Trent Sutton

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Trent Sutton

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Texas A&M, 2017

Graduate

The Bush School of Government and Public Service, 2019

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Trent Sutton (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 17th Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on March 3, 2020.

Sutton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Trent Sutton served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years. He received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M in 2017 and an advanced degree from The Bush School of Government and Public Service in 2019.

Elections

2020

See also: Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2020

Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 17th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 17

Pete Sessions defeated Rick Kennedy and Ted Brown in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 17 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pete Sessions (R)	55.9	171,390
		Rick Kennedy (D)	40.9	125,565
		Ted Brown (L)	3.2	9,918

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 306,873
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 17

Rick Kennedy defeated David Jaramillo in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 17 on July 14, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rick Kennedy	57.3	13,496
		David Jaramillo	42.7	10,054

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,550 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= 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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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 17

Pete Sessions defeated Renee Swann in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 17 on July 14, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pete Sessions	53.5	18,524
		Renee Swann	46.5	16,096

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 34,620 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= 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 17

Rick Kennedy and David Jaramillo advanced to a runoff. They defeated William Foster III in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 17 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Rick Kennedy	47.9	22,148
✔		David Jaramillo	35.0	16,170
		William Foster III	17.1	7,887

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 46,205
= 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 17

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 17 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Pete Sessions	31.6	21,667
✔		Renee Swann	19.0	13,047
		George Hindman	18.1	12,405
		Elianor Vessali	9.2	6,283
	Submit photo	Scott Bland	7.2	4,947
		Trent Sutton	5.2	3,593
		Todd Kent	3.5	2,367
		Kristen Alamo Rowin	1.7	1,183
		Laurie Godfrey McReynolds	1.6	1,105
	Submit photo	David Saucedo	1.4	975
	Submit photo	Jeffrey Oppenheim (Unofficially withdrew)	0.7	483
		Ahmad Adnan	0.7	477

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 68,532
= 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.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 17

Ted Brown advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 17 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Ted Brown (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Trent Sutton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sutton'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 Trent Sutton, Master Sergeant, USMC (Ret), and I am running as a Republican to represent our 17th Congressional District in the United States Congress. . I was born and raised in a working class family. My grandmother taught Sunday School and my grandfather worked as a surveyor in the oil fields for Slumberger. I worked in TV production for a couple years after high school and then enlisted in the Marines, where I served for 21 years. When I joined the Marine Corps, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I wore the uniform of our nation and was deployed five times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world defending that Constitution from our enemies. After I retired, I followed my younger brother, who is now an active duty Army officer, and my son, who is now a Naval Surface Warfare Officer, to Texas A&M where I earned my Bachelors degree. I also obtained my Masters in International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service in December of 2019. My oath did not expire when I retired from active duty. I will carry it proudly for the rest of my life and that is why I am running to represent us in the United States Congress.

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?

• Our 1st Amendment and religious freedom is constantly under attack. I will ensure that we have a voice that defends this God given right to speak our beliefs.
• Congress must decrease and flatten our taxes so that working Americans keep more of what they earn. The Tax Cuts and Job Act got us started, but we must finish the job.
• We must defend a child's right to life and support the 2nd Amendment, so that we can protect our life, property, and loved ones.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

America's priority for maintaining international security should be preventing resurgent and revisionist powers such as China from disrupting the current global dynamic. To do so, the United States must take defensive actions to bolster its partnerships with allies in Europe and East / Central Asia which serve as regional counters to near-peer adversaries. It is also important to be mindful of the threats to our digital infrastructure and intellectual property.

For far too long political partisanship and the socio-economic divides within the nation have continued to become increasingly stark. This division has created a dangerous situation where we, as Americans, are losing our national identity. The loss of a national identity makes governance increasingly difficult and has spillover effects to our foreign policy, which in turn lessens our international standing and security posture.

Congress passed a series of bloated spending bills for 2019, which results in a cumulative $11.4 Trillion deficit over the next 10 years. We exceeded spending caps and added to national debt. This leads to debt service in the Trillions, over the next 10 years. All leading to reduced capital liquidity for investments, lower income, and few economic opportunities. It also limits congress' ability to navigate the country through austere deleveraging due to market downfalls. We must get our spending and debt under control.

What legacy would you like to leave?

We have an opportunity to electrify our jobs market, bolster diverse educational options, and ensure everyone has access to the health care they need without government intervention. I want to be able to deliver a fair tax break to the citizens, so that we can do better for ourselves and our families. To many of us, a few hundred dollars a month can make all the difference. We are a hard-working district with all the grit and know-how to get things done. With our shared values and decency we can persevere and continue moving this district forward. I also want to make sure I'm explaining to my district, why I believe in conservative policy. My policy is focused on justice, meaning, dignity, and family values. It's important for us to explain our beliefs and stand up for them.

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 website

Sutton’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Forward It is with great pleasure that I announce my candidacy for Texas’ 17th Congressional District. I am honored to represent the Republican Party on the ballot where I will fight for the values that have made Texas and this district so exceptional. I want to thank Congressman Flores and his family for their years of faithful service and sacrifice for the district. The voters of TX-17 will have the opportunity to elect a new Republican nominee on March 3rd, 2020. My campaign for U.S. Congress is about more than me running for office – it’s an opportunity for the citizens of TX-17 to continue to have a strong voice in the United States House of Representatives. As a United States Marine, I have spent over two decades living, struggling, and fighting for this country. When Congressman Flores made his announcement, I was planning to return to public service with the mission of strengthening the nexus of domestic and international policy. With the overwhelming support of my family, friends, peers, and mentors at The Bush School of Government and Public Service, I made the decision to ask TX-17 for the opportunity to serve as its representative in our nation’s capital. I believe citizen legislators must take the reins to focus on the issues within the community. I want the entire district to prosper, regardless of political ideology, race, creed, or religion. Our campaign stands for something new and different. A breath of fresh air for “The Beltway.”. We have an opportunity to electrify our jobs market, bolster diverse educational options, and ensure everyone has access to the health care they need without government intervention. Congress must give citizens a fair break on taxation so that we can do better for ourselves and our families. To many of us, a few hundred dollars a month can make all the difference. We are a hard-working district with all the grit and know-how to get things done. With our shared values and decency we can persevere and continue moving this district forward. I have proven that I am willing and able to serve the people of this district. It has been my distinct honor to do so for over 21 years as a United States Marine. My son currently serves as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. So, when it comes to service, the Sutton family puts our money where our mouth is. The only way my campaign works is through grassroots support. I look forward to bringing my ideas to the table, alongside other high caliber candidates in the district, and hearing the issues affecting you as the voter. My name is Trent Sutton, and I’m proud to be running to represent the fine citizens of Texas’ 17th Congressional District. Economy 1. Jobs & Opportunity The United States was built on the principles of hard work and free enterprise. The federal government should facilitate economic growth rather than stifle it with burdensome regulation and interference. Doing so would provide for broader employment opportunities across multiple sectors, reducing the need for expensive social programs. To protect our nation’s economy, I will promise to reign in our national debt, flatten taxes, cut spending, and balance our federal budget. 2. Socialism Throughout history, Socialism has never worked and I will stand firm against the implementation of any programs which seek to bridge inequality gaps via government oversight and wealth redistribution. 3. Poverty & Welfare Welfare programs are a necessity to maintain people from falling into despair. However, they should be helping hand up and not a hand out. Stringently adhered to stipulations to receive benefits should be put in place to limit people’s reliance on said programs and to ensure they are actively striving to pick themselves up by their bootstraps. A long-term solution is bolstering the availability and quality of educational opportunities. Rather than focusing on social welfare on adults, additional resources should be placed into providing the resources for children to be successful in primary, secondary, and vocational education. This will benefit the United States as those youth mature because they will possess the skills necessary to succeed in adulthood. Federal funding should be provided to assist state and local initiatives rather than to dictate them. National Debt Congress passed a series of bloated spending bills for 2019, which results in a cumulative $11.4 Trillion deficit over the next 10 years. We exceeded spending caps and added to national debt. This leads to debt service in the Trillions, over the next 10 years. All leading to reduced capital liquidity for investments, lower income, and few economic opportunities. It also limits congress’ ability to navigate the country through austere deleveraging due to market downfalls. Correcting this problem would be my top priority, if the district entrusts me with its representation. The Federal Government has made overspending the norm and it is time for systemic change before this becomes untenable. Healthcare Our first priority should be entrusting the individual, not the government, to make choices about their health. Obama-Care was a failed attempt at solving the healthcare problem in America. The primary concern is limited access due to skyrocketing costs for to quality healthcare. Block granting Medicaid grants will allow states to effectively help individuals seeking access to healthcare. This will give way to expanding HSA programs that will afford Texans the flexibility they need. We have seen Texas businesses and individuals engage in Direct Primary Care options. One of the most important aspects of getting these policies in place is educating our fellow Americans on what’s available. If more Americans were aware of Direct Primary, and if more quality physicians participated in Direct Primary, then we could see a cultural shift in the way we think about healthcare. We should provide states the resources to seek free market solutions in Medicaid coverage through a private bidding process. Similar forces should be applied to Medicare and competitive bidding could save taxpayers an enormous amount of money. Due to Medicare’s share of the healthcare market, we would see delivery systems transformed throughout the sector and provide significant cost savings nationwide. Our focus should be constraining the growth of cost. National Security 1. International Challenges America’s priority for maintaining international security should be preventing resurgent and revisionist powers such as China and Russia from disrupting the current global dynamic. To do so, the United States must take defensive actions to bolster its partnerships with allies in Europe and East / Central Asia which serve as regional counters to near-peer adversaries. It is also important to be mindful of the threats to our digital infrastructure and intellectual property theft. 2. Domestic Challenges For far too long political partisanship and the socio-economic divides within the nation have continued to become increasingly stark. This division has created a dangerous situation where we, as Americans, are losing our national identity. The loss of a national identity makes governance increasingly difficult and has spillover effects to our foreign policy, which in turn lessens our international standing and security posture. Standing together, as Americans, means standing stronger on the world stage. Immigration 1. Illegal Immigration We must stop illegal immigration. The dilemma of those who entered illegally, but otherwise have been law-abiding citizens, is a more difficult situation. In many cases, their removal would cause more harm than good by disrupting the labor force and separating family ties. However, I absolutely do not condone continued violation of the law at our Southern Border and from the overstay of visas. Concerning “dreamers,” the sins of the parents are not the sins of the child. We must find a balance between granting clemency and ensuring those who, and by extension, their dependents, are not rewarded for their transgressions. The meritocracy based pathway to legal working status would be worth considering but only packaged in a comprehensive plan that solves the greater problem. A more robust guest worker program is also needed. One that provides necessary labor but also accounts for all entrants. 2. Border Security President Donald Trump has promised the American people that he would build a wall to secure our border. I will stand with President Trump, and vote to fund the building of that wall. I view border security and national defense as the same. To secure our country, we must provide the entities charged with its protection the tools necessary to do so. Providing that is one of the principal functions of the Government. We also need better technology and infrastructure at our nation’s border. It is time for Congress to deliver results for the American people. 2nd Amendment The Second Amendment is clear. The right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon. Firearms have been a part of America since our founding; however, the phenomena of mass shootings are relatively new. This shift is evidence that gun violence is only a symptom of a deeper seeded problem which we must identify and address. Pro-Life More than 61 Million innocent and defenseless unborn babies have been legally killed by abortion since 1973. We must defund Planned Parenthood, and support Pro-life women’s health clinics. We need to give women the options and services they need, without abortion being a part of the conversation. As your representative, I promise to stand up for the lives of the unborn.	”
—Trent Sutton

See also

2020 Elections

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Footnotes

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Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)