Jeffrey McGunegle

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Jeffrey McGunegle

Independent

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Farmington High School

Bachelor's

University of North Carolina, Charlotte, 1995

Other

University of North Carolina, Charlotte, 2005

Personal

Birthplace

Marlette, Mich.

Religion

Unaffiliated

Profession

Life coach

Contact

Personal Facebook

Personal YouTube

Jeffrey McGunegle (independent) ran for election to the Texas House of Representatives to represent District 87. He lost as a write-in in the general election on November 5, 2024.

McGunegle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jeffrey McGunegle was born in Marlette, Michigan. He graduated from Farmington High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1985 and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in 1995. His career experience includes working as a life coach and special education teacher.

Elections

2024

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Texas House of Representatives District 87

Caroline Fairly defeated Timothy Gassaway and Jeffrey McGunegle in the general election for Texas House of Representatives District 87 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Caroline Fairly (R)	79.2	42,317
		Timothy Gassaway (D)	20.7	11,048
		Jeffrey McGunegle (Independent) (Write-in)	0.1	55

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 53,420
= 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 87

Timothy Gassaway advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas House of Representatives District 87 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Timothy Gassaway	100.0	1,426

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,426
= 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 87

Caroline Fairly defeated Cindi Bulla, Richard Beyea, and Jesse Quackenbush in the Republican primary for Texas House of Representatives District 87 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Caroline Fairly	59.9	11,595
	Submit photo	Cindi Bulla	23.4	4,533
	Submit photo	Richard Beyea	9.9	1,915
	Submit photo	Jesse Quackenbush	6.8	1,318

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,361
= 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

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McGunegle in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jeffrey McGunegle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McGunegle's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m semi-retired and have lived in “The Handle” of Texas 5+ years. Father of 2 adults living in The East. Clay has severe Autism. He’s been the catalyst that has made me into the Man I Am today.

4 words that describe me maybe best, are depth, knowledge, wisdom, and InteGREATity. This combination creates a very unique person, one rarely seen in politics today. What’s greatly needed. I was an educator of people with disabilities especially autism for many years. Being a parent and educator, I had the unique opportunity to see things and negotiate from both sides of the fence while on both sides. I’ve been a bridge who ALWAYS seeks a WINWIN synchronized solution, not driven by ideology. I can firmly say “I fully embrace and embody Authenticity. This I’ve found to be rare and thoroughly valuable. Especially today. I can say I’m intellectual but it doesn’t stop there. I’ve run small businesses. I’ve worked white collar. Worked blue collar. I was a member of both the Teamsters and The IAM. If you meet me, you’ll see that I will connect with you as a fellow human, not a group, class or race. I do my best to live, connect as what we are: One Race: The Human Race. My experiences led me to becoming a Life/Consciousness Coach in these later years. I can be the nicest person you’ve met but can also be the most wrathful. It all depends on getting to that WinWin result.

Overcoming a mental health condition and bankruptcy that was the result of it, I am stronger than ever. The Phoenix.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Children/Youth Wellness. Our children today are not being cared for. I’d say they have been forgotten.

  We have the sickest youth in history. Why is this? A Crisis of Care….No doubt. If we truly cared about “The Youth”, we would NOT have chronic diseases that not too long ago did not exist in youth. We would not have a pandemic of Autism, ADD, and many other intellectual disabilities. I was horrified to see the level of anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges a 2nd grader (yes 2nd grader) faces. Unheard of not long ago. Emotionally unavailable parents have led to emotionally unavailable kids who are challenged beyond. The mind is sick. Kids innocence has been “abducted” by corporate America.

  This can and will change.
• Generation Z. The divide between the Baby Boomers and Gen Z is vast. As a Baby Boomer, I can say…”they are different, they are not like us.” The thing is, they are holding the Keys to our future. They have everything it takes to create a great future. The issue is: they do not comply to the Old, outdated, useless, Power Over system. They react to being inspired and empowered. In general, those holding the treasure don’t trust them because they don’t understand them. I’m a Bridge between generations, I understand and am willing to understand both. The issue is Trust. Our future rides on these 2 groups. This divide must be bridged. The Boomers have the $$$ and GenZ has the consciousness. There is hope.
• One could say I am a Revolutionary and the Revolution is Health/Wellness. All efforts must be put forward to return to Health. Physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and energetically…as a whole…we are at a “crisis” point. Part of the Crisis of Care. Everything we can imagine is available to us to become the Healthiest people EVER. It will take Courage. The Courage to Care about “ALL.”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education especially Vouchers. I am all about Public Education Reform. The students of today are different. They are more entrepreneurial vs the traditional student who sat patiently in rows being controlled/taught by an Authority figure. More individualized instruction where students have the means to thrive using their gifted talents (we all have gifts).

Texas has funded schools horribly over the years (what has the State expected…miracles). Let’s try that first. Vouchers to me have a hidden agenda and there’s a reason it’s hidden.

The last Texan to make his mark in public education was George W Bush. No Child Left Behind killed public Ed in the nation…ask great teachers. Let’s fund all schools and innovate to a Level of Excellence.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Those I look up to are typically what are deemed as Spiritual Masters. Those who have worked so hard to reach a way of being that aligns them with who they truly are. A most difficult life that is lived for what I call “The ALL” ...The Supreme Greater Good.

In politics, RFK Jr stands out. He’s authentic and doesn’t seem to have the hidden agendas like the others (it appears). I see him as someone in politics but not a politician…Like Myself.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend listening to pretty much anything and everything that Robert F Kennedy Jr has to say. It’s eerie how much we think alike.

Book: “On Having No Head” by Douglas E Harding

I highly recommend Larry Jordan’s book “The Way”…especially for the Panhandle.

Movie: Field of Dreams

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty. Integrity. Totally committed to the Greater Good. Independent of Party or Group. With this 2 party system, the needs of “The ALL” of community is compromised by ideology. Power and Money dominate and it’s a “parasitic” system which serves the few.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Depth, Knowledge, Integrity and Wisdom and a deep desire to do what I can to relieve suffering. . I see and know every person is completely Excellent, Completely Intelligent, and Completely Capable of being fully responsible for their lives. Oh yeah, perseverance to get to the WinWin. I rarely ever give up…why would I?

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Allowing and empowering people to create a vision for their communities. Getting to the heart of things and finding out what they really really really need to create their community of vision. Then, and only then can I go to Austin to do my very best for the communities.
My job also, empower people from “The Handle” to bring their voices to Austin…and Be Heard.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I don’t necessarily believe in legacies. If any, Reached an Enlightened Life state and used that Life for the Betterment of The ALL.
The greatest legacy in my mind is“to leave no legacy.” Vanity and Pride tend to accompany “legacies.”

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

4th Grade. I was part of the first major bussing/desegregation of schools in the North, Pontiac MI. I was on Walter Cronkite’s program getting off the bus in the 1st day.

K-3 kids stayed at our neighborhood school, 4-6 went across town. Kids seemed to do fine. Looking back through news on the Internet, I found it was an intense time initially. The KKK burned 10 busses the day before our first day. Check it out, definitely historical.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My father was a physician growing up. I got a job picking up and delivering pathology samples for the Hospital’s Lab. 2 years part-time.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Probably the ancient Taoist text “The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu” Timeless, Eastern spiritual Wisdom Classic which is timeless. It’s more applicable to our current times than any spiritual text I believe.

(I’m reading a current translation “The Tao of The Final Days” by Shunyamurti. Fascinating.

2nd: Larry Jordan’s “The Way.” All Texans need to read it…especially the Christians.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

There’s many…but Bat Man (The Dark Knight).

I have my own fictional character..his name is GunEagle (like Jeff McGunEagle) I’ll be him.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Cinderella Man by Rush. I believe it was written about me. Lol

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Communicating clearly to people exactly what I’m trying to say. I’m an “expansive” individual who is often misunderstood.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I will have to do further thinking and research on this. I do feel as though the way things are set up, especially with corporate/big donors monies influencing the outcomes…we’re losing our Republic.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I perceive Texas’s greatest challenge over the next decade is “Wellness” on all levels. Greed, corruption, Envy come out of a lack of wellness (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically). When whole..well…greed and envy diminish significantly. If we are not well….all escalates. We are seeing this Now. When I speak of a lack of wellness, what Do I mean? Our food, air, soil, and water are polluted. What is being put into our minds is polluted. What we exchange emotionally is polluted. Many religious institutions are polluted. Drugs are a huge pollutant…both legal and illegal. The pollutants are vast and deep. Psychological pollution (marketing for example) is covert and affects us at a very very deep level without our knowing.

WE NEED a Revolution of WELLNESS.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I would say it’s always beneficial to some degree. For myself, I bring in a fresh, needed view untainted by “that’s the way we do things, we’ve always done it this way, and will always do it this way.” That’s the limited thinking that’s put us in these “dire straits.”

The brain (I’ve got a lot of experience in understanding the brain) doesn’t stop its major development until the age of 26/27. I don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to be in the legislature until the brains matured.

I’d also say, it depends who your experience is with. Politicians are not highly regarded for their Integrity in General.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I believe so, but I have to ask “what is the intention?”How mature are the legislators your building relationships with. It’s a complicated mess and much of that mess is due to a lack of maturity and wellness.

Great question to further explore. Knowing what I do about the brain, most politicians/legislators use mostly the left hemisphere of the brain. That means they miss half the picture. I’m whole-brained and see views and have understanding others just can’t see.

Our understanding of the brain really needs to be central to how we view, interact, and make decisions. Especially in public policy. When one’s limited to one hemisphere “you just don’t know what you don’t know”…and that’s dangerous.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Lincoln. John F Kennedy. Robert Kennedy.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Absolutely. Governor, President are in my sites. Mayor of Amarillo (AMAREEYO).

Both sitting legislators 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?

I listen to a lot of people and maybe the most I listened to are youth k-College. When I subbed or during the 5 months I spent in a school here, that’s when I “listened” the most. Too many kids that are different than the mainstream kids. Different views of life, different understanding and just different in being in the world. Because of their unique way of being, it’s very difficult if not impossible for them conform. Instead of looking at their extraordinary strengths, they are labeled as bad, malcontent, stupid, never amount to anything, he will end up in jail…etc. In this power-Over Punishment, fear-based Culture…these kids are disempowered…little chance. I’ve met many teens, adults struggling with drugs, homelessness, mental health and just plain life. Most of those I’ve talked to was that kid I described above. I would see these young kids with no one to really understand them and truly support them…empower them. I’d see their lives ahead….it brings rage from my heart. Why? because it just doesn’t have to be this way. My wish for The 21st Century…Be Rid of this Power-Over Fear based structure. We are all in this together. We are here to inspire and be inspired… not hoard power.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Classic knock knock.

Who’s there?
Boo

Boo Hoo

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I’ll have to answer at another time.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Part of a “Revolution of Wellness” is “efficiency” and “alignment.” In “The Handle”……the Wellness of AMA-REE-YO/Amarillo is of great significance. I’ve been looking at the inefficiencies (and it’s not a “well” city) and what stands out hugely is that a city of 203,000 is not just divided into 2 counties, it’s divided into two districts. One City/One County. Redrawing lines has to happen. Would that be easy….No Way. In 2080, would it be said “glad we did this in 2025/6!”

The inefficiency of 2 Districts ( driven by 2 counties) is mind boggling to me. So, as being District 87, do I only speak for Potter Cty. Hmmm.
The 21st Century is demanding efficiency and alignment (WINWIN). If it doesn’t happen, the region is in an existential crisis.

ps. The other part of this would be correcting the pronunciation of the Cities name to the correct Spanish Pronunciation “AMA-REE-YO.” That’s alignment.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None. I don’t seek endorsements. I saw first hand in the primary that endorsements can be bought. I think it’s bogus, outdated and just plain “unfair.” 20th Century Stuff.

What committees interest you?

Education. Need people that have been in the teaching trenches. We are complete fools to let people that have not been in classrooms to determine what goes on in education.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Complete financial transparency and government accountability. I believe when the human being truly knows who they are, this will come quite easy. It’s our true nature to be fair.

Currently, it’s impossible and most likely rare to have a high level of transparency and accountability in politics. Look at the Health of the citizens. Legislators are in the same sick boat. Sick people make poor choices.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I don’t know.

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Footnotes

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Current members of the Texas House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Dustin Burrows

Representatives

District 1

Gary VanDeaver (R)

District 2

Brent Money (R)

District 3

Cecil Bell (R)

District 4

Keith Bell (R)

District 5

Cole Hefner (R)

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Daniel Alders (R)

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Jay Dean (R)

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Cody Harris (R)

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Trent Ashby (R)

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Brian Harrison (R)

District 11

Joanne Shofner (R)

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Trey Wharton (R)

District 13

Angelia Orr (R)

District 14

Paul Dyson (R)

District 15

Steve Toth (R)

District 16

Will Metcalf (R)

District 17

Stan Gerdes (R)

District 18

Janis Holt (R)

District 19

Ellen Troxclair (R)

District 20

Terry Wilson (R)

District 21

Dade Phelan (R)

District 22

Christian Manuel (D)

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Terri Leo-Wilson (R)

District 24

Greg Bonnen (R)

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Cody Vasut (R)

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Matt Morgan (R)

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Ron Reynolds (D)

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Gary Gates (R)

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Jeffrey Barry (R)

District 30

A.J. Louderback (R)

District 31

Ryan Guillen (R)

District 32

Todd Hunter (R)

District 33

Katrina Pierson (R)

District 34

Denise Villalobos (R)

District 35

Oscar Longoria (D)

District 36

Sergio Munoz (D)

District 37

Janie Lopez (R)

District 38

Erin Gamez (D)

District 39

Armando Martinez (D)

District 40

Terry Canales (D)

District 41

Robert Guerra (D)

District 42

Richard Raymond (D)

District 43

J.M. Lozano (R)

District 44

Alan Schoolcraft (R)

District 45

Erin Zwiener (D)

District 46

Sheryl Cole (D)

District 47

Vikki Goodwin (D)

District 48

Donna Howard (D)

District 49

Gina Hinojosa (D)

District 50

James Talarico (D)

District 51

Maria Luisa Flores (D)

District 52

Caroline Harris (R)

District 53

Wesley Virdell (R)

District 54

Brad Buckley (R)

District 55

Hillary Hickland (R)

District 56

Pat Curry (R)

District 57

Richard Hayes (R)

District 58

Helen Kerwin (R)

District 59

Shelby Slawson (R)

District 60

Mike Olcott (R)

District 61

Keresa Richardson (R)

District 62

Shelley Luther (R)

District 63

Ben Bumgarner (R)

District 64

Andy Hopper (R)

District 65

Mitch Little (R)

District 66

Matt Shaheen (R)

District 67

Jeff Leach (R)

District 68

David Spiller (R)

District 69

James Frank (R)

District 70

Mihaela Plesa (D)

District 71

Stan Lambert (R)

District 72

Drew Darby (R)

District 73

Carrie Isaac (R)

District 74

Eddie Morales (D)

District 75

Mary Gonzalez (D)

District 76

Suleman Lalani (D)

District 77

Vincent Perez (D)

District 78

Joseph Moody (D)

District 79

Claudia Ordaz (D)

District 80

Don McLaughlin (R)

District 81

Brooks Landgraf (R)

District 82

Tom Craddick (R)

District 83

Dustin Burrows (R)

District 84

Carl Tepper (R)

District 85

Stan Kitzman (R)

District 86

John Smithee (R)

District 87

Caroline Fairly (R)

District 88

Ken King (R)

District 89

Candy Noble (R)

District 90

Ramon Romero (D)

District 91

David Lowe (R)

District 92

Salman Bhojani (D)

District 93

Nate Schatzline (R)

District 94

Tony Tinderholt (R)

District 95

Nicole Collier (D)

District 96

David Cook (R)

District 97

John McQueeney (R)

District 98

Giovanni Capriglione (R)

District 99

Charlie Geren (R)

District 100

Venton Jones (D)

District 101

Chris Turner (D)

District 102

Ana-Maria Ramos (D)

District 103

Rafael Anchia (D)

District 104

Jessica Gonzalez (D)

District 105

Terry Meza (D)

District 106

Jared Patterson (R)

District 107

Linda Garcia (D)

District 108

Morgan Meyer (R)

District 109

Aicha Davis (D)

District 110

Toni Rose (D)

District 111

Yvonne Davis (D)

District 112

Angie Button (R)

District 113

Rhetta Bowers (D)

District 114

John Bryant (D)

District 115

Cassandra Garcia Hernandez (D)

District 116

Trey Fischer (D)

District 117

Philip Cortez (D)

District 118

John Lujan (R)

District 119

Elizabeth Campos (D)

District 120

Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D)

District 121

Marc LaHood (R)

District 122

Mark Dorazio (R)

District 123

Diego Bernal (D)

District 124

Josey Garcia (D)

District 125

Ray Lopez (D)

District 126

Sam Harless (R)

District 127

Charles Cunningham (R)

District 128

Briscoe Cain (R)

District 129

Dennis Paul (R)

District 130

Tom Oliverson (R)

District 131

Alma Allen (D)

District 132

Mike Schofield (R)

District 133

Mano Deayala (R)

District 134

Ann Johnson (D)

District 135

Jon Rosenthal (D)

District 136

John Bucy (D)

District 137

Gene Wu (D)

District 138

Lacey Hull (R)

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Charlene Ward Johnson (D)

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Armando Walle (D)

District 141

Senfronia Thompson (D)

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Harold Dutton (D)

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Ana Hernandez (D)

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Mary Perez (D)

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Christina Morales (D)

District 146

Lauren Simmons (D)

District 147

Jolanda Jones (D)

District 148

Penny Shaw (D)

District 149

Hubert Vo (D)

District 150

Valoree Swanson (R)

Republican Party (88)

Democratic Party (62)