John Biggan

John Biggan is a member of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District in Texas, representing Place 2. He assumed office on May 19, 2025. His current term ends in 2029.

Biggan ran for election to the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District to represent Place 2 in Texas. He won in the general election on May 3, 2025.

Biggan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

John Biggan was born in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Frankling High School. He earned a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2024. Biggan’s career experience includes working as a neuroscientist, an educator, and an author. He is an eagle scout with the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Mid-Cities Pacesetters Rotary. ^[1]^[2]

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, Place 2

John Biggan defeated Jay Fitch in the general election for Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, Place 2 on May 3, 2025.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Biggan (Nonpartisan)	53.1	3,663
	Jay Fitch (Nonpartisan)	46.9	3,240

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,903
= 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

Biggan received the following endorsements.

2020

Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Beth Van Duyne defeated Candace Valenzuela, Darren Hamilton, Steve Kuzmich, and Mark Bauer in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Beth Van Duyne (R)	48.8	167,910
	Candace Valenzuela (D)	47.5	163,326
	Darren Hamilton (L)	1.6	5,647
	Steve Kuzmich (Independent)	1.2	4,229
	Mark Bauer (Independent)	0.8	2,909

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 344,021
= 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.

Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24

Candace Valenzuela defeated Kim Olson in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24 on July 14, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Candace Valenzuela	60.4	20,003
	Kim Olson	39.6	13,131

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 33,134
= 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 24

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kim Olson	41.0	24,442
✔		Candace Valenzuela	30.4	18,078
		Jan McDowell	10.0	5,965
	Submit photo	Crystal Fletcher (Unofficially withdrew)	5.7	3,386
		Richard Fleming	5.1	3,010
		Sam Vega	4.5	2,677
		John Biggan	3.4	1,996

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 59,554
= 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

William Carl Fisher (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Beth Van Duyne defeated David Fegan, Desi Maes, Sunny Chaparala, and Jeron Liverman in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Beth Van Duyne	64.3	32,067
	David Fegan	20.7	10,295
	Desi Maes	5.8	2,867
	Sunny Chaparala	5.6	2,808
	Jeron Liverman	3.6	1,809

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 49,846
= 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

Deanna Maria Metzger (R)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24

Darren Hamilton advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Darren Hamilton (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= 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.

2018

See also: Texas' 24th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Kenny Marchant defeated Jan McDowell and Mike Kolls in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 24 on November 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Kenny Marchant (R)	50.6	133,317
	Jan McDowell (D)	47.5	125,231
	Mike Kolls (L)	1.8	4,870

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 263,418
= 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 24

Jan McDowell defeated John Biggan, Edward Allen, and Joshua Andrew Imhoff in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jan McDowell	52.5	14,551
		John Biggan	21.5	5,970
	Submit photo	Edward Allen	20.0	5,556
		Joshua Andrew Imhoff	6.0	1,663

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,740
= 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 U.S. House Texas District 24

Incumbent Kenny Marchant defeated Johnathan Davidson in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24 on March 6, 2018.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Kenny Marchant	74.4	30,310
	Johnathan Davidson	25.6	10,425

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 40,735
= 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 themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

John Biggan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Biggan'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 John Biggan—a 20-year HEB ISD resident, a husband to a dedicated HEB teacher, and someone who’s spent my career working to improve the lives of children and families. I have a PhD in Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience and a Master’s in Data Science, and I’ve worked in education, research, and child welfare for nearly two decades.

Right now, I serve as a data scientist at a nonprofit that supports kids in foster care, using data to improve outcomes and inform policy at the state level. I’ve also taught at the college level, volunteered in our local schools, and served on several HEB ISD committees and boards.

I’m running for school board because I believe in public education, I believe in this community, and I want to use my skills to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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?

Students First, Always I’m committed to supporting every student in HEB ISD with safe campuses, strong academics, and opportunities in arts, athletics, and career pathways—because every child deserves a chance to thrive.
Smart, Responsible Leadership With a background in data science and nearly 20 years of experience in education and child welfare, I’ll use data-driven decision-making and fiscal transparency to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
Defending Public Education I’ll advocate for increased state and federal funding for our schools and stand strong against private school vouchers that drain resources from public classrooms. Public education should be strengthened—not undermined.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about public policies that support children, families, and strong public schools. That includes fully funding education, expanding access to mental health services, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed—no matter their background. I believe in using data to make smart, informed decisions and hold systems accountable. I’m also committed to protecting public education by fighting against voucher schemes that divert funding from our schools. Strong communities start with strong public schools, and I’m focused on policies that make that a reality.

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

I’d recommend Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership means standing up for what’s right—even when it’s unpopular or politically risky. The book highlights elected officials who made difficult decisions guided by principle, not pressure. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in: thoughtful, values-driven, and focused on the greater good. As a school board member, I’ll bring that same mindset—putting students and community first, even when the choices are tough.

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

I believe the most important qualities for an elected official are integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to public service. An effective leader should listen first, make thoughtful, informed decisions, and always act in the best interest of the people they serve. For a school board member, that means putting students first, respecting the voices of educators and families, and being a responsible steward of public resources. It also means standing up for what's right—even when it's not easy—and staying focused on building a better future for every child in our community.

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

The core responsibilities of a school board trustee are to set the vision and goals for the district, ensure financial responsibility, support student success, and hold the superintendent accountable for results. Trustees should also serve as a bridge between the schools and the community—listening to families, advocating for teachers and students, and making decisions that reflect both data and values. At the heart of it, the role is about making sure every child has access to a high-quality, well-rounded public education.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. I read it when I was 10 years old, and it completely sparked my interest in science. It blended imagination with real scientific ideas in a way that made me curious about how the world works—and how science can shape the future. That early spark eventually led me to pursue a career in neuroscience, data science, and research. It’s a great reminder of how powerful a book—or a great teacher—can be in inspiring a lifelong passion.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to ensure that every student in the district has access to a high-quality, safe, and equitable education. That means setting a strong vision for the district, supporting educators, making data-informed decisions, and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. It also means listening to the community, staying grounded in the needs of students and families, and holding the district leadership accountable to the goals we set together.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are the students, families, educators, staff, and taxpayers of the HEB ISD community. While students are at the heart of every decision I’ll make, I also recognize that strong schools depend on strong partnerships with parents, teachers, and the broader community. I’m here to represent everyone who cares about the success of our public schools and the future of our neighborhoods.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting the diverse needs of our students, faculty, staff, and community starts with listening. I believe in creating inclusive spaces where all voices are heard and respected. That means supporting culturally responsive teaching, addressing opportunity gaps, and ensuring every student—regardless of background, ability, or circumstance—has access to the resources they need to succeed.

For faculty and staff, that means fair compensation, professional development, and a work environment where they feel valued and supported. For the broader community, it means transparency, open communication, and policies that reflect the shared values and unique needs of the people we serve.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building relationships with the broader community isn’t something I’ll start if elected—it’s something I’ve already been doing for years. That’s why I’m proud to be endorsed by more than a dozen local elected officials who’ve seen my commitment firsthand.

I’ve worked closely with parent groups, educators, civic organizations, and local leaders through my service on the HEB ISD Education Foundation Board, the Facilities and Planning Task Force, and as a frequent volunteer and guest speaker in our schools. I’ll continue engaging with PTAs, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations to make sure every corner of our community has a voice in shaping the future of HEB ISD.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Good teaching is about more than just delivering content—it’s about building relationships, inspiring curiosity, and adapting instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Great teachers create inclusive, engaging classrooms where all students feel seen, challenged, and supported.

In HEB ISD, we’re fortunate to have incredible teachers, curriculum developers, and support staff who not only model these practices but also help evaluate and refine them. They play a key role in identifying what works and ensuring our instructional strategies stay innovative and effective.

To support advanced teaching approaches, I’ll advocate for continued professional development, opportunities for collaboration, and the resources educators need to try new methods—whether it’s project-based learning, technology integration, or differentiated instruction. Measuring good teaching isn’t just about test scores—it’s about student growth, engagement, and long-term success. We can’t ask teachers to innovate without supporting them—and I’ll work to make sure we do both.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I’d love to see our curriculum expand in ways that give students more real-world skills and flexible pathways to success. One area with huge potential is advanced technical training and apprenticeships, especially through partnerships with local businesses and industries. The Buinger Career & Technical Education Academy is an incredible resource, and I’d like to explore ways we can deepen its impact by connecting students with hands-on, paid apprenticeship opportunities in fields like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and beyond.

I’m also excited about expanding programs like the new collegiate academy and JROTC, and I’d support innovative offerings in areas like coding, AI, entrepreneurship, and dual-language immersion. The goal is to give every student—not just college-bound ones—access to opportunities that match their interests, talents, and future goals. If we can make school both relevant and inspiring, we’re setting kids up for lifelong success.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

To ensure our schools are properly funded, I’ll advocate at every level—local, state, and federal—for the resources our students and educators deserve. That includes pushing for increased public education funding from the state, fighting back against private school voucher schemes that divert taxpayer dollars, and supporting policies that prioritize public schools as the foundation of our communities.

At the local level, I’ll work to ensure every dollar is used wisely through transparent budgeting and data-informed decision-making. I’ll also support grant-writing efforts, partnerships with local businesses, and other creative funding opportunities—especially for programs at places like Buinger CTE Academy, where we can align student learning with workforce needs.

Proper funding isn’t just about dollars—it’s about equity, opportunity, and giving every student the tools to succeed. I’ll work hard to make sure HEB ISD gets what it needs to keep doing the exceptional work it’s known for.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

School safety starts with the principle that every student and staff member deserves to feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. That means both physical safety—like secure buildings and updated infrastructure—and emotional safety, including strong mental health support and positive school culture.

A major part of the 2023 bond will help us achieve that by rebuilding both of our high schools and four elementary schools with modern designs that prioritize student safety. This includes improved entryways, updated facilities, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.

I also believe in proactive communication, strong partnerships with local law enforcement, and ongoing training for staff. Safety isn’t just about reacting to threats—it’s about building an environment where students can focus on learning because they know they’re protected and cared for.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Supporting the mental health of students, faculty, and staff is essential to creating a safe and successful learning environment. I’m proud that HEB ISD is already taking steps in this area, including piloting a new program that teaches students coping skills to help them better manage emotions and behavior. Programs like this are exactly the kind of proactive, skills-based approaches we need to expand.

I also support increasing access to on-campus counselors, mental health professionals, and training for staff to recognize and respond to emotional needs. For faculty and staff, we must prioritize work-life balance, access to mental health resources, and a supportive culture that acknowledges the challenges they face.

Mental wellness is foundational to academic success—and I’ll advocate for policies and programs that care for the whole person, not just the test score.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

HEB ISD is a strong, well-run district, and I don’t believe we need major changes to the core policies that are already serving our students well. In fact, one of the reasons I’m running is to help protect and build on that success.

That said, there’s always room to grow. I’d support policies that expand access to mental health resources, increase career and technical education opportunities, and strengthen community partnerships—especially for apprenticeships and real-world learning experiences. I’d also advocate for continued transparency in budgeting and communication, and for data-informed strategies that help us fine-tune what’s already working.

My approach isn’t about sweeping change—it’s about thoughtful stewardship and continuous improvement.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

HEB ISD Trustee Dawn Jordan-Wells

HEB ISD Trustee Fred Campos
Former HEB ISD Trustee Ellen Jones
Mayor Dan Cogan of Bedford
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Rob Gagliardi of Bedford
Councilmember Joy Donovan Brandon of Bedford
Mayor Pro Tem Tika Paudel of Euless
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Junior Ezeonu of Grand Prairie
Former Wetherford ISD Trustee Col (ret) Kim Olson
Councilmember Brandon Chase McGee of Denton
Councilmember Dr. Brian Beck of Denton
Former Councilmember Adam Polter of Carrollton

314 Action

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment is one where every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and inspired. It’s a place where students are encouraged to think critically, explore creatively, and grow both academically and emotionally. That includes small class sizes, access to mental health resources, and strong support for students with diverse needs.

It also means providing a wide range of opportunities that help students discover their path—whether that’s in academics, the arts, athletics, career and technical education, military service, or college readiness. I’m proud that HEB ISD is adding a JROTC program, giving students valuable leadership and career-building experience, as well as launching a new collegiate academy where students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. These programs reflect what an ideal learning environment should do: meet students where they are and help them go wherever they want to go.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, and I believe HEB ISD did an admirable job navigating an incredibly difficult situation. The district worked hard to balance health and safety with the need to keep students learning—adapting quickly to remote instruction, distributing technology, and supporting families however possible.

That said, there are always lessons to learn. Going forward, I’d like to see even more focus on clear, consistent communication with families and staff, as well as expanded access to mental health support and academic recovery resources for students impacted by disruptions. I’d also prioritize building infrastructure and contingency plans that allow us to pivot quickly in future emergencies—whether that’s public health-related or otherwise.

Ultimately, I’m proud of how our educators, families, and students came together during the pandemic, and I’ll work to ensure we’re even stronger and more prepared moving forward.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Building strong relationships with parents starts with being present, approachable, and genuinely listening. I’ve already spent years volunteering in our schools, serving on district committees, and connecting with families across HEB ISD. As a trustee, I’ll continue that work by showing up, responding to concerns, and being a visible partner in our schools.

I’ll also take parent feedback seriously—especially through the annual district parent survey. That input is invaluable, and I’ll use it to guide decisions, advocate for needed changes, and ensure the district stays aligned with what families truly need. Parents are essential partners in education, and their voices should be at the table every step of the way.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Recruiting and retaining top talent starts with making sure HEB ISD continues to be a destination district—not just for students, but for faculty and staff as well. That means offering competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a supportive, inclusive work culture where educators feel valued and empowered.

In my current role, I’ve led projects focused on improving employee satisfaction and reducing turnover, and I’d bring that same data-driven approach to help HEB ISD attract and retain the best. I also support targeted recruitment efforts to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our student body and that we’re filling hard-to-staff roles with qualified, passionate professionals. Great schools start with great people, and I’m committed to making sure HEB ISD remains a place where talented educators want to build their careers.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are absolutely essential—especially in public education. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and families deserve confidence that resources are being used to support students. With my background in data science and program evaluation, I’m committed to clear, accessible reporting, smart budgeting, and holding systems accountable for results. As a trustee, I’ll work to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and that the community stays informed and involved in the process.

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.

2020

Campaign website

Biggan’s campaign website stated the following:

“

HEALTHCARE
We can and must do a better job of ensuring ALL Americans get the care they need.

Supports Universal Health Care

Will fight to lower prescription drug costs by encouraging competition and allowing for the import of lower priced drugs from Canada

Encourages investment in research and development to keep America’s medical care on the cutting edge

Has first-hand knowledge of the complexities of the issue, which extends beyond insurance alone

ENERGY
I support the Green New Deal and the sense of urgency that it brings to the climate crisis. We have the tools to achieve energy independence, lower the cost of goods and services, and clean our air and water in the face of climate change.

Improving energy efficiency improves climate change and puts money in your pocket

Investing in clean energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and will create a new green infrastructure and economy

Upgrading the Nation’s Grid storage is essential to creating sustainable clean energy sources

IMMIGRATION
Immigrants are valuable contributors to our economy and society. They are human beings worthy of dignity and respect.

Passage of the DREAM Act is long overdue

Immigrants contribute to economy through entrepreneurship and small-business ownership

Providing Immigrants with an obtainable path to citizenship increases the workforce, as well as overall tax revenue

TAXES
Taxes not only fund a functioning government; they fund a variety of public services that benefit all Americans.

Supports simplifying the tax code

Supports closing loopholes

Supports restoring the balance between individual and corporate tax rates, as well as increasing taxes on the super-rich

EDUCATION
Education is critical to the success of every individual American as well as the success of our society and the economy.

Remove federal mandates requiring standardized testing and restore the freedom of state and local governments to prepare students as they best see fit

Increase access to workforce training and technological literacy programs

Create access to universal pre-school

Supports decreasing regulation on teacher certification processes in order to help combat our growing teacher shortage

EQUALITY
We must make sure that all Americans are treated equally under the law. No one should be left behind because of who they are or whom they love.

Supports passage of the Equality Act

Supports passage of The Paycheck Fairness Act

Will fight to reinforce civil rights and civil liberties

WOMEN’S HEALTH
All women, regardless of background or ability to pay, should have access to quality health care, medically accurate sex education, contraception, and legal reproductive services.

Women, not the federal government, should decide for themselves when they want to be sexually active or get pregnant

Universal health care will ensure that all women get the care they need, however, until we can make that a reality we must expand Medicaid so that anyone who can’t afford care can get it

All teens, male and female, need comprehensive, age-appropriate and medically accurate sex education

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
New businesses help grow the economy, provide opportunities for employment and push innovation.

Providing Universal health care encourages small business creation by alleviating a great financial burden for potential entrepreneurs

Encourages increased competition, research and development and access to capitol for small business owners

Supports increasing new small business ownership by increasing legal immigration

INFRASTRUCTURE
Repair and new construction not only maintain the safety of our infrastructure, they provide immediate jobs, support businesses, and help people move about.

We need to assess and repair our levees, dams, waterways, electric grids, airports, and seaports, as well as our “C” rated roads and bridges

We must provide more public transport options including High Speed Rail

We must increase access to affordable and reliable High Speed Internet

SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security has helped millions of retired Americans over the years, but it will not remain solvent if adjustments are not made and soon.

The income cap should be raised to $250,000 to account for income disparity but remain fair

The top 10% of earners live approximately a decade longer and many of the bottom 10% die before being able to claim benefits ensuring those who need it the most too often benefit the least

GUNS
I support the right of citizens to keep and bear arms for protection and hunting. However, we have the highest rates of gun violence of any first-world nation by a landslide. We must have sensible protections.

Supports Universal Background Checks

Supports increasing access to mental health services

Supports funding research

DRUGS
Too much time, money and resources are spent enforcing cannabis laws when we should be focusing on the deadly opioid crisis.

Supports marijuana legalization on the state or federal level and the reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug

Committed to stopping the flow of illegal opioids into our communities, as well as changing the way we help addicts by focusing on harm reduction

^[3]

”

—John Biggan’s campaign website (2020)^[4]

2019

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released December 19, 2019

John Biggan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Biggan'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.

My name is John Biggan. I am running to be the first neuroscientist in U.S. Congressional history.

As a resident of TX-24 since 2006, I know first hand the real world problems facing the residents of this diverse and vibrant community.

As a scientist, teacher, former non-profit executive and health care industry employee, I am uniquely qualified to address those issues head on and am committed to bringing well-reasoned, evidence-based decision making back to all areas of U.S. Congressional policy.

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?

My primary aim is to return scientifically-sound, fact-based decision making to the U.S. Congress.
It is my firm belief that every American deserves access to the tools necessary to control their destiny and reach their full potential.
To restore an atmosphere of dignity and respect to the U.S. Conress and reestablish an adhereance to the rule of law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The issues facing the residents of TX-24 are as broad and diverse as our community itself.

As a scientist, I am particularly passionate about any issue for which a return to well-reasoned thinking would bring about a positive change in the lives of our constituents. Whether in the short term by improving access to affordable healthcare, education, housing and women's health services or the long term through addressing tax reform, climate change, our crumbling infrastructure and gun violence reduction.

Much of my professional work as a scientist, teacher, published author and executive has centered around ending homelessness among women and children, improving access to affordable on-campus childcare, and developing early intervention techniques aimed at slowing mental decline in older adults.

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

The leader affectionately known as Madiba, Nelson Mandela, embodied one of the most crucial components of leadership. He knew how to heal a divided country. Following his 27 years in prison for standing up against apartheid, he was elected President of South Africa and he did something amazing; he invited one of his former jailers to his inauguration. He could have used his newfound power to attack his enemies, but instead he used it to bring people together. That is a quality of truly great leaders.

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

Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy is a shining example of political leaders who were not swayed by public opinion, put country before party and exhibited remarkable integrity and fidelity to their oaths of office. All qualities sorely missing from the current U.S. House of Representatives.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A restoration of scientific, evidence-based policymaking in the U.S. Congress.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jurassic Park by Michael Chrichton has been on my bookshelf since I was young and upon my first reading it immediately reinforced my burgeoning love of science and the powerful effect it could have on the greater world at large. (Although I certainly aim for a more positive effect than is indicated in the outcome of the book.)

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The "graying" of America is of great concern and an underappreciated challenge facing our nation. The rapid decline of older adults in the workforce due to retirement and continued automation potentially creates an enormous drain on the economy and our health care system. While certainly challenging, this also represents an opportunity to intervene, keep older Americans working, and help stave off an enormous systemic decline.

The first-hand experience I have gained though years of research aimed at helping older adults arms me with the tools necessary to face this problem head on.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I respect the idea behind term limits, however too often they only serve to shorten the amount of time a new office holder has to adjust to the job, build support for a cause and pass common-sense legislation. The rapid nature of the election cycle already truncates the window of time a civil servant has for effective governance enormously. Most term limits seek to cap that window at too short a period of time.

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?

Throughout my campaign I am often reminded of a particular woman I met during my last race. A DREAMER who never knew a home other than the United States, who worked her way through college to earn a degree in Special Education, and who expressed to me her worry that after her decades long struggle to better herself she would be exempted from participation in the American workforce due to the nature of her Immigration status. It is imperative that we pass the DREAM Act and include a pathway to citizenship for the millions of Americans who currently live in the shadows and are kept from their dream of contributing to a better America.

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.

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, Place 2

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 19, 2019
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 27, 2025
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ John Biggan’s 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 19, 2020

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on December 19, 2019

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 27, 2025

[quotedisclaimer-3] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[4] John Biggan’s 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 19, 2020

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

	v • e State of Texas Austin (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? \| Elections in 2025 \| How to vote \| How to run for office \| Ballot measures
Government	Who represents me? \| U.S. President \| U.S. Congress \| Federal courts \| State executives \| State legislature \| State and local courts \| Counties \| Cities \| School districts \| Public policy

John Biggan

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, Place 2

Endorsements

2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 24

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 24

2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 24

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 24

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

2020

Campaign website

2019

Video for Ballotpedia

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

SITE NAVIGATION