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Ernest Lineberger III
Ernest Lineberger III (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 26th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.[source]
Biography
Ernest Lineberger III was born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 1995. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in 1980 and graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1988. His career experience includes working as an engineer.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Texas' 26th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 26
Ernest Lineberger III is running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 26 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Ernest Lineberger III | |
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 26
Incumbent Brandon Gill and Gavin Solomon are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 26 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Brandon Gill | |
| Gavin Solomon | ||
| ||||
| = 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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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2024
See also: Texas' 26th Congressional District election, 2024
Texas' 26th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
Texas' 26th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 26
Brandon Gill defeated Ernest Lineberger III and Phil Gray in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 26 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brandon Gill (R) | 62.1 | 241,096 |
| Ernest Lineberger III (D) | 35.7 | 138,558 | |
 | Phil Gray (L) | 2.3 | 8,773 | |
| Total votes: 388,427 | |||
| = 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 26
Ernest Lineberger III advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 26 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ernest Lineberger III | 100.0 | 18,308 |
| Total votes: 18,308 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Kelvin Leaphart (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 26
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 26 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Brandon Gill | 58.4 | 49,876 |
 | Scott Armey | 14.5 | 12,400 | |
 | John Huffman | 10.0 | 8,559 | |
 | Luisa Del Rosal | 4.6 | 3,949 | |
 | Doug Robison | 3.5 | 2,999 | |
 | Mark Rutledge | 2.5 | 2,130 | |
 | Joel Krause | 2.3 | 1,959 | |
 | Neena Biswas | 1.9 | 1,665 | |
 | Burt Thakur | 1.1 | 975 | |
 | Vlad De Franceschi | 0.7 | 572 | |
 | Jason Kergosien | 0.4 | 366 | |
| Total votes: 85,450 | |||
| = 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 26
Phil Gray advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 26 on March 23, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Phil Gray (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. | ||||
Endorsements
Lineberger received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
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2024
Video for Ballotpedia
| Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released January 1, 2024 |
Ernest Lineberger III completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lineberger's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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BS Aerospace Engineering, MS Engineering Acoustics, MS Systems Technology (Anti-Submarine Warfare) 27 years with Texas Instruments in the manufacturing of semiconductors in Dallas, Texas. Man of faith, family and community. Believes in a loving merciful God who brings us back in to relationship with Him and each other. As brothers and sisters, and neighbors, we are to treat each other with respect and caring. Not a career politician, but stepping up 'To Give You a Better Choice'. We need more statesmen in government. Less Stunts and antics. We need to work toward getting the business of government managed. You know the issues. From agreeing on a budget, to updating the immigration laws, to improving access to affordable health care, Managing the environment, creating economic balance, weapon security, voter equality, and so much more. As a Naval Officer, I have already taken the same oath of office as the congressmen, 'to support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic'. I have done so in the past, and look forward to doing so again in this new role. I am running as a democrat, but also an American. I want to work with all in congress to understand all points of view, find the compromises that move us in the best direction for the people, communities, the nation and the world.
Democracy and Leadership.- In Texas, we are used to not having much choice in the voting booth. I'm running 'To Give You a Better Choice'. I have the Education, Mentality, Discipline, Honor, Sense of purpose and Duty to serve the people of Texas and the nation without gamesmanship and antics. To be businesslike about the business of government. To Support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The opening lines of the constitution say a lot: We the People… in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…This is what I will strive to do in congress.
- My core beliefs include: Love is stronger than hate. All people are created equal even if they are not the same and don’t all have the same advantages. The government has a key role in setting the tone for Americans and the world to follow. Leadership is key. How we behave and what we support is noticed and emulated. Lately, there has been too much trash talk and bad behavior. This is irresponsible for anyone in a leadership role. We need to restore the Better Soul of our country. Not by dictating any rules for religious practice. Not by instilling fear or hate. Quite the opposite. By honoring each person’s rights to make choices, regulating the powerful, providing the safety net we all need in time, being consistent with allies.
- The polarization of Americans is real but entirely unnecessary. Motivations and loyalties can change. I urge voters to reconsider their core beliefs and values. Also take a closer look at which party has done more for jobs, economy, improving the quality of life, access to health care, personal freedoms, etc. vs. which party has been more interested in allowing large corporations and billionaires to write all of their own rules. I personally want a government that works towards economic balance, putting rules in place on the powerful to protect the average American. Most people would, so sometimes the party of big business will emphasize a hot issue (abortion, immigration) to add fear and panic voters to support them. See past that.
Strong and effective military, ready to respond as needed anywhere and anytime.
Strong international alliances to help prevent conflict and add support if it comes.
Reduced cost for higher education. Current cost structure is prohibitive. Student debt is limiting students from achieving their full potential, which is limiting our nation and communities.
Resolving the necessary Immigration reform. Establishing the correct methods and fully funding the courts and border patrol staff to make it happen. Resolving the Limbo status of non-citizens.
Addressing mis-information. There are so many information sources, some with verifiable facts and others with strictly conjecture and opinion. Now, we are learning more about the possibility of AI generated material which looks factual but is not. The people need help to sort through and understand what is real and what is not. This is especially important for voters. We need to help voters understand the truths that matter to their votes.
Climate change is a key issue. People need to know. What are the factors. What helps, what hurts? What are the pros and cons of the methods under consideration? What is the cost? What is the time table? What are the direct impacts of the actions being taken, and if no action is taken?
Perhaps it comes from the question of 'Is there enough to go around?'. If you believe 'No", then you feel there needs to be division between 'haves' and 'have nots'. If you feel that there is enough to go around, then you don't see the need for these divisions.
This is a huge problem. It is natural to have people that disagree. And for people to not get along. However, as a nation, we need to work together for the betterment of our nation. That cannot be done if a significant part of our population is intent on fear, hate and keeping another part of the population in a second class situation.
For me, this would be my first term. My intention is to serve this term to the best of my ability, but not make decisions based on what I think I need to do to get re-elected. Only what is in the best interest of my community, the nation and the world.
Clearly, there are some high personalities who have been in office for a very long time. If you agree with their policies, then you cheer them on as heroes. If you disagree, then you wonder what is going on with their voters and ask questions about term limits.
It was once said that a camel was a horse designed by a committee. This is making light of the seemingly odd features of a camel compared to a horse, but the camel also has some advantages.
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 website
Lineberger’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Healthcare Policy 1. Universal Access: I support expanding access to healthcare coverage while preserving choice. This includes strengthening and building upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure every American can access comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of pre-existing conditions. 2. Lowering Healthcare Costs: I advocate for measures to lower prescription drug costs, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and promoting the use of generic medications. Additionally, we should implement transparency measures to curb surprise medical bills and unnecessary healthcare expenses. 3. Protecting Medicare and Medicaid: I am committed to protecting and improving Medicare and Medicaid, vital programs that provide healthcare coverage to seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. This includes addressing funding gaps and ensuring these programs remain sustainable for future generations. 4. Mental Health and Addiction Services: I support expanding access to mental health services and addiction treatment programs. By integrating mental health into primary care and increasing funding for community-based services, we can address the mental health crisis and combat substance abuse effectively. 5. Promoting Telehealth and Innovation: I propose expanding telehealth services to increase access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Supporting healthcare innovation and technology advancements will improve patient outcomes and enhance efficiency within the healthcare system. 6. Women's Health and Reproductive Rights: I advocate for protecting and expanding access to reproductive healthcare services, including contraception and safe, legal abortion. Women should have autonomy over their healthcare decisions without interference from politicians or special interests. 7. Addressing Healthcare Disparities: I am committed to reducing healthcare disparities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. This includes investing in community health centers and initiatives to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. 8. Long-Term Care and Aging Population: I support policies that address the long-term care needs of our aging population, including expanding access to home and community-based services and supporting family caregivers. By implementing these policies, I aim to build a healthcare system that is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Americans, ensuring that healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Jobs and Economic Growth Policy 1. Investing in Infrastructure: We will prioritize significant investments in infrastructure projects nationwide, creating millions of jobs while modernizing our roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband networks. These investments will improve connectivity and efficiency and stimulate economic activity in local communities. 2. Supporting Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Increasing access to capital and providing targeted tax incentives to help small businesses thrive. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting entrepreneurship can spur innovation and job creation across diverse sectors. 3. Workforce Development and Education: To ensure our workforce remains competitive, I advocate for expanding access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and higher education. By partnering with industries to align training programs with market demands, we can equip workers with the skills needed for 21st-century jobs. 4. Fair Trade Policies: I support agreements that protect American workers and uphold environmental standards. By promoting exports and reducing trade barriers, we can expand market access for American products while safeguarding jobs at home. 5. Tax Reform: I propose tax reforms that promote fairness and support economic growth. This includes closing loopholes that benefit the wealthy and corporations while providing tax relief to working families and small businesses. By simplifying the tax code and ensuring everyone pays their fair share, we can generate revenue for vital public investments. 6. Environmental Sustainability: Transitioning to a clean energy economy is essential for environmental sustainability and economic growth. I support investments in renewable energy sources and technologies that create green jobs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. 7. Supporting Innovation and Research: We must invest in research and development across healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors. We can drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and maintain America's global leadership by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. 8. Worker Protections and Benefits: I am committed to strengthening worker protections, including advocating for a living wage, paid family leave, affordable healthcare, and retirement security. These measures support workers' well-being and enhance productivity and economic stability. Through these policies, I aim to promote inclusive economic growth, support American workers and businesses, and ensure that prosperity is shared equitably across our nation. Education Policy 1. Early Childhood Education: I support expanding access to high-quality early childhood education programs, including universal pre-kindergarten, to ensure all children have a strong foundation for learning. 2. K-12 Education: I advocate for increased funding for public schools, prioritizing resources for schools serving low-income communities. This includes supporting teachers with competitive salaries, professional development, and reducing class sizes to enhance learning environments. 3. Equity and Inclusion: I am committed to addressing educational disparities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. This includes promoting diversity in schools, supporting programs that foster inclusive environments, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities. 4. College Affordability: I support making higher education more affordable and accessible. This includes expanding Pell Grants and federal student loan forgiveness programs and incentivizing states to invest in public universities and community colleges. 5. Vocational and Technical Education: I advocate for expanding vocational and technical education programs that provide students with practical skills and certifications for in-demand jobs. This includes partnerships with businesses and industries to align curriculum with workforce needs. 6. Teacher Support and Recruitment: I propose initiatives to recruit and retain qualified teachers, including student loan forgiveness for educators who commit to teaching in high-need areas and increasing funding for teacher training and mentorship programs. 7. STEM Education: I support promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives to prepare students for careers in the modern economy. This includes expanding access to STEM programs and encouraging partnerships between schools and STEM industries. 8. Safe and Supportive Schools: I advocate for policies that promote safe and inclusive school environments, including addressing bullying and supporting mental health services for students. 9. Higher Education Accountability: I believe in holding colleges and universities accountable for student outcomes and costs. This includes promoting transparency in tuition pricing, improving graduation rates, and ensuring that federal funding supports student success. By implementing these policies, I aim to ensure that every student receives a quality education that prepares them for lifelong success, strengthens our workforce, and promotes economic growth and opportunity for all Americans. Immigration Policy 1. Pathway to Citizenship: I support comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already contributing to our communities and economy. This pathway would include rigorous background checks, English proficiency requirements, and payment of taxes and fines. 2. Border Security: I believe in securing our borders effectively and responsibly, utilizing a combination of technology, infrastructure, and manpower where necessary. Border security measures should be practical and evidence-based, ensuring they enhance national security without unnecessarily infringing on civil liberties. 3. Asylum Reform: I advocate for reforms to the asylum system to ensure fair and efficient processing of asylum claims while maintaining humanitarian protections for those fleeing persecution and violence. This includes addressing backlogs in the asylum process and providing adequate resources to immigration courts. 4. Dreamers and DACA: I strongly support protections for Dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children—who have grown up here and contribute to our society. I endorse legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and support the continuation and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. 5. Family Reunification: I prioritize family reunification as a cornerstone of our immigration policy. This includes reducing visa backlogs and bureaucratic delays that separate families, promoting policies that keep families together, and supporting the integration of immigrants into our communities. 6. Guest Worker Programs: I support expanding and reforming guest worker programs to meet the labor needs of various sectors of the economy, ensuring protections for American workers and guest workers. This includes safeguards against exploitation and providing fair wages and working conditions. 7. Humanitarian Relief: I advocate for compassionate policies that provide humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations, including refugees, trafficking victims, and individuals fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. This includes maintaining and enhancing protections under international law. 8. Integration and Citizenship: I support efforts to facilitate the integration of immigrants into American society, including promoting English language learning, civic education, and access to essential services. I believe in the value of citizenship and support initiatives that encourage eligible immigrants to naturalize. 9. Enforcement: I believe in humanely and effectively enforcing immigration laws, focusing resources on targeting criminals and threats to national security while respecting due process and civil liberties. Immigration enforcement should prioritize public safety and national security without undermining community trust. 10. Bipartisan Cooperation: I am committed to working across party lines to achieve meaningful immigration reform that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants and strengthens our economy and communities. Through these policies, I seek to uphold America's legacy as a land of opportunity and a beacon of hope, while ensuring a fair and orderly immigration system that serves the interests of all Americans. National Security & Veterans Policy 1. Military Readiness and Modernization: Drawing from my over 15 years as an active-duty U.S. Naval officer, I prioritize maintaining a strong and technologically advanced military. This includes investing in modern equipment, training, and personnel to prepare our forces for current and future threats. 2. Veterans' Healthcare and Benefits: Having served alongside our veterans, I understand their sacrifices. I advocate for comprehensive healthcare services, mental health support, and resources to address veterans' homelessness. We must fulfill our commitment to those who served by providing timely and quality care. 3. Defense Budget Oversight: I support a responsible defense budget that eliminates waste while prioritizing the needs of our military and veterans. This includes ensuring funding for critical programs without burdening taxpayers unnecessarily. 4. Counter-terrorism and Homeland Security: I believe in proactive measures to combat terrorism and secure our homeland. This involves robust intelligence gathering, cybersecurity enhancements, and coordinated efforts with international allies to prevent threats before they reach our shores. 5. Support for Military Families: Recognizing the vital role military families play, I advocate for policies that support them, including healthcare access, education opportunities, and employment assistance during and after deployments. 6. Ethics and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and accountability in national security and veterans' affairs is paramount. I will work to ensure transparency in government operations and hold officials accountable for their actions. 7. Diplomacy and Global Engagement: Diplomacy is a cornerstone of national security. I support strengthening alliances and engaging diplomatically to address global challenges such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and emerging security threats. 8. Promoting Veterans in Government: I am committed to increasing the representation of veterans in government roles and supporting initiatives that help veterans transition to civilian life successfully, including education and job training programs. With my background in the U.S. Navy and dedication to serving our country, I am prepared to advocate vigorously for policies that enhance national security, support our veterans, and uphold America's leadership in the world. Together, we can ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Americans Energy & Environment Policy 1. Climate Action and Clean Energy: Addressing climate change is urgent. I support rejoining the Paris Agreement and setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, as well as promoting research and development in clean energy technologies. 2. Transition to a Green Economy: I advocate for policies that transition our economy towards sustainability, creating jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure projects. This transition will not only mitigate climate impacts but also drive innovation and economic growth. 3. Environmental Protection: I am committed to safeguarding our natural resources, including protecting air and water quality, preserving biodiversity, and conserving public lands. This involves supporting regulations that hold polluters accountable while promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and transportation. 4. Energy Independence: I support reducing dependence on foreign oil through strategic investments in domestic energy production, including responsible development of natural gas and clean technologies. This includes advocating for energy policies that prioritize national security and economic stability. 5. Infrastructure Investment: I believe in modernizing our energy infrastructure to improve efficiency, reliability, and resilience against climate impacts. This includes upgrading aging infrastructure, expanding smart grid technologies, and incentivizing energy storage solutions. 6. Environmental Justice: I am committed to addressing environmental inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This includes ensuring equitable access to clean air, clean water, and green spaces, as well as mitigating the impacts of environmental pollution on vulnerable populations. 7. International Leadership: I support diplomatic efforts to collaborate with other nations on global environmental challenges, including deforestation, marine conservation, and combating illegal wildlife trade. It's crucial that we engage in global initiatives to protect our shared planet. 8. Fiscal Responsibility: I advocate for policies that balance environmental protection with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively to achieve environmental goals and spur economic growth. By promoting sustainable practices, investing in clean energy technologies, and protecting our natural resources, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve environmental sustainability while fostering economic prosperity and energy security for all Americans.[2] |
” |
| —Ernest Lineberger III’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
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
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Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on January 2, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ernest Lineberger III’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed October 16, 2024
