Texas' 11th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

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Texas' 11th Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: December 9, 2019
Primary: March 3, 2020
Primary runoff: July 14, 2020
General: November 3, 2020
Pre-election incumbent:
Mike Conaway (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Texas
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican
Inside Elections: Solid Republican
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2020
See also
Texas' 11th Congressional District
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Texas elections, 2020
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U.S. House elections, 2020

August Pfluger defeated nine other candidates in the Republican Party primary for Texas' 11th Congressional District on March 3, 2020. He advanced to the district's general election on November 3. Pfluger received 52.1 percent of the vote. Brandon Batch received the next-most votes with 15.1 percent.

Rep. Mike Conaway (R) announced his retirement on July 30, 2019. His retirement triggered the first contested Republican primary in the district since Conaway won election to the U.S. House in 2004. To see a full list of all 10 candidates that ran in the primary, click here.

Endorsements in the race focused on three candidates: Jamie Berryhill, J. Ross Lacy, and August Pfluger. The three candidates aligned on most policy positions, such as supporting President Trump, building a wall on the Mexican border, and opposing abortion. Instead, the candidates emphasized their different backgrounds to appeal to voters.

Two of the three candidates promised to join the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) if elected to the U.S. House. In 2015, the Pew Research Center reported that the HFC's declared goals were "pushing the House GOP leadership rightward on certain fiscal and social issues."[1] Conaway was not a member of the HFC. In 2018, HFC-backed candidates won two of three Republican primaries in Texas against non-HFC candidates. Across the country, HFC-backed candidates picked up two seats previously held by non-HFC incumbents.

Berryhill compared his experience as a real estate developer and crisis business consultant, particularly in negotiating and arbitration, with that of President Trump. He was endorsed by the House Freedom Fund and Texas Right to Life. He promised to join the HFC if elected.[2]

Lacy said that his background in business and service on the Midland City Council made him the right person to represent the district in Congress. He was endorsed by District 1 Rep. Louie Gohmert (an HFC member) and three local state legislators. Lacy also promised to join the HFC if elected.[3]

Pfluger said that his experience in the U.S. Air Force and on the National Security Council gave him the edge in foreign policy experience among the other candidates. He was endorsed by President Donald Trump (R), fellow veteran and District 2 Rep. Daniel Crenshaw, along with three local state legislators, and the War Veterans Fund PAC. He was the only major candidate to not promise to join the HFC if elected. At a forum on January 22, he told the audience, "If being part of the Freedom Caucus allows me to serve the 750,000 constituents in this district, then I’m all in …. But my oath is to the Constitution, not a caucus."[4]

The 11th District had a 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index score of R+32, meaning this district's results were 32 percentage points more Republican than the national average in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections. Two of the three major race rating outlets rated the race as solid Republican, while the other rated it as safe Republican. Conaway won re-election by 62 percentage points in 2018. Click here to learn more about what was at stake in the general election.

Click on candidate names below to view their key messages:


Berryhill
Lacy
Pfluger


This page focuses on Texas' 11th Congressional District Republican primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Democratic primary and the general election, see the following pages:

Election procedure changes in 2020

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.

Texas modified its primary election process as follows:

  • Election postponements: The primary runoff elections were postponed from May 26 to July 14.
  • Political party events: The Republican Party of Texas convention, scheduled for July 16-18 in Houston, was cancelled. The party conducted its convention online.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.


Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 11

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of August Pfluger
August Pfluger
 
52.2
 
56,093
Image of Brandon Batch
Brandon Batch Candidate Connection
 
15.1
 
16,224
Image of Wesley Virdell
Wesley Virdell Candidate Connection
 
7.1
 
7,672
Image of Jamie Berryhill
Jamie Berryhill Candidate Connection
 
7.0
 
7,496
Image of J. Ross Lacy
J. Ross Lacy Candidate Connection
 
4.5
 
4,785
Image of J.D. Faircloth
J.D. Faircloth
 
4.0
 
4,257
Image of Casey Gray
Casey Gray
 
3.8
 
4,064
Image of Robert Tucker
Robert Tucker
 
2.9
 
3,137
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Ned Luscombe
 
1.9
 
2,066
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Gene Barber
 
1.5
 
1,641

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

Total votes: 107,435
Candidate Connection = 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

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[5] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.

Brandon Batch

Image of Brandon Batch

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Brandon Batch is a conservative, small businessman born in Odessa and raised in Midland. When he was very young, his mother tragically passed away due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Brandon was adopted by a local family, who raised him as their own. He knows that were it not for God and his kind-hearted neighbors, he would never have succeeded. Now, Brandon wants to give back to people who gave so much to him. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Brandon served under then-Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, conservative Congressman Michael McCaul. He helped the Chairman develop policies to keep America safe from terrorism abroad and at home. A policy expert, Brandon also served as an advisor on agriculture, trade, energy, foreign policy, and national defense. Brandon was also a designee to the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, a congressional committee formed to engage the Mexican government to strengthen bilateral ties and promote trade policies that benefit America. Through it all, Brandon never let the DC swamp change him. He eventually returned home to Texas to help his brother start a successful family business. As your congressman, he will always stand for what is right and defend our values. "

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

I am a candidate with real experience as a senior policy advisor in Washington who can hit the ground running on day one.

I am very much what the American dream represents. I was not given anything in life, but have fought hard for what I have. I believe in hard work, and socialism never works.

As a young, black republican, I can help broaden the republican umbrella by being a strong voice for republicans across all different racial, generational, and socio-economic backgrounds.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Texas District 11 in 2020.

Jamie Berryhill

Image of Jamie Berryhill

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Jamie has been a business owner and servant to his community in the Permian Basin for 46 years. The work he's done in real estate, business, and ministry is guided by principles of both Biblical and Constitutional TRUTH and has brought about hope and life to businesses, families, communities, and individual lives. Jamie has been married to his wife Renda for 42 years. They have six grown children and SIXTEEN grandchildren, with two more on the way."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Be Free, Be Great

Back to Nature's Laws

Back to the God of Nature

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Texas District 11 in 2020.

J. Ross Lacy

Image of J. Ross Lacy

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "J.Ross Lacy is a successful businessman, and former Midland City Councilman who has spent his life right here in Midland, TX. Lacy is a graduate of Lee High School and received his BBA in Finance from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, graduating Summa Cum Laude. J.Ross is the President at Lacy Oil Corp., Managing Partner of Lacy Capital, LLC, Managing Partner of CATI Well Service, LLC and Manager of Key Accounts for Cressman Tubular. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Midland and has served on numerous local and state boards. He also was awarded the 2016 John Ben Shepperd Pathfinder award, which honors a Texas leader under the age of 40. Lacy has seen firsthand how our booming oil and gas, aerospace, and ranching and agriculture industries play a central role in what makes TX-11 a unique, and a great place to live. J.Ross is proud to be a product of west Texas and will never stop fighting to preserve our way of life. As your Congressman, Lacy will be a tireless advocate for stricter immigration laws, and will be an ally for President Trump's America First agenda. Lacy's strong business background gives him the much needed ability to cut wasteful spending, and drain the swamp of unelected bureaucrats."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Stand with President Trump

Build the Wall

Drain the Swamp

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Texas District 11 in 2020.

August Pfluger

Image of August Pfluger

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Pfluger graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served for nearly two decades in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. In 2019, he joined President Trump's National Security Council. At the time of his 2020 campaign, he was pursuing a master's degree in international business and policy at Georgetown University.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Pfluger said that national security was his top priority. He supported building a wall to secure the Mexican border and dealing with ISIS, China, and Russia as foreign threats to the United States.

Pfluger said he supported the district's traditional economic avenues of agriculture and energy production.

Pfluger opposed abortion, and said he believed in protecting innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

Show sources

Sources: August Pfluger 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 11, 2020; August Pfluger 2020 campaign website, Experience, accessed February 11, 2020

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Texas District 11 in 2020.


Endorsements

This section lists endorsements issued in this election. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please email us.


Click on the links below to explore each candidate's full list of endorsements on their campaign websites:

Republican primary endorsements
Endorsement Berryhill Lacy Pfluger Virdell
Elected officials
President Donald Trump (R)[6] ✔
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)[7] ✔
U.S. Rep. Daniel Crenshaw (R-Texas)[8] ✔
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)[9] ✔
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)[10] ✔
U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.)[10] ✔
State Sen. Dawn Buckingham (R)[9] ✔
State Sen. Donna Campbell (R)[9] ✔
State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R)[9] ✔
State Sen. Charles Perry (R)[8] ✔
State Rep. Drew Darby (R)[8] ✔
State Rep. Andrew Murr (R)[8] ✔
Hood County Commissioner Dave Eagle[11] ✔
Granbury ISD Trustee Bob Swearingen[11] ✔
Individuals
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans (R)[12] ✔
Former state Rep. Tyron Lewis (R)[13] ✔
Organizations
House Freedom Fund[14] ✔
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assocation[8] ✔
Texas Farm Bureau[8] ✔
Texas Right to Life[14] ✔
Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Assocation[8] ✔
Texas Values Action[14] ✔
TEXIT Odessa[14] ✔
War Veterans Fund PAC[15] ✔
Young Conservatives of Texas[16] ✔

Campaign themes

See also: Campaign themes

The following campaign themes and policy positions were found on candidates' campaign websites. Any candidates not listed below did not have campaign themes published on a campaign website as of February 10, 2020.

Brandon Batch

Batch’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Securing Our Borders, Supporting Legal Immigration

For too long Congress has been frozen on border security, big ideas and speeches have led to few results as criminal enterprises continue to expand across the border. Brandon will support President Trump’s border wall and other practical border security legislation which secures the border and stops cartels in their tracks.

Brandon knows that legal immigration has been a great benefit to the United States. After securing the border we must dedicate ourselves to designing an immigration system that welcomes the best and brightest from around the world who are seeking a better life and who are ready to commit themselves to the service of our nation.

Strengthening Local Classrooms, Defending Rural Schools

When illness forced Brandon’s mother to move into a nursing home, he and his four siblings were left at home alone. As they struggled to make ends meet, they knew the one way forward was by continuing their education. Each morning, they trekked to the bus stop and took the hour long ride to school. They used the time, and light, on the bus to finish homework or read when the power had been shut off at home. Brandon and his siblings’ commitment to their education has led to success for their family and he wants to ensure that our schools can be that resource to our youth for generations to come.

Protecting The 2nd Amendment From The Liberal Threat

The 2nd Amendment is as fundamental to America as every other part of our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers believed that it was of the utmost importance that peaceable citizens have the right to keep firearms. Brandon will protect our rights and stand in the way of radicals seeking to criminalize responsible gun ownership.

Making Our School And Churches Safer

Schools were a safe haven for Brandon and his siblings growing up. When the power was off and food was scarce, school was a place that ensured a healthy learning environment and a full meal. Sadly, schools and churches have become targets for criminals with evil intentions. Brandon will support legislation to secure our places of worship and schools from those with evil intentions.

Stopping The Socialist Agenda

Radical socialists in Congress are all too eager to push through legislation that would decimate small businesses, upend American values, and bankrupt the country. Brandon will be your voice in Washington fighting to put a stop to the socialist agenda. He will fight to reduce regulation and encourage free markets and the innovation they foster.

Commitment To Cutting Taxes

As a small business owner Brandon knows how tight margins can be and the devastating effects a tax hike would have on our economy as a whole. In Washington, Brandon will work to reduce your tax burden so individuals have the financial freedom to live life the way they see fit.

Protecting Innocent Life

A strong Christian, Brandon is 100 percent pro-life and a steadfast believer in the sanctity of every life. In Congress, he will faithfully support right-to-life legislation. He is committed to passing the next big goal of the pro-life movement: a bill that will protect the lives of every unborn baby with a heartbeat. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Brandon will always stand up for all innocent life.

Putting America First, Holding China & Iran Accountable

Hostile, autocratic foreign powers and state-sponsored terrorist groups are working around the clock to destabilize American interests at home and abroad. In Washington, Brandon served as trusted policy advisor for then-Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul. From China and Iran, to North Korea, Brandon has engaged directly in the policy-making process that has helped keep America safe from her enemies.

His view is that we must be consistent and stand strong against terrorists and the nations that prop them up in order to protect American lives and the values we represent across the globe. Brandon will put his expertise to work for our families and ensure legislation that defeats terrorists in the Middle East and pushes back against rogue nations and their anti-democratic, destabilizing actions.

Growing Our Energy Industry

Born in Odessa and raised in Midland, Brandon works for a local energy producer and has seen first-hand the booming impact the industry has on our economy in West Texas. In fact, Texas is now the 10th largest economy in the world because of our oil and gas producers.

With growing instability in Venezuela and the Middle East, it is more critical than ever that we clear all roadblocks to our local energy industry’s growth so we can continue to thrive as a region and ensure American energy independence for generations to come. It is the only way to keep America in the driver’s seat and free from the threat of oil-rich nations like Iran. Brandon will fight against congressional overreach and unnecessary regulation that would hamper development and growth of our domestic energy industry.

Standing Up For Our Farmers And Ranchers

As a conservative policy expert working for Texas republicans in Washington, Brandon worked directly on policies that protect and strengthen our agriculture industries and trade relations. He knows that our great state of Texas is responsible for much of the food, fuel and fiber that keep American going. Brandon is fully committed to cutting intrusive red tape from the EPA and other federal agencies so our farmers, ranchers and ag producers who are feeding our economic boom can thrive.

Fighting For Low-Cost, High-Quality Health Care

Government mandates do nothing but restrict choice and drive up costs. Obamacare’s biggest accomplishment is destroying valuable doctor-patient relationships. Brandon knows we need to get healthcare back on track in America, and as such, we must repeal Obamacare and pass legislation that empowers individuals to make free choices on the best health coverage for their families. [17]

”
—Brandon Batch[18]


Jamie Berryhill

Berryhill’s campaign website stated the following:

“

BE FREE. BE GREAT.

Most appreciate the positive strides President Trump has made with our economy and the lowest unemployment in 50 years. These were accomplished because of his vast business experience and his gift or art of negotiation.

Jamie Berryhill has been conceiving, developing and operating businesses for 46 years. In the 80’s Jamie led a group in the procurement of a National Bank Charter.

He has 20 years concentration in restructure, negotiation, arbitration and reconciliation and 15 years in economic diversification.

In addition to Jamie’s business background he has invested the past 23 years as a conduit for restoring families, freeing women from drug enslavement, shame, guilt, condemnation and hopelessness. A part of the restoration comes through the work training centers, WOW & ZIP, Jamie has developed to bring the ladies the opportunity to learn marketable job skills. These businesses service many oilfield and construction clients throughout the Permian Basin.

Everything Jamie has accomplished has been through the development of an understanding and knowledge bank of the same Biblical truths that our founding fathers established this great nation upon.

Most would agree our nation is ill on many fronts and needs healing.

The same Word and Truths that our founding fathers acknowledged to establish this United States of America says “That if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Would you join with Jamie to see this land healed!!! [17]

”
—Jamie Berryhill[19]


J.D. Faircloth

Faircloth’s campaign website stated the following:

“

JD Faircloth knows what’s important to Texas families, and will take on the issues we care about most, including:

  • Reducing the national debt and balancing our budget
  • Protecting our 2nd Amendment rights
  • Opposing government-sponsored healthcare
  • Strengthening our borders and national security
  • Standing up for our conservative values

I am running for Congress because I believe the most serious long-term threat to our great prosperity is our sky-rocketing national debt fueled by our out-of-control deficit spending.

I believe it is imperative that we have a balanced budget, and as your Congressman, I will make it my top priority to make America financially sound again. [17]

”
—J.D. Faircloth[20]


Casey Gray

Gray’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Oil and Gas / Energy independence
The 11th District produces a majority of the energy for the United States right here in the Permian Basin and we see higher fuel prices than some of the other States that have nothing to do with energy production. Our hard work is being abused and it is time that we see some of that hard work returned to the very district that it comes from.

I would propose through legislation that 10% of the sales of all oil and gas production stay in the district where it is produced so that the Constituents can see an improvement in their daily lives and have a return on the energy we proudly produce right here in the great state of Texas.

Agriculture
Agriculture is a major issue in the State of Texas and the 11th district. Currently Hemp and Marijuana are on the cusp of being legalized. Hemp was legalized Federally through the 2018 farm bill and Marijuana is close behind.

I propose through legislation that we will deschedule Marijuana and make it legally available to be used as a medication nationwide. Through legalization we will provide Veterans and other critically ill patients the opportunity to see the benefits and have an alternative to deadly opiates.

I have personal experience with the negative effects of opiates after my helicopter crash and I have seen friends die from accidental overdoses. I believe that someone with experience and personal knowledge is important to have in this situation.

Furthermore I believe that the taxes acquired through legalization should be designated to eliminate property tax for senior citizens. We sell the American Dream of being able to be a stakeholder in America and own a piece of this great Country, however we tax the owners until their death and they never truly own the property. When senior citizens reach retirement age they, more often than not, cannot afford to continue to pay their property taxes and continue to survive. We literally MUST stop taxing people to their deaths.

Border Security
I am the only candidate that is a physical security specialist. I have worked on the diplomatic missions in Israel for the United States Department of State. During this time I traveled through the wall protecting Israel on a daily basis in an armored vehicle using my diplomatic passport to make passage. The wall in Israel works and it protects the States people and assets and gives them an opportunity to live out their lives with a level of safety that they otherwise would not be afforded.

WALLS WORK.

We are the only Country in the world that awards people for breaking our laws and illegally entering a nations sovereign territory. Democrats want to keep you in harms way although I can guarantee you that every single one of them live behind a wall that keeps unwanted people out and gives them a sense of security that they want to deprive you of.

I believe we need to provide our Federal Agents with the latitude to protect out borders while fully funding the wall and fully funding their operations. Once we have secured the wall and get reports back from the men and women protecting the border that we are secure, we will reduce the budget while keeping it at a level that is appropriate.

Immigration Reform
I propose that we reform immigration and start a guest worker system that will provide immigrants an opportunity to fast track their immigration status through a system that will track their contributions to society.

This system will include an e-verification system that business owners will be required to fund to get the workers to the desired location. The workers will scan their government provided ID card at the border, then again within 24 hrs at their place of employment. They will have taxes taken from their checks by their employer, thus contributing to society. Once a threshold is met, such as $10,000 in taxes paid, they will be provided a fast track to a green card and an opportunity to immediately become a Citizen. This will give us the most motivated people and give the hard chargers that truly want and need to be here the gift that they need. It will be a hand up, not a hand out.

When I was 17 the US Military and the great people of the United States gave me an opportunity to prove my commitment to this Country and be provided employment and an opportunity to succeed. I took that opportunity and ran with it. I became a member of the Military and I excelled. I worked hard and I achieved my goals through hard work and a hand up, their were no hand outs provided to me and I do not believe we should be provided that to anyone without a chance to show us why they want to be a Citizen.

2nd Amendment issues
I am a NRA instructor with almost all of the instructor certifications that are possible, I am a chief range safety officer and a Naval Special Warfare Chief Range Safety Officer.

I strongly believe in the 2nd amendment and will not allow ANYTHING to compromise that.

I believe that red flag laws are unconstitutional and should be immediately repealed. We have a something called due process here in the United States and I will not allow ANY process that takes that away.

I am strong supporter of repealing the NFA.

I am also a supporter of the hearing protection act.

I support a national constitutional carry bill that would allow for concealed or open carry for all Citizens of the United States. I will not approve of any bill that attempts to cause a registration of guns or guns owners.

Redistricting
We in the 11th district cannot allow redistricting to split Odessa and Midland. WE are one and if it is up to me I will keep it that way.

Constituent Contact
I will gladly sign an MOU (memorandum of understanding) or LOI (letter of intent) with any group or any individual Constituent to hold me accountable on campaign promises.

I have developed a smart phone application that will use VUID number to verify that each constituent is validated to be a district Constituent, this app will be used to poll the district on ANY AND ALL legislation / co-sponsorship / resolutions prior to being voted upon. I will guarantee that ALL information on these bills will be provided in advance. I will take these polling numbers and I will vote based on what the majority of the Constituents direct me to do.

On the application on the Constituents smart phone / tablet there will be a PDF that can be accessed and read. Once the PDF is completely read, the Constituent will have an option to vote YEA or NAY. This will populate Congressman Grays cellular phone and he will be able to see the number of Constituents voting and what their preference is. He will then vote on behalf of the Constituents wishes. Immediately upon voting the Constituents will receive a notification of how the Congressman voted and a graph showing how he has historically voted. The application will have a direct access messaging system to the Congressman so that he can immediately interact with the Constituent.

With this unique app you will have direct contact with me, your elected representative. You will read and vote on every proposed bill, every co-sponsor vote and every current event I am involved in.

I will be accountable.

Furthermore I will not politically appoint ANY person to my staff. I will make proposals that the individual Counties will nominate and vote on ALL staff. I will also allow the Constituents to decided where the district office will be located. The plan will be to not use brick and mortar but to utilize current Republican Party HQ buildings and save the TAXPAYER money. This plan will allow for all Counties to have a voice and a representative of their choosing in my office. I will not dismiss any County employees without the consent of the voters in said County.

I will have an open door policy at all times, anytime a Constituent wants to see me, they will have access, provided I am in the available area.

I will also work 365 days a year. I will be in the district taking notes and meetings when not in DC. I have heard other candidates speak of coming back to district twice a year, that is laughable. They should be here at minimum twice a month and be available to the people at all times that they are being paid by the taxpayer.

Term Limits
I strongly feel that the United States Congress (House and Senate) should have two terms of four year that will be off set. Half of the House will be up for election at one time and half the Senate so that we never have a complete turn over. I believe that there should also be a moratorium placed on going from House to Senate and vice verse. There should be a required 4 year gap between service in each and that they are capped in each chamber at the end of term .

Tax Reform
There are 443 regulatory agencies according to USA.gov as of 2016. These regulatory agencies require funding which drives up the average amount that a taxpayer pays and the overall national debt comes close to $183,000 per taxpayer and $68,400 per citizen as per the foundation of economic education. We simply cannot continue this trend of spending money that we have no realistic way to pay for. I would suggest that we get back to our Conservative roots and start deregulating and dissolving federal agencies. Many of them are redundant and technically there is no authorization for them to even exist. One such agency is the Department of Education. The DOE should be abolished and the power returned back to the States as it is a States rights issue and not something that the federal government should be involved in.

I often say that the closest thing that we have to everlasting life is the establishment of a federal government agency, because once they are established they never go away.

Keeping in mind that following the path of deregulating and abolishing these agencies would save hundreds of billions of dollars per year we also need to get back to the basics and get rid of the 6,550 pages of tax code that gets into the millions of words that are near indecipherable by the average citizen.

There are several ways to do such a thing and one that I think is easy is to get back to the basics. A simplified tax code for businesses and the average joe.

Health Insurance
The first step with be pushing a vote to end the “UNAFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE ACT” that Obama unconstitutionally pushed down our throats. Once we have removed it then we have a gap to fill. I will list several things to fix the system.

  • Allow interstate competition of insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Allow Capitalism to do its work and set it free.
  • Mandate that all doctors and hospitals have set fees and an estimate of care prior to admitting, just as a mechanic on a car is required to do. No more bureaucracy fueling health care and bloating the bills.
  • Reduce medicaid by removing all “illegal” immigrants from the roles.
  • Add rules to receiving government funded healthcare such as drug testing, work requirements and if the people are unable to work then they are required to do some type of public volunteer service to cover the cost. I.E.: able body individuals can clean streets, pickup trash, volunteer in public education programs, Veterans centers, work with at risk children. We have to end the belief that everything is free, because it is not.
  • “When the people find that they can vote themselves free money, that will herald the end of the Republic.” -Ben Franklin
  • Allow competition of pharmaceuticals from outside the United States, this will drastically lower costs and prevent situations such as the “PHARMA BRO” scenario from occurring

Descheduling of Marijuana
In 2018 the Farm Bill passed by Congressman Conaway legalized Hemp across the United States. This pushed for the Texas to push bills through to allow the immediate growth of HEMP and we are currently in the final phases of licensing.

This will have a large scale effect upon the economy is a great opportunity to catch some of the tax money and save the taxpayer millions of dollars in the short term future. I have several proposals for legislation to get that moving in the right direction.

  • Federally legislate and turn over all regulation of the Marijuana/ Hemp industry to the individual states. I believe that it is a States rights issue and the citizens of the states should be addressing the concerns and not the Federal Government.
  • In the legislation I would draft a very specific set of rules so that the captured tax funds at the Federal level would be returned to the states in the form of a trust fund that is designed to do three things
  • Eliminate the private property taxes of all social security aged individuals. The municipalities would then send vouchers for all qualified residents to the state and the state would issue a yearly check to cover these amounts.
  • After the states have paid all vouchers then the remaining money with be on a zero-based budget and at the end of the year the ENTIRE balance is returned to the taxpayer in the form of a TAX RETURN check that is divided up into all citizens that paid taxes in the previous 2 years withing the state. This would be considered to be a Co-op and would benefit the Taxpayer and the Economy.

Government Bailouts
I personally do not believe that the Government should be in the business of bailouts. We are a Country that was founded on capitalism and one of a free market. The great thing is that you as a voter get to vote with your money and you select to use it as you see fit. If you love a business, then you should support it by spending your hard earned money there. If there is ever a time and need for the Government to bail out a large business then the taxpayer should be heavily compensated on returns that benefit the taxpayer and not the politicians. This is why I am against lobby money, these large businesses fund Politicians and then the Politicians protect them. Its a quid pro quo issue and shouldn’t be legal.

Farm Bill
The farm bill has been a dangerous issue of having to kneel down to the demands of Democrats because they have pandered to the voter by giving them free items such as SNAP/Welfare benefits. Part of these issues lie in the fact that while Congressman Conaway had the best of intentions on passing some really great reforms, at the end of the day he caved to their demands and now we are stuck with a bill that has over $750 billion dollars in welfare (over 75% of the bill) with the means tested income requirement removed. This should be a huge scare to the taxpayer.

We need to get back to singe issue legislative issues and let the farm bill be the farm bill only. If there is a need for welfare it should be addressed on its own proposed legislative issue.

Pro Life
I am 100% unapologetically pro life and will never change my stance on this. I believe life starts at conception and there will never be an excuse to murder a baby. Make no mistake, abortion is murder. [17]

”
—Casey Gray[21]


J. Ross Lacy

Lacy’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Promote Energy Independence

I’m the only oil & gas businessman in this race, and District 11 needs a strong fighter who can passionately advocate for our interests in DC. As your Representative in Congress, I pledge that I will always stand up to fight for American energy independence -- with the Permian Basin as the driving force.

Secure the Border & Build the Wall

President Trump is right, there is a crisis at our Southern border. Drugs and crime are flooding in to our country, and we need to do everything in our power to stop it. I completely support building the wall, and I will work to put an end to dangerous sanctuary cities once and for all.

Cut Taxes & Reduce Spending

As a business owner, I’ve spent my entire professional career working to optimize my company’s bottom line. As such, I can say for sure that our country doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. I will work to cut spending, ensuring that Texans can keep more of their hard-earned paycheck.

Stand with President Trump

I am proud to stand with President Trump. Since he took office, unemployment is down, there is strong leadership in the White House again, and America is respected on the world stage. His impressive record speaks for itself, and I am looking forward to helping him win re-election in 2020.

Defend the 2nd Amendment

I am a proud constitutional conservative who understands our right to bear arms is absolutely essential. When Robert Francis O'Rourke says "hell yes, we are going to take ​your AR-15," I say "hell no, you're not!" I use my rifles for self-defense and to control the feral hogs on my ranch. In Congress, I will hold the line against radical gun-grabbing socialists and fight to restore our God-given right to keep and bear arms.

Protect the Unborn

I am staunchly pro-life, without exceptions, and believe life begins at conception. The greatest tragedy in this country is the 60 million babies aborted since Roe v. Wade. I pray and work for the day when the sanctity of every human life is protected. As your Congressman, I will do everything in my power to fight for those most needing of protection, because every life is a blessing from God. [17]

”
—J. Ross Lacy[22]

Ned Luscombe

Luscombe’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Limited Federal Government

  • National Debt—Our national debt is out of control. Fiscal responsibility needs to be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington. Unnecessary federal spending needs to be addressed aggressively in wasteful and ineffective agencies.
  • Violation of 10th Amendment—The federal government has been violating the 10th amendment by trampling on states rights. State governments need to be empowered to solve their own problems, rather than relying on a big federal government.

Trade & Economy

  • Comprehensive Trade—I support a comprehensive trade policy with China that works to put an end to the creeping power and influence they are gaining in the global economy. The U.S. should work unilaterally with allies to collectively renegotiate trade deals with China that protect American interests.
  • War on Poverty—The war on poverty has had a negative impact on the most vulnerable communities. Welfare programs have destroyed the family structure by incentivizing single parent households.
  • Welfare Drug Testing—I support a mandate for drug testing for recipient to receive welfare benefits and keep them. Able bodied individuals should not be on safety net programs for life.
  • Oppose Minimum Wage—I oppose raising the minimum wage as it will have severe unintended consequences for entry level workers as well as the small business owners.

Healthcare

  • Reasonable Drug Pricing
  • Repeal and replancement of Affordable Care Act

Pro-Life

  • Life Begins at Conception—Life begins at conception, and I believe we must support policies that reduce the number of abortions to protect life.
  • No Subsidies—Tax money should not subsidize abortions.

Pro-2nd Amendment

  • Protection Against Tyranny—The 2nd amendment protects the citizens from a tyrannical government. Any modification of the 2nd amendment requires the constitutional amendment process.
  • No Restrictions—I oppose measures to restrict access to the 2nd amendment.

Big Tech & Automation

  • Keep Labor Industries in the USA—This is an Feature List Item that is part of an Feature List. Notice the connector between the three graphics to show that they are related.
  • Focus on Overall Job Growth—This is an Feature List Item that is part of an Feature List. Notice the connector between the three graphics to show that they are related.

Military & Defense

  • We Are Not the World Police
  • Need a Strong Defense to Deter Aggression Towards the US

Immigration

  • Building the Wall
  • Improving E-Verify
  • Legal Immigration Based on Merit
  • No Birthright Citizenship

Education

  • Degree Plans—Degree plans that have to show a return of income compared to school expenses
  • Federal Mandates—Eliminate unfunded federal mandates
  • Free Speech on Campus—No support to schools who limit free speech

[17]

”
—Ned Luscombe[23]

August Pfluger

Pfluger’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Defending Our National Security
As a 20-year combat veteran and national security advisor to President Donald Trump, I’ve spent my entire career fighting to keep our country safe. As our next U.S. Congressman, I’ll keep up the fight against foreign threats like ISIS, China, and Russia.

Securing The Border
I support President Trump’s vision for securing America and believe we must secure our southern border to protect our citizens from dangerous drug cartels, human traffickers, and illegal immigrants.

Protecting Our Rural Values & Agriculture
As a seventh generation Texan, my family has worked the farms and ranches of this area for almost 170 years. As your voice in Congress, I’ll stand up for our farmers and ranchers and defend the traditional rural values that make Texas so exceptional.

Promoting Energy Independence
I’m proud to support the hard-working oil and gas producers that keep our Texas economy strong. In Washington, I’ll fight back against the oil-hating liberals and work to secure total energy independence for our country.

Preserving Our God-Given Rights
I will defend the Second Amendment and support the right of all law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for the protection of themselves and their families.

Defending Life & Traditional Values
I believe in promoting a culture of life that honors all innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I will fight to protect the rights of Christians and other religious groups to practice their faith freely and without government interference. [17]

”
—August Pfluger[24]

Robert Tucker

Tucker’s campaign website stated the following:

“

We have a Constitutional Representative Republic. What this means is I am to represent you and your beliefs. I will not represent any lobbyists, any other politician that wants to endorse me and thinks I owe them a favor, or anyone outside of the District. I will be a citizen legislator of the people, by the people, and for the people, not a politician.

Constitution

I believe in the Constitution, its Amendments, and the Original Context they were written in. I will defend it from those who want to destroy it and our Republic. The Tenth Amendment states that the powers not delegated to the US by the Constitution should be reserved for the States or to the people. I believe this should be strictly enforced for every law that is on the books right now and the future bills. I believe the Federal Government needs out of our lives and I want to go to Washington DC to make sure that it does. I want to ensure the States get their rights back according to Tenth Amendment.

Education

I support Public Schools, Teachers, and the Administrators. I believe in paying them a living wage while reducing the Tax Burden from the Local Property Tax and increasing the State burden for School funding. The States should fund and protects its own system including the teachers and the administrators. The Federal Government’s role in Education should be eliminated. The State should provide funding and the guidelines for the local schools to teach.

Farmers and Ranchers

I believe in order to keep affordable food on the tables of our families, Texas farmers and ranchers should be protected from the regulatory overreach of the Federal Government. The Farm Bill only helps about 10% of the small farmers and the most of the money helps the SNAP program. These Farmers and Ranchers should be able to use their land without Federal Regulations that limit the use. They should be able to hand down the property from generation to generation without any Taxes.

Immigration

I believe the Wall needs to be built along with Electronic Surveillance and an adjacent Road used by the Border Patrol. We need to close our border in order to stop drugs, human trafficking, and illegal crossings coming over the Border, which are criminal acts. These criminals need not be in our country. I will enforce the Laws on the books right now. I am not for having Sanctuary cities or any public benefits going to illegals. I agree with President Trump there should be only a Merit based Immigration done with vetting. I am looking at 1 year renewable farm worker visa. I will be holding employers criminally and civilly responsible for hiring illegal aliens.

Less Federal Government

I believe in more Local Governance at the State and Local levels. There should be less Federal Government as stated in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. We don’t want the Federal Government in every area of our lives. And they don’t need to be! All of what the Federal Government is trying to legislate outside of the Constitution belongs to the States and the People. Send someone to Washington DC to get the Federal Government out of our lives.

Federal Debt

We need to get rid of the 456 regulatory agencies that Congress only oversees. Once most of these regulatory agencies functions are transferred to the States it will free up money in the Federal Budget. A Balanced Budget Amendment must be made to the Constitution, that forces the Congress to balance their budget.

God Given Rights

We are given Certain Rights from God that no man or government should be able to override. Those are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The Framers of the Constitution believed this. That’s why they framed the Constitution as it is written. I will defend it with every fiber of my being and with my faith in God. This is why I am running! To save what the Framers intended in the Constitution and to bring America back in alignment with God’s Laws and Principles.

Business

I believe in promoting all small businesses, with pro-business legislation and the reduction of unnecessary regulations from the Federal Government. They have no right to tell the Mom and Pop cornerstore what to do, when this right belongs to the State and Local Governments.

Energy Production

I believe in order to maintain our strong economic position in the future, United States should utilize its domestic oil and natural gas resources; especially these resources in our District within the Permian Basin. Therefore the economy in the west end of the District should be protected so they can be prosperous. But to be ahead of the World economy, we should work on different technologies for energy production in the private sector..

Social Media

All Social Media should remain as free market companies. Let each of them figure out how to protect free speech. Because of this free market system, we can move to any social media platform. This is what America is all about! We can do what we want within reason and within our laws. Why do we want to change it? We don’t want government in each area of our lives!

Healthcare

We should repeal ObamaCare immediately. It has only been a disaster for the middle class. No Government regulations should be in the healthcare system. This is a private sector issue. I would allow health insurance to be bought across State lines. I would go after Pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices; medicines are higher in America than anywhere else in the world. There should be upfront pricing for all Medical procedures; this produces competitive marketing. I would allow the citizens create their own affordable health savings account with either a bank or insurance company.

Transparency

I believe in more transparency in the Federal Government with term limits. The Senators should have two 6 year terms equaling 12 years. I believe the House should be four 2 year terms but can understand having up to six terms thus being equal to the same number of years as the Senators. I believe in reducing the lobbyist and making sure the Representatives and Senators focus is in his or her District. I would keep in contact with the constituents of District 11 by several ways. I would keep most of the offices open that Mike Conaway has now. I would have town halls at least twice a year in each county. I would implement a phone-in town hall. I would continue to do FaceBook. I would have a website that would state what I voted for and why, with a place where a constituent could leave comments. I pray the constituents would let me know what they want on each bill I am looking at. I pray they would give me their voice and I will take their boots to Washington DC.

Protecting America: Foreign and Domestic Threats

I will protect America against all attacks whether they are foreign or domestic. This is the oath I vowed when I joined the Air Force and worked with the DoD. The foreign threats are Iran, Russia, and China. I will support President Trump’s work with these three countries. The domestic threats are from the Democrats and Rhinos who want to take our rights away especially the Second Amendment — the right to bear arms.

President Donald J Trump

Yes I support President Trump. He is the best President America has ever had. He has done most of what he has promised he would do – DESPITE the Democrats blocking EVERYTHING he has been trying to do. Why not send someone who is like Trump to help him finish the job? I am that man. I am NOT a politician. I am a former businessman like Trump. I am a Christian and a pastor. I will do what God tells me to do and not what the Swamp wants me to do.

Send a godly man to Washington to drain the Swamp!

[17]

”
—Robert Tucker[25]


Wesley Virdell

Virdell’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Abortion

Wes does not support any form of abortion. A child does not deserve to be punished for the choices of the father or mother. All lives are important and should be treated as such.

2nd Amendment

Wes is 100% against any form of gun control. The 2nd Amendment is a restriction on the federal government and not a restriction on the citizen. We need to make sure we do not elect/re-elect any person that does not understand this. If you give the government one inch, they will take a mile.

Healthcare

Wes wants to see the federal government removed from our healthcare. Obamacare, also known as the unaffordable care act, is financially unaffordable for working class citizens. The federal government's involvement before Obamacare made medical expenses high and Obamacare multiplied the problem. Wes knows that the federal government has no constitutional authority to interject itself into healthcare. Healthcare should be between a citizen and a provider. Anytime the government tries to manipulate the market with good intentions, that make it worse.

Border Control

Wes knows we need to fund the construction of a strong border wall. Wes wants to see the catch and release program terminated. Any person that crosses the border illegally should be charged with criminal trespassing and immediately deported. If a person proves they cannot follow our most basic laws, they should lose the right to apply for citizenship.

Less Government

Wes believes we are supposed to have a limited federal republican form of government. We are not supposed to have a nationalist government that infringes on the rights of states to govern themselves. Wes wants to see the federal government operate within the boundaries set by the Constitution.

Taxation

Wes believes we are over taxed and immorally taxed. He wants to see the 16thAmendment (income tax) repealed and Jeffersonian taxation principles restored. Our government has abused its authority to tax the citizens and it needs to be held accountable.

Military

Wes knows we are not supposed to be the world police. If our government really cares about our troops, we would quit sending them to endless wars with no stated goal. Wes knows that all empires have fallen when they stretched themselves too thin across the world. We must have a strong military and we must make sure that we are utilizing our troops in the best way possible for the sake of our country.

Proper Representation

Wes wants to make sure we have proper Republican representation for District 11. He does not want to see another moderate Republican Congressman vote away our liberties and money. Wes will represent one of the most conservative districts in the country with real conservative values. [17]

”
—Wesley Virdell[26]


Campaign advertisements

This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.

Brandon Batch

"Problem Solver" - Batch campaign ad, released February 7, 2020


Jamie Berryhill

"Jamie Berryhill for Congress" - Berryhill campaign ad, released February 11, 2020


J. Ross Lacy

"Won't Apologize" - Lacy campaign ad, released November 21, 2019


August Pfluger

"Keep America Great!" - Pfluger campaign ad, released February 14, 2020
"Stand With Trump" - Pfluger campaign ad, released February 10, 2020
"Our Conservative and Rural Values" - Pfluger campaign ad, released January 7, 2020
"Military Service" - Pfluger campaign ad, released October 1, 2019
"Our TX-11 Community" - Pfluger campaign ad, released October 1, 2019


Satellite group ads

Supporting Pfluger

"Serve" - With Honor Fund ad, released February 4, 2020

Supporting Lacy


Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

If you are aware of polls conducted in this race, please email us.

Campaign finance

The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Gene Barber Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Brandon Batch Republican Party $235,493 $234,394 $1,099 As of December 31, 2020
Jamie Berryhill Republican Party $107,111 $73,773 $33,338 As of February 12, 2020
J.D. Faircloth Republican Party $130,495 $130,495 $0 As of March 31, 2020
Casey Gray Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
J. Ross Lacy Republican Party $283,799 $283,799 $0 As of March 31, 2020
Ned Luscombe Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
August Pfluger Republican Party $2,598,806 $2,004,400 $594,406 As of December 31, 2020
Robert Tucker Republican Party $666 $626 $910 As of March 31, 2020
Wesley Virdell Republican Party $27,017 $26,085 $1,022 As of June 9, 2020

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2020. 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, commonly referred to as outside 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.[27][28][29]

This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.

Debates and forums

January 22, 2020

All 10 candidates attended a forum hosted by the Hood County Republican Club at Brazos Covenant Ministries in Granbury. Topics discussed included red flag laws, immigration, healthcare, and the economy. Candidates were also asked whether they intended to join the House Freedom Caucus if elected. To read a summary of the forum from The Texan, click here.

Primaries in Texas

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Texas utilizes an open primary system. Voters do not have to register with a party in advance in order to participate in that party's primary. The voter must sign a pledge stating the following (the language below is taken directly from state statutes)[32]

“ The following pledge shall be placed on the primary election ballot above the listing of candidates' names: 'I am a (insert appropriate political party) and understand that I am ineligible to vote or participate in another political party's primary election or convention during this voting year.'[17] ”

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Runoff elections in Texas

In Texas, a primary election candidate for congressional, state, or county office must receive a majority of the vote (more than 50%) to be declared the winner. If no candidate wins the requisite majority, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters.[33]

As of 2020, the Texas Secretary of State office stated, "There is no requirement to have previously voted in the general primary election in order to participate in the subsequent primary runoff election. Therefore, if a qualified voter did not vote in the general primary election, they are still eligible to vote in the primary runoff election." The office also stated that "if a voter votes in the primary of one party, they will only be able to vote in that party’s primary runoff election. ... After being affiliated with a party, a voter is not able to change or cancel their party affiliation until the end of the calendar year."[34]


Campaign tactics and strategies

Comments on With Honor Fund spending and Trump endorsement

On February 18, 2020, six candidates (Barber, Batch, Berryhill, Gray, Tucker, and Virdell) held a press conference following President Donald Trump's endorsement of Pfluger and reports of $214,000 in ad spending from satellite group With Honor Fund in support of Pfluger. The candidates signed a pledge saying:[35]

“ We pledge not to knowingly take money nor receive support from individuals or groups that do not hold to the conservative, Constitutional and Judeo-Christian values of our District – specifically groups supported by radical liberal activists such as Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg or George Soros.[17] ”

The candidates also questioned the authenticity of the endorsement tweet. "There’s questions about ‘is he actually the one who’s actually sending tweets out?’ There’s been evidence before that he’s not the one who sends the tweets out," Virdell said.[36]

Pfluger released a statement in response to the press conference. He said:[35]

“ To suggest that Donald Trump is either too weak or too stupid to make his own endorsements is insulting and offensive. The fact is, I’m proud of the conservative, and completely positive, grassroots campaign we’ve run focused on the issues that the voters of this district care about.[17] ”

Lacy, Luscombe, and Faircloth did not attend the press conference but said they agreed with the other candidates and would sign the pledge at a later date.[35][37]

What was at stake in the general election?

See also: Texas' 11th Congressional District election, 2020

U.S. House elections were held on November 3, 2020, and coincided with the 2020 presidential election. All 435 House districts were up for election, and the results determined control of the U.S. House in the 117th Congress.

At the time of the election, Democrats had a 232-197 advantage over Republicans. There was one Libertarian member, and there were five vacancies. Republicans needed to gain a net 21 seats to win control of the House. Democrats needed to gain seats or lose fewer than 14 net seats to keep their majority.

In the 2018 midterm election, Democrats had a net gain of 40 seats, winning a 235-200 majority in the House. Heading into the 2018 election, Republicans had a 235-193 majority with seven vacancies.

In the 25 previous House elections that coincided with a presidential election, the president's party had gained House seats in 16 elections and lost seats in nine. In years where the president's party won districts, the average gain was 18. In years where the president's party lost districts, the average loss was 27. Click here for more information on presidential partisanship and down-ballot outcomes.


General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[38]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[39][40][41]

Race ratings: Texas' 11th Congressional District election, 2020
Race trackerRace ratings
November 3, 2020October 27, 2020October 20, 2020October 13, 2020
The Cook Political ReportSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every week throughout the election season.

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+32, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 32 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Texas' 11th Congressional District the second most Republican nationally.[42]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 1.03. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 1.03 points toward that party.[43]

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

One of 254 Texas counties—0.4 percent—is a Pivot County. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
Jefferson County, Texas 0.48% 1.61% 2.25%

In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won Texas with 52.2 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 43.2 percent. In presidential elections between 1900 and 2016, Texas cast votes for the winning presidential candidate 66.7 percent of the time. In that same time frame, Texas supported Democratic candidates slightly more often than Republicans, 53.3 to 46.7 percent. The state, however, favored Republicans in every presidential election between 2000 and 2016.

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Texas. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[44][45]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 54 out of 150 state House districts in Texas with an average margin of victory of 37.4 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 65 out of 150 state House districts in Texas with an average margin of victory of 36.4 points. Clinton won 10 districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 96 out of 150 state House districts in Texas with an average margin of victory of 36.2 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 85 out of 150 state House districts in Texas with an average margin of victory of 34.5 points.


District election history

2018

See also: Texas' 11th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 11

Incumbent Mike Conaway defeated Jennie Lou Leeder and Rhett Rosenquest Smith in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 11 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Mike Conaway
Mike Conaway (R)
 
80.1
 
176,603
Image of Jennie Lou Leeder
Jennie Lou Leeder (D)
 
18.4
 
40,631
Image of Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Rhett Rosenquest Smith (L)
 
1.4
 
3,143

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 220,377
Candidate Connection = 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 11

Jennie Lou Leeder defeated Eric Pfalzgraf in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 11 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Jennie Lou Leeder
Jennie Lou Leeder
 
82.7
 
7,246
Image of Eric Pfalzgraf
Eric Pfalzgraf
 
17.3
 
1,520

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

Total votes: 8,766
Candidate Connection = 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 11

Incumbent Mike Conaway defeated Paul Myers in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 11 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Mike Conaway
Mike Conaway
 
82.8
 
62,593
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Paul Myers
 
17.2
 
12,960

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 75,553
Candidate Connection = 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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2016

See also: Texas' 11th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Mike Conaway (R) defeated Nicholas Landholt (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Conaway ran unopposed in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016.[46][47]

U.S. House, Texas District 11 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMike Conaway Incumbent 89.5% 201,871
     Libertarian Nicholas Landholt 10.5% 23,677
Total Votes 225,548
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014

See also: Texas' 11th Congressional District elections, 2014

The 11th Congressional District of Texas held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Mike Conaway (Texas) (R) defeated Ryan Lange (L) in the general election.

U.S. House, Texas District 11 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMike Conaway Incumbent 90.3% 107,939
     Libertarian Ryan Lange 9.7% 11,635
Total Votes 119,574
Source: Texas Secretary of State

State profile

See also: Texas and Texas elections, 2019
USA Texas location map.svg

Partisan data

The information in this section was current as of January 22, 2020

Presidential voting pattern

  • Texas voted Republican in all seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.

Congressional delegation

State executives

State legislature

Texas Party Control: 1992-2025
Three years of Democratic trifectas  •  Twenty-three years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Senate D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
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Texas quick stats
  • Became a state in 1845
  • 28th state admitted to the United States
  • Texas was an independent republic from 1836 to 1845
  • Members of the Texas State Senate: 31
  • Members of the Texas House of Representatives: 150
  • U.S. senators: 2
  • U.S. representatives: 36
More Texas coverage on Ballotpedia:


Demographic data for Texas
 TexasU.S.
Total population:27,429,639316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):261,2323,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:74.9%73.6%
Black/African American:11.9%12.6%
Asian:4.2%5.1%
Native American:0.5%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.1%0.2%
Two or more:2.5%3%
Hispanic/Latino:38.4%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:81.9%86.7%
College graduation rate:27.6%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$53,207$53,889
Persons below poverty level:19.9%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Texas.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Pew Research Center, "What is the House Freedom Caucus, and who’s in it?" October 20, 2015
  2. ↑ Texas Scorecard, "Congressional District 11 Candidate Interview: Jamie Berryhill," February 8, 2020
  3. ↑ Texas Scorecard, "Congressional District 11 Candidate Interview: J. Ross Lacy," February 4, 2020
  4. ↑ The Texan, "West Texas Republicans Vie for Congressional Nomination at Granbury Forum," January 22, 2020
  5. ↑ Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
  6. ↑ The Texas Tribune, "Trump endorses in three competitive Texas congressional primaries," February 12, 2020
  7. ↑ Twitter, "Patrick Svitek on February 18, 2020," accessed February 19, 2020
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 August Pfluger 2020 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed February 10, 2020
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 J. Ross Lacy 2020 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed February 10, 2020
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Texas Scorecard, "Trump, Freedom Caucus Issue Conflicting Endorsements in West Texas Race," February 13, 2020
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Facebook, "Nathan Criswell on February 16, 2020," accessed February 20, 2020
  12. ↑ OA Online, "ENDORSEMENT: Evans endorses Pfluger," February 3, 2020
  13. ↑ Twitter, "J. Ross Lacy on February 3, 2020," accessed February 10, 2020
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Jamie Berryhill 2020 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed February 10, 2020
  15. ↑ OA Online, "War Veterans PAC endorses Pfluger," January 21, 2020
  16. ↑ OA Online, "Young Conservatives of Texas endorses Lacy for Congress," February 12, 2020
  17. ↑ 17.00 17.01 17.02 17.03 17.04 17.05 17.06 17.07 17.08 17.09 17.10 17.11 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  18. ↑ Brandon Batch's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  19. ↑ Jamie Berryhill's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  20. ↑ J.D. Faircloth's 2020 campaign website, “Home,” accessed February 10, 2020
  21. ↑ Casey Gray's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  22. ↑ J. Ross Lacy's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  23. ↑ Ned Luscombe's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  24. ↑ August Pfluger's 2020 campaign website, “Issues,” accessed February 10, 2020
  25. ↑ Robert Tucker's 2020 campaign website, “Political Views,” accessed February 10, 2020
  26. ↑ Wesley Virdell's 2020 campaign website, “Home,” accessed February 10, 2020
  27. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
  28. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
  29. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
  30. ↑ Twitter, "Patrick Svitek on February 18, 2020," accessed February 19, 2020
  31. ↑ Twitter, "Patrick Svitek on February 5, 2020," accessed February 10, 2020
  32. ↑ Texas Statutes, "Section 172.086," accessed October 7, 2024
  33. ↑ Texas Legislature, "Chapter 172. Primary Elections," accessed July 10, 2020
  34. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Election Advisory No. 2020-05," February 11, 2020
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Your Basin, " Congressional District 11 candidates hold 'urgent' press conference regarding Pfluger’s campaign," February 18, 2020
  36. ↑ Midland Reporter-Telegram, "Congressional candidates target Pfluger for association with PAC," February 18, 2020
  37. ↑ Midland Reporter-Telegram, "Lacy says he will sign pledge against ‘swamp’ funding," February 19, 2020
  38. ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  39. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  40. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  41. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  42. ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  43. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
  44. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  45. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017
  46. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed December 15, 2015
  47. ↑ The New York Times, "Texas Primary Results," March 1, 2016


Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress
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Al Green (D)
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Chip Roy (R)
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Republican Party (27)
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