Raymond Hamden
Raymond Hamden (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026.[source]
Biography
Raymond Hamden received a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. His career experience includes working as a public school teacher in the Killeen Independent School District, as a small business owner, and as a real estate investor and developer.[1]
Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)
- The content below is from the March 3 Republican primary page. Click here to read more.
Twelve-term incumbent John Carter (R) and nine other candidates are running in the Republican primary for Texas' 31st Congressional District on March 3, 2026. President Donald Trump (R) endorsed Carter for re-election on December 4, 2025.[2]
At the time of the election, Carter is the third longest-serving member of the U.S. House, and according to the Austin American-Statesman's John C. Moritz, "Several of his GOP opponents argue that the district, which runs from Georgetown to farm and ranch country west of Waco and includes the sprawling Army post of Fort Hood, is in need of new blood."[3]
Before his election to Congress, Carter worked as an attorney and judge.[4] His campaign website stated, "Judge prides himself on delivering results for Texas’ 31st district no matter the political environment, and does this by following his guiding principle, 'listen more than you speak.'"[5]
William Abel (R) is a U.S. Army veteran making his second run for the seat. Abel said, "I'm just tired of these politicians not doing what's best for the constituents and doing what's best for their own pockets. Or doing what's best for the lobbyists and donors. I just want problems solved with common sense."[3] He told Community Impact his priorities were "Eliminate wasteful spending, decrease taxes, secure the border."[6]
David Berry (R) is a physician whose campaign website described him as "committed to protecting Texans by standing up for small towns, rural communities, and the values that make them strong."[7] According to his campaign website, his priorities include securing the border, growing small businesses, reforming Washington, protecting life, energy independence, and expanding veterans' benefits.[7]
Steve Dowell (R) is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve. His campaign website said, "As the only policy focused and experienced alternative to our incumbent, Steve Dowell will work for you in D.C.—for the second time in his life—following core conservative principles of responsibility, peace through strength, and human dignity that keep America great."[8][9]
Abhiram Garapati (R) is a businessman, farmer, and rancher making his fourth run for the seat.[10] Garapati told Community Impact his priorities if elected would include "cutting wasteful spending, balancing the federal budget, reducing taxes on hard-working Americans, tackling corruption, increasing government transparency, repealing unconstitutional legislation, maintaining a secure border, strengthening national security, protecting American jobs, and delivering exceptional constituent services."[6]
Raymond Hamden is a real estate broker and business ower.[11] His campaign website stated, "As a candidate for U.S. Congress, Raymond Hamden is dedicated to securing our borders, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and supporting military families. He is committed to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering businesses. Raymond also aims to invest in vital water and infrastructure projects to strengthen communities and create a prosperous future for all."[12]
Elvis Lossa (R) is a U.S. Army veteran and served as policy coordinator for the speaker of the Texas House.[13] His campaign website stated, "Too often, leadership in Congress is focused on noise instead of outcomes. Families, veterans, and small businesses deserve representation that listens carefully and then acts decisively. I am running for Congress to bring experience, accountability, and a results-driven approach to serving Central Texas."[14]
Valentina Gomez Noriega (R) earned a master's degree in business administration from Tulane University and is a former candidate for Missouri Secretary of State.[15] She told Community Impact her priorities if elected would include, "Protect and defend my soldiers at Fort Hood. Kicking all the terrorists muslims, Somalians, and illegals out of Texas. Stopping the construction of Sharia schools and Sharia cities. Increasing Social Security benefits and making medication more affordable for my senior citizens."[6]
Offer Vince Shlomi (R) is best known from the Shamwow infomercials.[16] His campaign website stated, "My mission is simple will be a stronger economy and real opportunities for the Texas 31st and for all America. I believe that by putting God first and standing firm with our values, we can build a more perfect union for our families and for all America."[17]
Ballotpedia did not find additional information for Ed Ewald (R).
Elections
2026
See also: Texas' 31st 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 31
Justin Early and Stuart Whitlow are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Justin Early | |
 | Stuart Whitlow | |
| ||||
 = 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
- Caitlin Rourk (D)
- Brian Trautner (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31
The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | John Carter | |
 | William Abel | |
 | David Berry | |
 | Steven Dowell | |
| Ed Ewald | ||
 | Abhiram Garapati | |
 | Valentina Gomez Noriega | |
 | Raymond Hamden | |
 | Elvis Lossa | |
 | Offer Vince Shlomi | |
| ||||
| = 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
- Jack McConnell (R)
- Mike Williams (R)
Green convention
Green convention for U.S. House Texas District 31
Greg Stoker is running in the Green convention for U.S. House Texas District 31 on April 11, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Greg Stoker (G) | |
| ||||
| = 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 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
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Campaign website
Hamden's campaign website stated the following:
Priorities
As a candidate for U.S. Congress, Raymond Hamden is dedicated to securing our borders, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and supporting military families. He is committed to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering businesses. Raymond also aims to invest in vital water and infrastructure projects to strengthen communities and create a prosperous future for all.
- Border Security: Border security is vital to our safety and sovereignty. I support strong enforcement, modern technology, and fair immigration policies that uphold our nation’s security and values.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Fiscal responsibility is key to a strong economy. I will prioritize balanced budgets, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
- Support for Military and Families: I support a strong military and the families who serve. We must ensure proper funding, quality healthcare, and resources for veterans and active-duty members.
- Economic Growth & Job Creation: I will champion policies that drive economic growth, support small businesses, and create more good-paying jobs for hardworking Americans.
- Water and Infrastructure: I support investing in reliable water systems and modern infrastructure to ensure safe communities, strong economies, and a sustainable future.
— Raymond Hamden's campaign website (February 17, 2026)
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Raymond for Texas, "About Raymond," accessed February 17, 2026
- ↑ KDH News, "John Carter gets President Trump’s endorsement," December 5, 2025
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Austin American-Statesman, "Why U.S. Rep. John Carter has so many GOP opponents in his race for a 13th term," January 20, 2026
- ↑ Biographical Guide of the United States Congress, "CARTER, John R.," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ John Carter 2026 campaign website, "Meet John," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Community Impact, "Q&A: Hear from the Republican candidates running for US House District 31," January 30, 2026
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 David Berry 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Linkedin, "Steve Dowell," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Steve Dowell 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Abhiram Garapati 2026 campaign website, "About Abhiram Garapati," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ KDH News, "Harker Heights businessman Raymond Hamden to seek District 31 seat in Congress," March 15, 2025
- ↑ Raymond Hamden 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Elvis Lossa 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Elvis Lossa 2026 campaign website, "Meet Elvis Lossa," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Valentina Gomez 2026 campaign website, "Home," accessed February 9, 2026
- ↑ Fox 7, "Offer Vince Shlomi, the 'ShamWow' guy, releases campaign ad for Texas Congressional seat," February 6, 2026
- ↑ Offer Shlomi 2026 campaign website, "About Vince," accessed February 9, 2026
