Stuart Whitlow

Stuart Whitlow (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Biography

Stuart Whitlow's professional experience includes working as a lawyer. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southwestern University, a graduate degree from Vanderbilt University, a J.D. from the University of Texas, Austin, and an M.P.A. from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin.^[1]

Elections

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, Caitlin Rourk, Brian Trautner, and Stuart Whitlow are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Justin Early
		Caitlin Rourk
	Submit photo	Brian Trautner
		Stuart Whitlow

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
	Submit photo	Steven Dowell
		Abhiram Garapati
		Valentina Gomez Noriega
	Submit photo	Raymond Hamden
		Jack McConnell
		Mike Williams

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)

Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Incumbent John Carter defeated Stuart Whitlow in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 31 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter (R)	64.4	229,087
	Stuart Whitlow (D)	35.6	126,470

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 355,557
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Caleb Ferrell (L)

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Stuart Whitlow defeated Brian Walbridge in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31 on May 28, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Stuart Whitlow	68.5	3,512
	Brian Walbridge	31.5	1,614

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,126
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Stuart Whitlow and Brian Walbridge advanced to a runoff. They defeated Rick Von Pfeil in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Stuart Whitlow	48.4	10,023
✔	Brian Walbridge	25.8	5,346
	Rick Von Pfeil	25.8	5,332

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,701
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	John Carter	65.3	55,092
	Mike Williams	11.1	9,355
	Mack Latimer	7.8	6,593
	Abhiram Garapati	7.4	6,256
	William Abel	5.2	4,362
	John Anderson	3.2	2,732

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 84,390
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31

Caleb Ferrell advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 23, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Caleb Ferrell (L)

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

Whitlow received the following endorsements.

Texas AFL-CIO

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Stuart Whitlow has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Stuart Whitlow, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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2024

Stuart Whitlow completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Whitlow'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 Stuart Whitlow and I am running for Congress to retire John Carter and help restore Democrats to the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democracy is on the ballot in 2024 — to protect the rights of ALL Texans we must elect a leader who will fight for the issues that matter most to our community: reproductive rights, Medicaid, constitutional rights, environmental protections, public education, expanding our economy, ending gun violence, protecting the rights of all Texans, and more.

I’ve earned a BA from Southwestern, a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt, and joint degrees from UT’s LBJ School and UT Law, graduating with Honors. I’ve spent 35 years as an attorney and worked with the Texas Legal Services Center to provide legal help to over 7,000 Texans seeking free services. I also played a key role in starting the award-winning job training program “Capital Idea” and in expanding it into Williamson County.

As a lifelong Democrat and Williamson and Bell County native, I will fight to restore our rights, protect our democracy, and deliver real results for CD 31.

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?

Democracy is on the ballot in 2024. When elected, Congresspeople take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” But when our current Congressman voted to overturn President Biden’s victory he abandoned his oath in favor of partisan politics that do not serve our country or our community. I’m running for Congress to stand up to John Carter and deliver real results for CD 31 so that Americans born in this century will live in a Democracy where they’ll thrive.
From the State House to the U.S. House, our leaders have attacked the fundamental rights we hold dear in this country. As your next Congressman, I will work tirelessly to collaborate with my constituents and colleagues and get back to work on the issues that matter most to our community. I have two sons in college, and I want them to live in a country bound by civility, equality, and justice for ALL people. Instead of wasting precious legislative time, like taking 15 votes to elect a Speaker, Congress should focus on improving the lives of all Americans by addressing kitchen table issues — when I’m elected, I will do just that.
As a lifelong Democrat, voters can go to the polls knowing that I share their values and their priorities for our community. And as your congressman, I will fight for those values every single day. Congress must work to restore reproductive rights, advance healthcare, protect public education, defend our democracy, expand our economy, save our environment, end our gun violence pandemic, support equal rights for all Texans, and protect the freedoms guaranteed by our constitution.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a father, lifelong Democrat, and Williamson and Bell County native, I care deeply about the everyday effect of public policy in our community. I am particularly passionate about issues such as restoring reproductive rights, protecting our public schools, healthcare accessibility, immigration reform, inflation reduction, equal rights for all Texans, and economic development. I will also focus on supporting active duty military personnel and our Veterans. These are not just policy areas to me; they are the foundation for a thriving, equitable society. It is essential that we prioritize policies that not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity and resilience.

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

In my view, the characteristics and principles most important for an elected official are integrity, commitment to justice, and a steadfast dedication to serving the public good. These values are the foundation of my campaign and reflect my lifelong commitment to democracy and public service.

Integrity is paramount. An elected official must be honest, transparent, and accountable to the people they represent. Throughout my 35-year career as an attorney and my work with the Texas Legal Services Center, I have upheld these principles, providing legal assistance to over 7,000 Texans seeking free legal services and ensuring they receive the support and justice they deserve.

Commitment to justice involves fighting for the rights and dignity of all individuals. This means standing up against injustices, advocating for equality, and working tirelessly to ensure that our laws and policies reflect the values of fairness and equity. My work in founding the Capital Idea job-training program was driven by this commitment, aiming to provide Texans with the opportunities they need to improve their lives.

Dedication to serving the public good means putting the needs and welfare of our community above all else. As a lifelong Democrat and a native of Williamson and Bell County, I have always prioritized the well-being of my community.

Furthermore, an elected official must possess the ability to listen, empathize, and respond effectively to the needs of their constituents. This involves not only understanding the issues at hand but also being proactive in seeking solutions that address the root causes of our challenges.

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

As a candidate for Congress, I see the core responsibilities of this office as legislating effectively, representing the interests of my constituents, and serving our community's needs with integrity and accountability.

I will work to craft laws that foster justice, equity, and opportunity, focusing on crucial issues like healthcare, education, democracy, immigration, inflation, and economic growth, and environmental protection. My commitment is to policies that benefit all in CD 31.

I will be a true voice for the district, actively engaging with constituents, understanding their concerns, and reflecting their aspirations in every legislative action. My deep roots and extensive community work in Texas have honed my ability to listen and advocate for our community’s needs.

Moreover, protecting democracy is essential — fighting against voter suppression, and upholding constitutional values. My campaign underscores democracy's significance, aiming to ensure fairness and uphold our democratic principles in Congress.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite texts are the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These foundational documents guide our nation's principles of liberty, justice, and democracy. They not only establish the framework of our government and protect individual freedoms but also inspire my commitment to public service. As a lifelong advocate for justice and a candidate for Congress, these documents are the cornerstone of my professional ethos and personal values. They reinforce my dedication to ensuring fairness, upholding rights, and fostering a society where the rule of law and individual liberties are paramount.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives stands unique due to its direct accountability to the people, necessitated by elections every two years. This setup ensures Representatives remain closely connected with their constituents' immediate needs and concerns. The smaller size of districts allows for a deep understanding of local challenges and opportunities, enabling tailored and effective advocacy. This close connection with the electorate ensures the House is a dynamic, responsive body that accurately reflects and addresses the public's voice. My commitment is to harness this unique aspect to advocate passionately for our district's needs and values.

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

The United States' greatest challenges over the next decade include preserving our democracy, overcoming polarization, and restoring reproductive rights. Democracy is our foundation, and it's crucial to protect it from threats, both foreign and domestic, ensuring the principles of fairness and the rule of law prevail. We must bridge the deep divides that polarize our nation, fostering a dialogue to help heal our country and move forward. Additionally, the fight to restore reproductive rights is paramount, ensuring women have the freedom to make their healthcare decisions. My focus is on defending democratic values, uniting our country, and advocating for the fundamental rights we hold dear.

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

The U.S. House should focus its investigative powers on breaches of Presidential and Congressional oaths, as seen with the Jan 6 committee's effective accountability efforts. Such investigations are vital for upholding democracy, ensuring government integrity, and maintaining public trust. Concentrating on significant violations, and refusing to abuse this investigative power for political gain, helps prevent power abuses and strengthens our democratic institutions. I advocate for transparent and fair use of these powers to protect our foundational principles.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Williamson County Commissioner Terry Cook

Bell County Commissioner Louie Minor
Texas AFL-CIO COPE
Capitol Area Progressive Democrats
Liberal Austin Democrats
Luis Echegaray - 2022 Democratic Nominee, Texas HD 52
Tina Steiner - Teacher, Advocate, Community Leader, 5 th Generation RR Native
Karen Felthauser - Ground Breaking Texas HD52 Candidate, Retired Teacher
Jose Orta, 2022 Democratic Nominee, County Commissioner 4, WilCo Community Activist

Rev. Lou Snead, Retired Presbyterian Minister

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

My views on financial transparency and government accountability are rooted in the belief that integrity and openness are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Financial transparency ensures that constituents can see how their money is being used, fostering trust between the public and their elected officials. Government accountability holds those in office to their promises and responsibilities, ensuring they serve the public's interest above all.

I have spent my career advocating for the rights and services of Texans, working to provide legal assistance to over 7,000 Texans seeking free legal services and founding the Capital Idea job-training program to improve economic opportunities. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to transparency and accountability, showing me how vital they are in building and maintaining public trust.

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

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.

Stuart Whitlow campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Texas District 31	Candidacy Declared primary	$12,759	$16,409
2024*	U.S. House Texas District 31	Lost general	$311,837	$308,186
Grand total			$324,595	$324,595
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

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Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 31

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 9, 2024

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Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

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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] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 9, 2024

[1]

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Stuart Whitlow

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 31

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

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