What to watch: Early voting in the Texas primary election began this week, with results determining which candidates will advance to the November general election. Because Texas operates under an open primary system, voters may choose to participate in either party’s primary without registering by party affiliation.

The big picture: The U.S. House seat for Texas’ 11th Congressional District is currently held by San Angelo native August Pfluger (R), who is running unopposed in the Republican primary. On the Democratic side, Claire Reynolds (D) and Pedro Ruiz (D) are competing for their party’s nomination. The winner will face Rep. Pfluger in November.

The candidate elected in the November general election will serve in the United States House of Representatives, advocating for the priorities and needs of Texas’ 11th Congressional District in Washington, D.C. In addition to representing constituents on the House floor, members of Congress serve on committees overseeing key policy areas, assist residents in navigating federal agencies, and introduce and vote on federal legislation.

The Permian Press spoke with each of the candidates seeking to represent Texas’ 11th Congressional District. Each was asked the same three questions. Their responses are presented below.

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1. Why are you seeking election, and what should voters know about your candidacy?

  • August Pfluger (R) – Serving the 11th District of Texas – the best district in the country – is the honor of a lifetime. I am humbled by the opportunity to represent our community in Washington and carry with me the priorities of the good and hardworking people of West and Central Texas. Texas is the best place to live, work, and raise a family, and I am committed to keeping it that way as your elected representative.
  • Claire Reynolds (D) – I’ve been an attorney for 24 years, and I’ve spent half of my career at the State Bar of Texas in the office that prosecutes attorney misconduct. I don’t like it when people think the rules don’t apply to them. I’m running because the U.S. Constitution says that Congress is supposed to pass laws, determine how to spend our tax dollars, and, crucially, check the power of the executive branch. I’m not seeing much respect for our Constitution right now. I’m tired of sitting around and waiting for Congress to grow a spine. They can borrow mine.
  • Pedro Ruiz (D) – I am running for Congress to address the long-standing neglect of the middle class and working poor in District 11. The current congressman has not sponsored a single bill that provides real relief to working families. He talks about tax cuts, but in reality, these cuts barely make a difference for those who most need assistance. I’ve lived in Midland most of my life. I’ve seen the booms and the busts, and every time the bust hits, it’s the men and women in oil-stained overalls who get left behind—not the executives in suits. Those workers deserve someone who listens to them, understands their struggles, and fights for them every single day. People should know that I understand hard work because I lived it. I grew up working the fields across the western United States—wherever there was something to pick, my family was there. I am them, and they are me. While I support robust border security, I also view the current immigration enforcement practices as inhumane and un-American. Every person is entitled to due process under the Fifth Amendment. We can secure the border without abandoning our values.

2. If elected, what are one or two priorities you would focus on in your first term?

  • August Pfluger (R) – My top priority is delivering gold-standard constituent services. The results speak for themselves. My office was selected as the 2025 Democracy Award Winner for Best Constituent Services and Outreach, helping return $17.3 million to constituents, answering over 122,700 letters, hosting 110 town halls, and resolving over 4,475 issues with federal agencies. I hear every day from Texans that affordability is their top concern, which is why it’s my top legislative focus. I am the first lawmaker to unveil major affordability legislation this year.
  • Claire Reynolds (D) – Priority one is to use all tools available to me to make sure that our leaders follow the Constitution. Some of them appear to be unaware that the Bill of Rights applies to everyone. We can enforce our laws within the framework of the Constitution. I also plan to get the people of District 11 the resources they need to solve their own problems. For example, the West Texas Food Bank needs federal money for The Emergency Food Assistance Program. I want to get it for them.
  • Pedro Ruiz (D) – My first priority is to reauthorize and strengthen ACA subsidies. The ACA isn’t perfect, but it is the best foundation we have. Other proposals either exclude people with preexisting conditions or make coverage so expensive that families simply can’t afford it. Without affordable coverage, individuals will succumb to preventable diseases. We cannot allow a healthcare death spiral in this district or anywhere in America. My second priority is to fix the chronic underfunding of our public schools. Texas hasn’t raised the Basic Allotment since 2019, even as costs have skyrocketed. Rural districts in District 11 are suffering the most —teacher shortages, outdated buildings, and limited special education support. Our kids deserve classrooms that lift them up, not budgets that hold them back. This priority is not important enough for the current congressman to take action.

3. How would you describe your approach to representing your district in Congress?

  • August Pfluger (R) – When voting in Congress, I reflect every day on the people who sent me here, and accordingly, I have made myself the leading advocate for energy, agriculture, and national security. I get results on these issues and more. I passed more legislation than anyone, including billions in relief for farmers and ranchers, repealing the natural gas tax, authoring the provision to refill the SPR, and securing $13.5 billion in border reimbursements.
  • Claire Reynolds (D) – I’m a Democrat from Austin. I know to many West Texans, that goes over like a skunk at a garden party. But here’s the thing: I don’t for a minute want to Austin your West Texas. I spend a lot of time out at Big Bend, and I love rural Texas, as much as I love Austin city life. I want West Texans to tell me what they need so I can advocate for them in Congress. For example, they tell me they want their public schools to be adequately funded. I want to raise hell in Congress until they’re world class.
  • Pedro Ruiz (D) – My approach is simple: listen to the people who feel unheard and fight for the issues they live with every day. That means addressing the lack of job retraining, the struggle to earn a livable wage, and the absence of transition programs for workers laid off during oil downturns. Although oil plays a crucial role in our region, families shouldn’t have to struggle on their own when prices decline. People in District 11 feel ignored because their representative only seems to show up for the suits—not the boots. That must change. I will also stand up for the constitutional freedoms that are gradually diminishing. The current congressman has shown no interest in confronting the administration about these losses. I took an oath as a Marine 42 years ago. People should know that I understand hard work because I lived it. I grew up working the fields across the western United States—wherever there was something to pick, my family was there. I am them, and they are me… Absolutism has no place in a free society.

What’s next: Early voting in person runs from Feb. 17–27. Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. If a runoff is required, it will be held on May 26. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status through the Texas Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” portal.