 candidates who responded:
Fred Rangel
What are the qualities of a Texas Republican? Why are you one?
Fred Rangel: If you are from Texas, you are part of a unique crowd. We have a reputation of not running from a fight, and instead taking a stand. Republicans in Texas stand for traditional values, have a faith in God, our country, and our fellow man. Being born in Corpus Christi and raised in San Antonio, I am proud to represent our conservatives, no matter what.
Texas has a lot of elected Republican officials. Who do you believe does the best job standing up for the priorities of the Texas GOP? Why?
Fred Rangel: It takes more than one person to get the job done. In my opinion, our Governor Gregg Abbott, our Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and our Attorney General Paxton, have all contributed to the priorities of our “Great Opportunity Party”. Our governor has promoted lowering property taxes and helping teachers with a raise to improve education. Our Lt governor has legislated 800 million to border security, supports school choice and moving God into the State Pledge. Attorney General Paxton opposes abortion and supported Texas’ “Mandatory Ultrasound Bill”. He supports gun laws and does not support illegal immigration.
Some individuals say the current party platform is too long and should be shortened. Do you agree? If so, what portions of the platform would you advocate eliminating?
Fred Rangel: Firstly, I do not support shortening our platform. It is too long for those who do not understand the complexity of our party and our values. The issues to watch are many from Electric Grid issues to how we address gun laws that protect us and abortion laws that protect the unborn.
What must be done to ensure the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities are implemented by legislators?
Fred Rangel: Some do not like to talk about what censoring our leaders for their positions on issues, however it sent a loud message, even if it were a slap on the hand. We will be represented. SREC legislative issues have been promoted strongly, to make our voice be loud. That must continue.
Why have you decided to run for the SREC?
Fred Rangel: I have served previously, for a term. I postponed to be considered as a candidate for Vice Chair of the RPT. The work challenges us to always concentrate on understanding the needs of our home base.
