In a new episode of the interview series Vote Like a Texan, former Federal Election Commission Chairman Trey Trainor, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas's 21st District, presented his case to voters. Trainor, who served as FEC Chairman from 2020 to 2025, framed the 2026 election as a critical moment for Texas's political clout in Washington, D.C.
Trainor warned that Texas is poised to lose considerable seniority and influence in Congress due to multiple open seats from retirements and candidates seeking higher office. He argued that the next representative for District 21 must be prepared to lead immediately. "Texas is about to lose an enormous amount of seniority and influence in Congress," Trainor stated. "The next representative for District 21 must be ready on day one to lead, not learn."
The candidate detailed his priorities, which include restoring accountability and constitutional limits in Washington, addressing border security reimbursement to ensure federal funds return to Texas communities, and confronting national security concerns in the Western Hemisphere. He also emphasized the importance of handling local issues like water infrastructure, wildfire risk, and economic growth for constituents across the district's nine counties.
Trainor positioned his extensive federal experience as a key differentiator. His career includes advising national party leadership, testifying before Congress, and overseeing federal election law and campaign finance enforcement at the FEC. He suggested this background equips him to navigate and reform bureaucratic systems from his first day in office. The episode also noted his long-standing relationship with former President Donald Trump and a focus on codifying policy reforms into lasting law.
A central message of the conversation was a call to civic participation. Trainor urged voters to recognize the decisive nature of primary elections in districts like CD-21. "If voters want their voices heard, they must show up in the primaries and the runoff," Trainor said. "That's where the future representative is chosen."
The full interview provides voters with a detailed examination of Trainor's platform. For more information on Trey Trainor's campaign, visit https://www.trey4tx.com/. The episode is part of Vote Like a Texan, a series hosted by Justin McKenzie focused on substantive conversations with Texas candidates and civic leaders.
