Francisco Raul “Quico” Canseco is a San Antonio attorney who represented Texas’ 23rd Congressional District for a single term, winning the seat in 2010 and losing to Democrat Pete Gallego in 2012. He’s attempted several comebacks since then and is now one three Republicans running against U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) in the GOP primary.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
As a former member of Congress for the 23rd Congressional District, I focused on border security, economic growth, and constitutional governance. I am still active in law and dedicated to serving my community with experience, steadiness, and respect for the rule of law. Residing in San Antonio with my wife of 47 years, I am 76, and we have three children and three grandchildren; family shapes my values and priorities.
I have both a BA ‘72and a JD’75 from Saint Louis University and completed advanced legal studies at the University of Paris DES, ‘77. My career includes practicing civil law in federal and state courts, working in commercial real estate, and building a banking law practice. I served on a bank board, helping guide responsible financial oversight. I have supported UTSA and UT Health, and I have served on the CASA and CrossPoint Boards.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
- My priorities are focused on strengthening families, protecting communities, and preserving the constitutional foundations of our country.
- Border security is essential to public safety and national sovereignty. Congress should restore effective policies such as “Remain in Mexico,” remove that incentivize that encourage illegal immigration, defund sanctuary-cities and support law enforcement, and combat human trafficking.
- Economic policy should help families manage the rising cost of living. That means reducing unnecessary regulations that drive up housing, energy, and transportation costs; the full use of domestic energy resources; cutting wasteful federal spending; and providing stability in the tax code so employers can invest thereby providing more jobs and workers can keep more of what they earn.
- I believe in protecting human life from conception to natural death and am an advocate for fetal-personhood protection under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution.
- Public confidence in elections is vital. Reasonable safeguards such as voter photo ID, accurate voter rolls, transparency in election administration, and reliable voting systems to strengthen trust in our political systems.
- I also prioritize protecting private property rights, addressing Federal abuse of Property rights; Changing the endangered Species Act, changing the Clean Water Act and other Federal intrusion into land ownership; Abolish the Death Tax.
- The VA must be reformed. It is inefficient and has failed to provide necessary services to our veterans. The VA’s claims-system often leaves veterans waiting months or even years for benefits. Better access to quality healthcare, for rural veterans.
3. What should Congress be doing to rein in inflation and/or stabilize/boost the economy?
Families and small businesses are feeling the effects of higher prices and economic uncertainty. Congress should pass a Balanced Budget. It must change the laws and regulations that impede the full exploration, and production of hydrocarbons; it must open Federal lands for drilling and mining; Bring manufacturing jobs back to America; It must eliminate agencies’ costs, spending and growth; encourage the housing industry to increase supply of affordable housing and reduce the governmental regulations that interfere with home-building and homeowner purchase.
This includes the reforming of banking and lending laws that pose financial difficulties in obtaining loans; Congress must stop providing government subsidies that inflate prices. Congress must make the Trump Tax cuts permanent. Additionally, The government, through its imposition of Endangered Species Act and Clean Water act, has burdened the food, fiber and meat production industry that drives up the cost of food production and food. These must be substantially reformed.
4. What should Congress be doing to reform immigration laws?
Congress must establish a lawful, orderly, and manageable immigration system prioritizing Americans first. Our nation’s immigration system must serve American citizens, the nation’s economy and the American society, not the immigrants. The immigration System (Law) must insure the safety and security of our nation. It must be a system that secures our borders, mitigates national security risks, and is fair to those who follow the rules. Incentives for foreign nationals and American organizations to break our laws must be eliminate and penalized.
5. At a time when the White House is asserting more control over national security and spending without Congress’ input, how would you handle disagreements over the division of power?
Our constitutional system depends on checks and balances, and those guardrails remain essential to good governance. When disagreements arise between branches of government, the courts provide a lawful mechanism for resolving questions of authority.
The president carries significant responsibility for national security under Article II of the Constitution, including the authority to act in defense of the nation. At the same time, the power to declare war rests uniquely with Congress, and that distinction must be respected.
As a former member of Congress, I believe strongly in thoughtful oversight and good-faith collaboration between branches. If I believed a president was acting in the country’s best interest, I would work constructively to build support. If not, I would support Congress asserting its constitutional responsibilities.
Effective leadership requires respect for both the limits and the duties of public office, and a consistent commitment to placing the Constitution above politics.
6. The past year has brought tremendous uncertainty to many Americans surrounding rising health insurance premiums and lack of access to medical care near their homes. What do you believe Congress should be doing to make health care affordable and accessible to residents in your state?
Healthcare should be affordable, accessible, and patient-centered rather than bureaucracy-driven. Congress must reform the Affordable Care Act by repealing provisions that drive up costs while preserving important protections yet eliminating government intrusion into individual lives. Coverage portability and safeguards for preexisting conditions must be retained.
States should be given greater flexibility to design solutions that reflect their communities’ needs. Patients should also have access to clear pricing information so they can make informed decisions and benefit from meaningful competition.
Health Freedom Accounts can help individuals and families take greater ownership of their healthcare spending while promoting personal responsibility. The goal should be a balanced system: one that protects access, controls costs, and maintains quality without placing unnecessary burdens on patients or providers. Thoughtful reform can improve outcomes while keeping care both compassionate and financially sustainable.
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