Stephen’s Priorities
Economy & Jobs
The Trump administration is trying to solve 21st-century problems with an 18th-century economic playbook. His tariffs have raised prices on everyday goods, and he’s failed to deliver relief for working families. I believe we need common-sense solutions that actually lower costs and raise wages, like investing in a diverse mix of energy sources to bring down power bills, creating fair trade agreements and smart business incentives to reduce costs, and expanding workforce training and apprenticeship programs that lead to high-paying, skilled jobs. It’s time for policies that work for the people, not just the powerful and well-connected.
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Cost of Living
Families across our district, and across the country, are feeling the squeeze. Grocery bills are up, housing is harder to afford, and too many are being forced to make impossible choices. But instead of offering real solutions, Donald Trump’s tariffs and failed policies are making everyday costs even worse. On top of that, cuts to food assistance, healthcare, and other essential services are hitting working families the hardest.
I believe every child in America should have enough to eat and a safe place to call home. That means building more affordable housing near where people work, supporting local agriculture and food access, and strengthening, not slashing, the programs that help families get by. We need thoughtful, family-first plans that lift people up, not more political games that leave communities behind.
It’s time to stop ignoring the problem and start working together to fix it.
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Healthcare
Healthcare is a basic human need, and no one should lose access to it because of political decisions made in Washington. But Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to Medicaid would strip healthcare from thousands of families, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. I strongly oppose these reckless cuts, because I’ve seen how short-sighted policies like this lead to more suffering and higher costs down the road.
Instead of taking healthcare away, we should expand access, especially to primary care, so people can get the treatment they need before minor issues become major health crises. After a lifetime of hard work, our seniors deserve dignity and the care they’ve earned, not disrespect and neglect.
I’ll fight to protect the programs that keep our communities healthy, because no one should have to choose between paying rent and seeing a doctor.
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Education
Education is the foundation of opportunity, and every child deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their zip code. As a parent, I know that when we invest in our schools, we invest in our future. But here in Houston, we’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by state takeovers, higher teacher turnover, and constant threats to school funding. Our kids, and their teachers, deserve better.
President Kennedy said it best: “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.” I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’ll fight to make sure no child is trying to learn while hungry, that every school has the resources it needs, and that teachers are paid well enough to attract and keep the kind of educators every parent hopes for: caring, committed, and capable.
We can’t shortchange the next generation. The future of our district depends on it.
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Our Community
Every family deserves a safe, healthy place to live and the opportunity to succeed. But right now, too many of our neighbors are being left behind. Thousands are losing nutritional benefits, many live in communities threatened by environmental waste, and affordable housing remains out of reach for far too many. I believe we need bold, targeted investments in our community. I’ll fight to protect communities like Kashmere Gardens from environmental hazards and ensure the federal government does its part to clean up and prevent future harm.
Flooding is another serious threat here in the 18th District. That’s why I’ll push for federal support for flood mitigation tunnels and local SAFER initiatives, to protect lives and property before disaster strikes. And while Donald Trump attacks FEMA and weakens our emergency response, I’ll be a fierce advocate to make sure help is there when our community needs it most.
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Civil Rights
Our civil rights are protected by law, but too many times we have seen corrupt leaders in Austin and Washington try to find loopholes to keep some Americans down. In the recent past we have seen attempts to restrict voting rights. Now we see Donald Trump and Greg Abbott conspiring to dilute the voice of many communities in our district through a shameful redistricting attempt in Austin. I will stand up for the rights guaranteed by the Voting Rights Act and call out leaders who try to get around it.
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Immigration
Immigrants make our country stronger, but our system must be fair, humane, and focused on real public safety. Donald Trump expanded ICE to go after criminals, but most people being detained have no criminal record—just parents trying to build a better life. That’s wrong, and it's a waste of taxpayer dollars.
I believe in a secure border and a just immigration system. I’ll fight to protect due process, expand legal pathways, and make sure our resources are used wisely, not weaponized against families.
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Innovation
Our city has been a leader in energy for over a century, but Donald Trump has been eliminating support for some sectors of the industry at a time when we should be keeping all options on the table to remain competitive on the world stage. His administration is also threatening funding for numerous Texas Medical Center research groups and universities here in Houston, putting our jobs and healthcare future at risk. If we want our country to continue to lead the world in innovation, then we need to stand behind the people doing the innovating. That’s why I’m committed to protecting Houston researchers, doctors, and pioneers by opposing drastic cuts to science and innovation funding in the district.
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Fix the System
We all know the system is broken. The same politicians keep recycling the same broken ideas, while billionaires and special interests call the shots. I believe we need to get big money out of politics and put people back at the center of power.
Growing up overseas, I saw what happens when there are no checks and balances, and too much power is put into the hands of one leader. Two of my friends’ fathers were unjustly imprisoned by a dictator. Today, American democracy is under threat. As your congressman, I’ll fight to protect the separation of powers, restore essential services, and reject the chaos that’s tearing our government apart.