Sandra Whitten

Sandra Whitten (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 28th Congressional District. She lost in the Republican primary runoff on May 24, 2022.

Biography

Sandra Whitten was born in Portsmouth, Virginia.^[1] Whitten's career experience includes working as a homemaker, pre-school teacher, a consultant with ThirtyOne Gifts, and a sales representative with Rush Truck Centers and Peterbilt.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Cassy Garcia in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 28 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry Cuellar (D)	56.7	93,803
	Cassy Garcia (R)	43.3	71,778

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 165,581
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Rafael Alcoser III (Independent)

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Jessica Cisneros in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28 on May 24, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry Cuellar	50.3	22,895
	Jessica Cisneros	49.7	22,614

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 45,509
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28

Cassy Garcia defeated Sandra Whitten in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28 on May 24, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Cassy Garcia	57.0	8,485
	Sandra Whitten	43.0	6,413

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,898
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar and Jessica Cisneros advanced to a runoff. They defeated Tannya Benavides in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 1, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry Cuellar	48.7	23,988
✔	Jessica Cisneros	46.6	22,983
	Tannya Benavides	4.7	2,324

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 49,295
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 1, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Cassy Garcia	23.5	5,923
✔	Sandra Whitten	18.0	4,534
	Steven Fowler	13.5	3,388
	Willie Vasquez Ng	13.3	3,358
	Ed Cabrera	13.3	3,343
	Eric Hohman	11.9	2,988
	Rolando Rodriguez	6.4	1,622

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,156
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Sandra Whitten and Bekah Congdon in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 28 on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry Cuellar (D)	58.3	137,494
	Sandra Whitten (R)	39.0	91,925
	Bekah Congdon (L)	2.7	6,425

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 235,844
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Jessica Cisneros in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Henry Cuellar	51.8	38,834
	Jessica Cisneros	48.2	36,144

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 74,978
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Sandra Whitten advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sandra Whitten	100.0	20,656

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,656
= 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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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 28

Bekah Congdon advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Bekah Congdon (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.
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Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

Sandra Whitten did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Whitten's campaign website stated the following:

“

LIST OF ISSUES

BORDER SECURITY

Border Security is more than just stopping people from entering our Country illegally, it is about cracking down on Sex and Human trafficking, Drug trafficking and taking care of Americans. We want legal migration, we are a Country of immigrants, but we are also a Country of law and order. Illegal immigration hurts everyone. We want to secure our borders and way of life by infusing technology natural resources and the wall as needed. National security starts in District 28 with border security.

JOBS

With a poverty rate of 30%, we don't just want work. We want jobs that will secure our Texas way of life for generations to come. We want healthy competition, fair wages, and sustainability. These are what makes Texas great and reminds us of the American dream.

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare is the number one topic in the country that gets misconstrued, it's not the care that's the issue, it's the ability to pay when we get big pharama and big insurance out of the way. We must allow doctors and patients to make the best choices for their personal care and health needs. It’s time to stop with cookie cuter bandaids and have real solutions.

SOCIAL ISSUES

It is important to me that we stop trying to solve all of the social issues in federal government. It is vital that we scale back the issues that are on Capital Hill and quit micro-managing, States must be allowed to govern without big government getting in the way.

TERM LIMITS

I believe that elected officials who do not have a lifetime of government or politics gives We The People a real voice. People who have held offices for too long end up getting more of a sense of "power" and not lose the sense of service that they were elected to do. By keeping the same people in office, too often, turns into the "favor-system" that corrupts government and the ability for people to lose faith in the system. Term limits are vital to keep our government healthy.

#RESTORINGTHEHEART

Restoring The Heart is key to fixing government and ensuring our God-given freedoms and liberties. Our district is one of the most unique districts in the country, from being on the US/Mexico border and the number one trade port in the nation, to the oil and gas, ranching and of course our rich Texas history. Our district is not to be brushed to the side and hidden away with the socialist agenda plaguing the nation. It is time to have representation that speaks for the will of the people, not the whim of a party. We are the backbone of the nation, and it is time to have representation that wants to make our district shine.^[3]

”

—Sandra Whitten's campaign website (2022)^[4]

2020

Sandra Whitten completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Whitten'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.

Sandra Whitten is the image of the all-American Woman. Sandra is a Mother, Wife and Friend of the community. She understands the hardships of people on the border and is subjected to the stigma of an inter-racial family. She grasps the need for real change in District 28 as well as the needs of Texans and Americans she will be fighting for in Congress.

Before running, Sandra has been a stay at home mother to her and her husband's four children, a church leader, manager, truck sales-woman, government liaison for project management in a shipyard, baseball coach and little league board member, dance instructor and many other things, all of her experiences have allowed her to have different views on a wide-array of industries and life. Recently, Sandra has been described as a "Rising Texas Conservative Star and Liberty Warrior" her message is that we can no long be silent and lose our freedoms, we must stand up and fight, we must be bold to hold Texas and we must restore the heart back to our nation! It will all start with Texas!

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?

There is a problem on the Southern Border that is not being addressed, we must secure it! Sex and Human trafficking is real.
Healthcare - Health Insurance, the care isn't the problem, the ability to PAY for it is the real issue.
Getting back to the Constitution - Quit Making Politics social issues!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

While there are many issues that must be addressed, it is important to me that we stop trying to solve all of the social issues in federal government. It is vital that we scale back the issues that are on Capital Hill and quit micro-managing, the States must be allowed to govern without BIG Government getting in the way.

We must cut back Federal Spending, our tax-dollars are not the solution to all of the world's problems. Access spending is causing our hard working American citizens to foot the bill for things that we shouldn't be paying for.
Healthcare was never a constitutional right, we keep trying to make it one. We are taxing citizens for not having health insurance, that they cannot afford! We have to cut out all of the lobbyists, big pharmaceuticals and over-reaching insurance companies. Get them off of the Hill and get them to regulate costs of treatments and medicines so that people can afford their care without going bankrupt.
Border Security is more than just stopping people from entering our Country illegally, it is about cracking down on Sex and Human trafficking, Drug trafficking and taking care of Americans. We want legal migration, we are a Country of immigrants, but we are also a Country of law and order. Illegal immigration hurts everyone. Here on the Southern Border we feel and see the effects of it the most.

Our Veterans need our support! It is our duty to them after they have served us.

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

My Grandfather, Lyle D. Hoy. He was a solid example of love for God, Country and Family. He was always fair about the facts. He was quick to listen and slow to speak so that he could have as much information before giving his thoughts on a matter. He was a strong pillar in our family and community, everyone knew they could count on him for fair advice, an ear to listen to them and a hand to help with anything.

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

HBO did a short series on John Adams that was really inspiring. Another one that has always put a fire in my belly is called "Williamsburg - The Story of a Patriot". I also would encourage the Federalist Papers and the Constitution.

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

Admitting when they are wrong, being a fair and honest listener, putting the needs of others before themselves, and never willing to compromise on truth over emotions.

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

I am fair and always listen to both sides of an issue and see how we can work together to the common goal. I am firm in my answers, but am quick to admit when I am wrong. These are necessary to be able to make fair decisions about what is important to the people of our district. I am hard working and do not quit until a job is done. I always stand up for those who do not have a voice and make sure that the right thing is done.

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

Service and dedication to the people. Meeting them where they are and being the voice for all of the district and not just some of the district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to be able to say "she was a fighter that truly had a heart of the people". I want people to know that I always had the people of our District, State and Nation first.

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

Desert Storm, I was 10. Living in a military town we always had big celebrations when our service men and women would leave and come home.

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

Arby's Customer Service - I started when I was 16 and was there for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hunger Games - It is the story of people held under oppression from a government that took control, but the heart of the people prevailed. The people that no one expected stepped up and changed everything, not because they had all of the answers, but because they knew they had to save the people. It is a story showing that socialism can never work, and that government should never have all of the power, the power belongs to the people.

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

Given my favorite book is the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen. She never gave up, even when the odds were not in her favor. She fought for the people, at all costs.

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

She's Like Texas - Josh Abbott Band

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

I don't really count things as a struggle, I count them as an opportunity to grow, learn and never give up. From the time I was young I have always had obstacles and challenges, but I never let them hold me down. I used those moments to become the woman I am today. I am far from perfect, but I can truly say I have never lost hope or passion, I allow those moments to give me fire and passion for my work, family and keep my focus on God's calling in my life.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives is unlike any other in the world. We take elected men and women from all walks of life, from every part of the Country and give them an equal voice. We allow them to be the voice for their district in the workings of our Country at large in matters all over the Nation and World.

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

No. I believe that elected officials who do not have a lifetime of government or politics gives We The People a real voice. People who have held offices for too long end up getting more of a sense of "power" and not lose the sense of service that they were elected to do. By keeping the same people in office, too often, turns into the "favor-system" that corrupts government and the ability for people to lose faith in the system. Term Limits are Vital to keep our government healthy!

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

Socialism. This is a cancer that is sweeping across our Nation and will be its doom. We must stick to the guiding principals of the constitution, and make smaller government and big people.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

National Security, Veteran's Affairs or Foreign Affairs.

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

I believe that the Founding Fathers knew that 2 year limits were fair for a reason, and being a strong supporter of the constitution, that is what we need to stick with.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I firmly agree with term limits! It would make elected officials more accountable and do away with the "seniority-system".

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

Jim Jordan and Trey Growdy are two men who I greatly admire. They have boldness and convection and a passion for fairness, truth and taking the "game" out of politics.

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?

I have met many amazing and wonderful people on this journey in our district. Southerland Springs is an amazing place full of the most genuine and humble people on the planet. 2 years ago the church there had a mass shooting, many of the people from their church I have the honor of now calling my friends. To just tell one story would be unfair to all of them. By far they have impacted me the most. The people of our district are full of some of the most amazing stories and lives and yet they have felt silenced for too long. I want to be able to bring life, and breath to the stories of our people. I want to give them the platform to tell their stories and let the rest of the Country know what District 28 is all about.

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.

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Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 28

Personal

Footnotes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 22, 2020
↑ LinkedIn, "Sandra Whitten," accessed February 3, 2022
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Sandra Whitten, “Platform,” accessed January 19, 2022

[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)

[bio-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 22, 2020

[bio2-2] LinkedIn, "Sandra Whitten," accessed February 3, 2022

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

[4] Sandra Whitten, “Platform,” accessed January 19, 2022

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[2]

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Sandra Whitten

Biography

Elections

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28

Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 28

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 28

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

2020

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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