Valentina Gomez Noriega

Valentina Gomez Noriega (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District. She is on the ballot in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Biography

Valentina Gomez earned a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University in 2019 and a graduate degree from the Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business in 2020.^[1]

Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2026 (March 3 Republican primary)

The content below is from the March 3 Republican primary page. Click here to read more.

Twelve-term incumbent John Carter (R) and nine other candidates are running in the Republican primary for Texas' 31st Congressional District on March 3, 2026. President Donald Trump (R) endorsed Carter for re-election on December 4, 2025.^[2]

At the time of the election, Carter is the third longest-serving member of the U.S. House, and according to the Austin American-Statesman's John C. Moritz, "Several of his GOP opponents argue that the district, which runs from Georgetown to farm and ranch country west of Waco and includes the sprawling Army post of Fort Hood, is in need of new blood."^[3]

Before his election to Congress, Carter worked as an attorney and judge.^[4] His campaign website stated, "Judge prides himself on delivering results for Texas’ 31st district no matter the political environment, and does this by following his guiding principle, 'listen more than you speak.'"^[5]

William Abel (R) is a U.S. Army veteran making his second run for the seat. Abel said, "I'm just tired of these politicians not doing what's best for the constituents and doing what's best for their own pockets. Or doing what's best for the lobbyists and donors. I just want problems solved with common sense."^[3] He told Community Impact his priorities were "Eliminate wasteful spending, decrease taxes, secure the border."^[6]

David Berry (R) is a physician whose campaign website described him as "committed to protecting Texans by standing up for small towns, rural communities, and the values that make them strong."^[7] According to his campaign website, his priorities include securing the border, growing small businesses, reforming Washington, protecting life, energy independence, and expanding veterans' benefits.^[7]

Steve Dowell (R) is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve. His campaign website said, "As the only policy focused and experienced alternative to our incumbent, Steve Dowell will work for you in D.C.—for the second time in his life—following core conservative principles of responsibility, peace through strength, and human dignity that keep America great."^[8]^[9]

Abhiram Garapati (R) is a businessman, farmer, and rancher making his fourth run for the seat.^[10] Garapati told Community Impact his priorities if elected would include "cutting wasteful spending, balancing the federal budget, reducing taxes on hard-working Americans, tackling corruption, increasing government transparency, repealing unconstitutional legislation, maintaining a secure border, strengthening national security, protecting American jobs, and delivering exceptional constituent services."^[6]

Raymond Hamden is a real estate broker and business ower.^[11] His campaign website stated, "As a candidate for U.S. Congress, Raymond Hamden is dedicated to securing our borders, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and supporting military families. He is committed to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering businesses. Raymond also aims to invest in vital water and infrastructure projects to strengthen communities and create a prosperous future for all."^[12]

Elvis Lossa (R) is a U.S. Army veteran and served as policy coordinator for the speaker of the Texas House.^[13] His campaign website stated, "Too often, leadership in Congress is focused on noise instead of outcomes. Families, veterans, and small businesses deserve representation that listens carefully and then acts decisively. I am running for Congress to bring experience, accountability, and a results-driven approach to serving Central Texas."^[14]

Valentina Gomez Noriega (R) earned a master's degree in business administration from Tulane University and is a former candidate for Missouri Secretary of State.^[15] She told Community Impact her priorities if elected would include, "Protect and defend my soldiers at Fort Hood. Kicking all the terrorists muslims, Somalians, and illegals out of Texas. Stopping the construction of Sharia schools and Sharia cities. Increasing Social Security benefits and making medication more affordable for my senior citizens."^[6]

Offer Vince Shlomi (R) is best known from the Shamwow infomercials.^[16] His campaign website stated, "My mission is simple will be a stronger economy and real opportunities for the Texas 31st and for all America. I believe that by putting God first and standing firm with our values, we can build a more perfect union for our families and for all America."^[17]

Ballotpedia did not find additional information for Ed Ewald (R).

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

Justin Early and Stuart Whitlow are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Justin Early
		Stuart Whitlow

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Caitlin Rourk (D)
Brian Trautner (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		John Carter
		William Abel
		David Berry
		Steven Dowell
	Submit photo	Ed Ewald
		Abhiram Garapati
		Valentina Gomez Noriega
		Raymond Hamden
		Elvis Lossa
		Offer Vince Shlomi

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jack McConnell (R)
Mike Williams (R)

Green convention

Green convention for U.S. House Texas District 31

Greg Stoker is running in the Green convention for U.S. House Texas District 31 on April 11, 2026.

		Candidate
		Greg Stoker (G)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Endorsements

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