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Arthur Thomas IV
Arthur Thomas IV (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 119. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Elections
2022
See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Incumbent Elizabeth Campos defeated Arthur Thomas IV in the general election for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Elizabeth Campos (D) | 78.0 | 29,253 |
 | Arthur Thomas IV (L) | 22.0 | 8,243 | |
| Total votes: 37,496 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Incumbent Elizabeth Campos advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Campos | 100.0 | 8,661 |
| Total votes: 8,661 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Arthur Thomas IV advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on March 12, 2022.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Arthur Thomas IV (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
2020
See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Elizabeth Campos defeated George Garza, Arthur Thomas IV, and Antonio Padron in the general election for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Campos (D) | 61.7 | 37,574 |
 | George Garza (R) | 34.7 | 21,154 | |
| Arthur Thomas IV (L) | 2.2 | 1,370 | |
 | Antonio Padron (G) | 1.4 | 828 | |
| Total votes: 60,926 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Elizabeth Campos defeated Jennifer Ramos in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on July 14, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Campos | 56.1 | 4,267 |
| Jennifer Ramos | 43.9 | 3,340 | ||
| Total votes: 7,607 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Elizabeth Campos and Jennifer Ramos advanced to a runoff. They defeated Sean Villasana in the Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Elizabeth Campos | 46.0 | 6,119 |
| ✔ | Jennifer Ramos | 43.8 | 5,817 | |
 | Sean Villasana | 10.2 | 1,353 | |
| Total votes: 13,289 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119
George Garza advanced from the Republican primary for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | George Garza | 100.0 | 4,424 |
| Total votes: 4,424 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Green convention
Green convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Antonio Padron advanced from the Green convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on April 18, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Antonio Padron (G) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119
Arthur Thomas IV advanced from the Libertarian convention for Texas House of Representatives District 119 on March 21, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Arthur Thomas IV (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
2018
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 28
Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Arthur Thomas IV in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 28 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Henry Cuellar (D) | 84.4 | 117,494 |
| Arthur Thomas IV (L) | 15.6 | 21,732 | |
| Total votes: 139,226 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28
Incumbent Henry Cuellar advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Henry Cuellar | 100.0 | 39,221 |
| Total votes: 39,221 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2012
Thomas ran in the 2012 election for Texas House of Representatives, District 121. Thomas ran unopposed in the May 29, 2012, primary election and was defeated by incumbent Joe Straus (R) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[1]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Joe Straus Incumbent |
80.2% | 50,530 | |
| Libertarian | Arthur Thomas IV | 19.8% | 12,444 | |
| Total Votes | 62,974 | |||
2010
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2010
Thomas was defeated by incumbent Jeff Wentworth (R) in the November 2, 2010, general election.[2]
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Arthur Thomas IV did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Arthur Thomas IV did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Arthur Thomas IV completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Thomas 's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Reducing military and global engagements Ending drug war Balance budget
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Voting Reform - ending our antiquated voting systems, gerrymandering, absurd ballot access requirements (Enact Approval Voting) Justice Reform - Our justice system hurts all of us Stop Police Militarization - Police are not military. Citizens are not enemies. End Civil Asset Forfeiture - Due process and innocent until proven guilty are fundamental to a free society Transparent and Open government - make it easier for citizens to learn what is going on Immigration Reform - We have a broken immigration system that hurts people simply seeking what make America great Free Market Healthcare - Remove burdens of government that have been breaking the healthcare market for decades Eminent Domain - stop eminent domain abuse IRS - At the very least make a sensible tax system that isn't such a massive confusing burden for most people Free Trade - goods are better at crossing borders than soldiers
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I like the ideas that came from the age of enlightenment and the founding of our nation. The conversations about freedom. As humans we are all fallible and none of us are perfect. I respect good ideas over following people.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
There are tons of books and videos on the subject of Libertarianism. It is really hard to recommend one. It is much easier to find information on libertarian ideas than vague notions of "conservatism" or "progressivism". Libertarianism is against involuntary collectivism. It is an anti authoritarian viewpoint. I would suggest those wanting to learn more look into the non aggression principles. Basically: don't hurt people and don't take their stuff.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
That they can explain their reasoning and their approach to how to use government. We can all have emotional reactions and feel certain ways about any issue. Being able to make informed and reasoned decisions instead of just having feelings on an issue is important. Our emotions are important and compassion is part of a system that recognizes justice and fairness. We combine that with principles and reason however in order to approach a system of government that is not flippant and arbitrary.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I try to follow my Libertarian principles as best as I am able given the realities of any situation. I recognize that end goal ideas are different from the first step realities it takes to get there. I can work in the situation I am to try to move things in the correct direction as best I can. I also recognize that I and other may not agree, but it does not mean they have malicious intentions. I see no reason to demonize each other.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To advocate and work to achieve what they told voters when they were elected.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I do not do this for myself. I do it to make a pathway for a more free future where we voluntarily work together. If I make progress towards that goal then I will be happy.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. I was around 8 years old. I love science and the ideal of people learning for the sake of learning itself. It was very tragic.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked part time in college for the residential network. I helped with IT.
What happened on your most awkward date?
This is an extremely odd question for a political questionnaire.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Really most of them give people time to spend with friends and loved ones. I think that makes them all nice.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Stop letting politicians have hands on changes to maps. Stick with the general maps produced without absurd tweaking. Making districts as cohesive as possible. Commissions, while never truly non partisan, could be setup. More radically we could move towards a proportional representative system. When used in other countries this opens the doors for more political diversity.
What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The budget originates here. It also uphold the ideal of democratic representative government. Ideally representatives are suppose to be a conduit to government.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
It is beneficial to know how to navigate government although this isn't always possible. In the end we are supposed to have a citizen government and not a political class.
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
To end the bitter two party system that only angers people over time. People seem more divisive every year.
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
I think it is a good term length although I think 2 year political cycles really wears voters out.
What are your thoughts on term limits?
I don't mind them, but I do not think they solve the long term political machine and stagnant politician problems people think they will.
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Davy Crockett ("not yours to give")
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
Nothing specific. In general people angry at government but sadly voting as they always do. Why should politics change if voters refuse to?
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
Footnotes
