Edgardo Baez
Edgardo Baez (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 20th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.[source]
Baez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Edgardo Baez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 2002. Baez earned a high school diploma from Julio Alvarado High School, a bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist University in 2002, a law degree from Texas Southern University in 2004, and a Ph.D. from Liberty University in 2023. His career experience includes working as a attorney, business owner, nurse, and EMTI. As of 2025, Baez was affiliated with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.
General election for U.S. House Texas District 20
Anthony Tristan is running in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Anthony Tristan (Independent) | |
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20
Incumbent Joaquin Castro and Kendra Wilkerson are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Joaquin Castro | |
 | Kendra Wilkerson | |
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| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20
Edgardo Baez is running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Edgardo Baez | |
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| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released July 1, 2025 |
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Edgardo Baez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Baez's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My military background taught me the value of discipline and leadership, while my time in the medical field showed me the importance of compassion and care in every aspect of life. As a legal professional, I've dedicated myself to upholding justice and serving my community with integrity.
In my books, I aim to inspire others by weaving together stories from my career and personal journey, offering perspectives on resilience, faith, and the pursuit of one's calling. Each chapter delves into lessons learned, whether on the battlefield, in a courtroom, or within the walls of my own home.
Alongside my professional life, my faith and family remain my pillars. Being a husband, father, and grandfather enriches my life immeasurably and provides unwavering support and motivation in everything I do. It's a blessing to watch my family grow and to witness the values I've cherished being passed on to the next generations.- Proven Dedication: With over 30 years of public service spanning military, medical, and legal fields, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to serving and improving our community. My extensive experience equips me with the leadership and compassion needed to address the challenges we face.
- Family and Values-Oriented: As a Christian, husband, father, and grandfather, I am deeply rooted in family values. I believe in promoting policies that foster strong communities and support families, ensuring a brighter future for all generations.
- Passionate Advocate: My love for our country fuels my dedication to our people. As your candidate, I am committed to advocating for our rights, preserving our culture, and driving positive change to benefit every resident of the 20th Congressional District of Texas.
Drawing from my experience in the medical field, I prioritize improving healthcare access and quality. I support policies that make healthcare competitive and accessible, ensuring that everyone receives the care they need.
As a legal professional, I am committed to upholding justice and expanding legal rights. I advocate for fair legal processes and reforms to address systemic deficiencies.
Essay: "Reflections on the Revolution in France" by Edmund Burke provides a foundation for understanding conservative skepticism of radical change.
Next: Empathy. Understanding and valuing diverse perspectives help in addressing the needs and concerns of all constituents. Empathy fosters trust and meaningful connections with the community.
Equally important: Leadership. Effective leaders inspire and mobilize others toward common goals. They possess the courage to make tough decisions and remain committed to their vision.
Next: Accountability. Taking responsibility for actions and decisions is crucial. Elected officials must be willing to own their successes and failures, adapting as needed.
Equally important: Communication. Clear and open communication is vital for building trust and conveying ideas. Effective communicators listen actively and ensure constituents are informed and involved.
An imperative: Commitment to Public Service. A genuine dedication to serving the public interest over personal gain is essential for making decisions that benefit the community.
Elected officials should possess foresight and the ability to plan for the long-term health and prosperity of their communities, adapting to changes and challenges. The ability to withstand pressures, challenges, and setbacks while staying focused on objectives is crucial in a dynamic political environment.
An effective officeholder communicates clearly with constituents, fellow lawmakers, and the media. This helps in articulating their vision, policies, and responding to concerns.
A genuine desire to serve and improve the community is essential. This commitment drives an officeholder to work tirelessly for their constituents.
The ability to analyze complex issues, think critically, and develop practical solutions is crucial in addressing legislative challenges.
Understanding the diverse needs of constituents is key. Active listening and empathy help in addressing their concerns effectively.
Working well with others, including those across the aisle, is important for building coalitions and passing legislation.
Dedication and perseverance are necessary to navigate the often demanding workload and long hours of a congressional office.
Having a clear vision for the future and the ability to inspire others to work towards common goals is vital for effective governance.
Politics can be unpredictable. Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and recover from setbacks is important for continued success.
Prioritizing the needs and voices of the community ensures that actions taken in office reflect the will and welfare of those represented.
Acting on behalf of their constituents, members of Congress advocate for the interests and concerns of the people from their district or state. They listen to their constituents to reflect their preferences in decision-making.
Congress holds the "power of the purse," meaning they are responsible for creating and approving the federal budget. This includes allocating funds to various government agencies, programs, and initiatives.
Overseeing the executive branch's implementation of laws. Congress checks on executive agencies and departments, ensuring laws are correctly and fairly enforced.
Particularly for the Senate, this involves approving presidential appointments (e.g., judges, cabinet members) and ratifying treaties. The Senate holds hearings to review and confirm appointees and ensure treaties serve national interests.
Addressing specific needs and concerns of individual constituents, such as helping navigate federal programs or cutting through bureaucratic red tape. Members often have dedicated staff to assist with these matters.
The House has the authority to impeach federal officials, including the President, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." If this occurs, the Senate conducts the trial to determine the official's removal.
Proposing constitutional amendments, although this is less common and requires a two-thirds majority in both houses before going to the states for ratification.
The House's representation is based on population, with larger states having more representatives. This ensures that the interests of heavily populated areas are adequately represented.
Representatives serve two-year terms, which injects a sense of urgency and responsiveness to the constituents' needs. This frequent election cycle holds members accountable and keeps the House closely aligned with public opinion.
The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue-raising bills, such as taxation legislation. This power underscores its role as the chamber most directly accountable to the electorate, given its shorter terms and broader representation.
The House has the authority to impeach federal officials, including the President. Impeachment is the first step in a two-part process (the Senate conducts the trial and votes on conviction) to remove an official from office for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
The House has stricter rules and procedures for debate compared to the Senate, where individual senators have more leeway. This structure is necessary due to the House's larger size, enabling it to function efficiently.
Given its size and the frequency of elections, the House often exhibits strong partisanship, reflecting the changing political sentiments across the country. This dynamic can lead to vibrant debates and rapid swings in political control.
Seasoned politicians might be viewed as part of the "establishment" or status quo, which might not resonate with voters seeking change. Those with experience might sometimes become complacent or overconfident, potentially leading to missed opportunities for growth or advancement in their role.
Fresh faces without prior governmental experience can bring innovative ideas, enthusiasm, and perspectives that might be lacking in seasoned politicians. They may better represent constituents desiring new directions or change.
Rapid advances in technology present both opportunities and challenges. The U.S. must address issues like data privacy, cybersecurity, the ethical use of AI, and the impact of automation on jobs.
Maintaining a stable role on the global stage amidst rising powers like China and geopolitical tensions requires smart diplomacy and strategic partnerships. This involves addressing trade, military alliances, and human rights concerns.
This term length allows for more frequent turnover, reflecting shifts in public opinion and ensuring that the House remains a dynamic body that can adapt to changing political landscapes.
By limiting the time officials can serve, the incentive for entrenchment and corruption may be reduced. Politicians might be less likely to focus on self-preservation and more on serving the public interest during their tenure.
Term limits can increase accountability by creating a sense of urgency for elected officials to fulfill their campaign promises and make significant progress within a finite time. This can align well with conservative views on responsible governance.
With term limits, the development of a class of entrenched political elites may be less likely. This could help ensure that elected offices are more accessible to a broader range of candidates, promoting a government that better reflects the diversity of its constituents.
One day, at the local community center, Maria learned about a program offering free coding classes funded by a community grant. Intrigued yet apprehensive, she decided to sign up. Maria had always been a quick learner, but technology seemed daunting. She attended classes after her shifts, tired but resolute, driven by the hope of forging a new path.
The community center quickly became a second home for Maria. The mentors there not only taught her to code but also inspired confidence in her abilities. They encouraged Maria and her peers to collaborate on small projects to apply their learning. Her children sometimes accompanied her to the center, and seeing their mother’s dedication left a powerful impression on them.
As months passed, Maria not only completed the program but excelled at it. The center helped secure her an internship at a local tech company. Maria’s hard work and perseverance soon led to a full-time position. This new job brought not only financial stability but also the fulfillment of achieving something she once thought impossible.
Compromise allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives, which is essential in a democratic society where varied interests and opinions coexist. By negotiating and finding middle ground, policymakers can craft legislation that resonates with a broader segment of the population.
Policies formed through compromise are often more stable because they have broader support. This broad consensus can lead to lasting solutions that are less likely to be overturned with changes in administration or legislative majority.
As a House member, I have the responsibility and privilege of directly influencing tax policies and federal budget decisions. This allows me to ensure that your constituents' needs and priorities are reflected in national fiscal policy. My focus can be on creating equitable and sustainable fiscal policies that benefit my district, particularly in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
With the power to propose revenue bills, I can prioritize economic initiatives that foster growth and create jobs within your district. I might focus on tax incentives for small businesses, investments in local industries, or funding for technological advancement and training programs.
Holding this power means I can advocate for responsible budgeting and spending. I have the opportunity to scrutinize and guide proposals to ensure they align with long-term economic stability. I could prioritize transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and spent, promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Investigations can provide valuable insights into existing laws and policies, revealing gaps or inefficiencies. This understanding enables lawmakers to propose tweaks or reforms to improve legislation, aligning it more closely with public needs and priorities.
Investigations should be conducted impartially, focusing on facts and evidence rather than political gain. A non-partisan approach helps maintain the integrity of investigations and ensures that they serve the public interest rather than partisan agendas.
While the House has its own investigative authority, it should collaborate with other branches of government, as appropriate, to enhance the effectiveness of its investigations. This collaboration can lead to more comprehensive findings and solutions.
I advocate for a smaller, less intrusive government. Financial transparency aligns with this view by serving as a tool to limit government overreach and ensure that public funds are not used to expand government unnecessarily.
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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 22, 2025
