Matt Okerson

This candidate is participating in a 2026 battleground election. Click here to read more about that election.

Matt Okerson

Republican Party

Candidate, U.S. House Texas District 21

Elections and appointments

Next election

March 3, 2026

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Personal

Profession

Defense contractor

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign X

Matt Okerson (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 21st Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.^[source]

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

Biography

Matt Okerson's career experience includes working as a defense contractor. He served in the U.S. Army.

2026 battleground election

See also: Texas' 21st Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)

Ballotpedia identified the March 3, 2026, Republican primary for Texas' 21st Congressional District as a battleground election. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.

Thirteen candidates are running in the Republican primary for Texas' 21st Congressional District on March 3, 2026. The filing deadline is December 8, 2025. Two candidates lead in media attention and endorsements: Mark Teixeira (R) and Trey Trainor (R).

Incumbent Chip Roy (R) is running in the Republican primary for Texas Attorney General in 2026. For a list of U.S. Representatives who are not running for re-election in 2026, click here. The last time this district was open was 2018, when Roy was first elected.

According to The Texas Tribune’s Marijke Friedman, "Both Roy and [President Donald] Trump won handily in the 21st District in 2024, and the seat remained solidly Republican under the new congressional map approved by the Texas Legislature." As of October 2025, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales, and Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball each rated the general election Safe/Solid Republican.

Teixeira is a former professional baseball player and World Series champion. Teixeira says he would support the military, end American involvement in long-term conflicts, and prioritize American interests to "champion President Trump’s America First agenda." Teixeira says he would support law enforcement and border security to promote local and national safety. He says he would cut federal spending and promote Texas’ oil, gas, and nuclear industries to improve the economy. Teixeira also says he would "restore patriotic education rooted in American and Texas values." U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Steve Scalise (R-La.) endorsed Teixeira.

Trainor is a lawyer who previously worked as general counsel for the Texas Secretary of State and the Republican Party of Texas. He also served as a commissioner on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) from 2020 to 2025. Trainor says his legislative priorities would be improving border security, reducing federal spending, and upholding Constitutional rights. Trainor is campaigning on his legal experience, saying he has "been on the front lines defending the Constitution" throughout his career. He is also campaigning on his experience on the FEC, saying he has a history of promoting election security. Highlighting Trump appointing him to the FEC, Trainor says he supports Trump’s policies and describes himself as a "soldier of the conservative cause and the America First agenda." Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian (R) and former chair of the Republican Party of Texas Cathie Adams (R) endorsed Trainor.

Also running in the primary are Daniel Betts (R), Jason Cahill (R), Jacques DuBose (R), Ezekiel Enriquez (R), Denis Goulet (R), Weston Martinez (R), Matt Okerson (R), Paul Rojas (R), Kyle Sinclair (R), Heather Tessmer (R), and Mike Wheeler (R).

Texas conducted redistricting between the 2024 and 2026 elections. As a result, district lines in this state changed. To review how redistricting took place in Texas, click here. For a list of all states that drew new district lines between 2024 and 2026, click here.

Elections

2026

See also: Texas' 21st Congressional District election, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. House Texas District 21

Dan McQueen is running in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 21 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Dan McQueen (Independent)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= 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 U.S. House Texas District 21

Javi Andrade, Gary Taylor, Regina Vanburg, and Daniel Weber are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 21 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Javi Andrade
	Submit photo	Gary Taylor
		Regina Vanburg
	Submit photo	Daniel Weber

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= 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 21

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 21 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Daniel Betts
	Submit photo	Jason Cahill
	Submit photo	Jacques DuBose
		Ezekiel Enriquez
	Submit photo	Denis Goulet
		Weston Martinez
		Matt Okerson
		Paul Rojas
		Kyle Sinclair
		Mark Teixeira
		Heather Tessmer
		Trey Trainor
		Mike Wheeler

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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

• Jessica Karlsruher (R)
• Chip Roy (R)

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.

Candidate spending

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Daniel Betts	Republican Party	$111,868	$6,879	$104,989	As of September 30, 2025
Jason Cahill	Republican Party	$283,283	$1,337	$281,946	As of September 30, 2025
Jacques DuBose	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Ezekiel Enriquez	Republican Party	$50,150	$44,963	$815	As of September 30, 2025
Denis Goulet	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Weston Martinez	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Matt Okerson	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Paul Rojas	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Kyle Sinclair	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Mark Teixeira	Republican Party	$713,852	$17,470	$696,382	As of September 30, 2025
Heather Tessmer	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Trey Trainor	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Mike Wheeler	Republican Party	$202,126	$609	$201,516	As of September 30, 2025
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

Satellite spending

See also: Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.

If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.

By candidate	By election
Daniel Betts Jason Cahill Ezekiel Enriquez Denis Goulet Weston Martinez Paul Rojas Kyle Sinclair Mark Teixeira Heather Tessmer Trey Trainor Mike Wheeler	Federal Election Commission

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Matt Okerson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Okerson'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.

Raised in a working-class family, Matthew wasn’t born into privilege — he was built by faith, grit, and hard work. From a young age, he learned that nothing is given, everything is earned. His family faced tough times, but through the grace of God and the strength of their local church, they always had what they needed. Those early struggles didn’t hold him back — they forged his values: self-reliance, service over self, and an unshakable commitment to putting people first.

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?

• Texas First. America Always.

  Powered by the People.

  No insiders and no political games — just real, accountable representation that puts the people first.
• Smaller Government. Greater Freedom. Washington has grown too big, too powerful, and too detached from the people it claims to represent.
• Term Limits & True Accountability Congress wasn't meant to be a career path — it was meant to be public service.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

America First, America Always. Protect Our Families. Defend Our Future. Smaller Government. Greater Freedom. Term Limits & True Accountability. Grounded in the Grassroots. Rebuild the American Middle Class.

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

Integrity – You say what you mean and mean what you say. You’re not for sale and won’t play the D.C. insider games.

Service-Driven – A U.S. Army veteran who understands duty, accountability, and leadership.

Principled Conservative – Grounded in faith, family, and freedom — not political trends.

Decisive and Realistic – You value common sense over bureaucracy, results over rhetoric.

People-Focused – Every decision starts with one question: “How does this help the people I serve?”

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

To represent the people of your district — not lobbyists, not special interests — and to advance legislation that improves their lives.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave is one of fighting for the working-class American and improving the lives of the majority of our citizens. I want to reconnect Congress to its true purpose — representing the people, not the political elite, wealth, or special interests. I aim to be a champion and a voice for everyday Americans, proving that elected representatives must stay connected to the people they serve.

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

I was in fifth grade when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. I’ll never forget seeing U.S. Abrams tanks advancing to liberate the Kuwaitis. The Gulf War was the first war I remember, and it left a lasting impression on me about the importance of freedom and defending what’s right.

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

My first job was at Bob Evans, where I worked as a dishwasher and busboy for a little over a year. I also did construction work, often holding two jobs during the summer. Those early experiences taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and determination — lessons that continue to guide me today.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Members are directly elected, serve short two-year terms, represent specific districts, and hold exclusive powers like initiating revenue bills and impeachments. It’s crucial for members to stay connected to the people they represent, not the institution, so decisions reflect the needs and values of their constituents rather than political insiders.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Prior experience in Washington isn’t always necessary — in fact, having no political background can be a strength. Someone who hasn’t been part of the established system is free from insider influence, lobbyist pressure, and entrenched bureaucracy. This allows them to make decisions based on what’s best for the people, not what keeps them in office or connected to the political machine. Fresh perspectives can drive real change, accountability, and results.

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

We’re facing record debt and a government that’s lost focus on putting the working class first. But one of the biggest threats we’re not talking enough about is the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence and technology.

AI will change everything — from our jobs to our privacy to our national security. If we don’t lead with responsibility and protect American workers and innovation, we risk handing our future to corporations and foreign powers that don’t share our values.

The next 10 years will define whether we remain strong, free, and independent — or whether technology controls us instead of serving us. We must choose strength, accountability, and leadership that puts people before machines and America before global interests.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. The two-year term is designed to keep Representatives accountable. Because they face voters frequently, they must stay closely connected to their districts, listen to constituents’ concerns, and act in their best interest. It prevents complacency, limits careerism, and ensures that public service remains focused on serving the people, not the institution.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits for members of Congress. Too many politicians treat Washington like a career, not a duty. That’s why I’m making a personal commitment: I will serve no more than four terms — eight years — in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Public service should be about results, not re-election. I’ll fight for term limits because our nation deserves fresh leadership, new energy, and representatives who never forget who they work for the people

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes! Compromise isn’t weakness — it’s leadership. I’ll work with anybody who loves our country and respects our Constitution, Republican or Democrat. Lasting legislation comes from bipartisan solutions, not political games

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Fiscal responsibility is non-negotiable. For every dollar of new spending, two dollars must be cut elsewhere. Our priority is reducing the national debt and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, not wasted on unnecessary programs.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should fully use its investigative powers to hold everyone accountable. Our priority is not politics or personal attacks — it’s exposing wrongdoing and stopping corruption wherever it exists, so the government serves the people, not itself.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m most proud of my service to our country first as a U.S. Army soldier, and then continuing as a contractor in Southeast Asia, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, where I helped protect U.S. personnel at the Baghdad Embassy. I’m also proud of my work safeguarding critical infrastructure and medical health information for U.S. soldiers as a cybersecurity expert. Beyond that, I’ve dedicated time to community service, including participating in elections and attending county and state Republican conventions.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence must be regulated and held in check. It’s the government’s responsibility to set boundaries and safeguards to protect our most vulnerable, including our children, and to defend our national interests against misuse or foreign threats.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I believe elections belong to the states, and the federal government should not control them. At the same time, the government can provide simple guidelines to help protect the integrity of our elections.

Trust in the way we elect our officials is essential to preserving our democracy. While the primary responsibility lies with state legislatures, the federal government has a role in offering guidance to ensure secure, fair, and transparent elections.

Under no circumstances should non-U.S. citizens be allowed to vote!

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Matt Okerson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Texas District 21	Candidacy Declared primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2026 Elections

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Government

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Newsletters

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 21

Website

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Footnotes

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)