Keith Barton is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Alaska who now works as a branch manager at Texas First Rentals in San Antonio. He’s one of three Republicans challenging U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) in the GOP primary for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a 20-year Marine Corps combat veteran and former Naval Aviator who lives in San Antonio. I served multiple deployments and later worked in unmanned systems and logistics roles supporting combat operations. My military career taught me leadership, accountability, and how to solve complex problems under pressure.
After leaving active duty, I transitioned into the private sector and currently work in heavy equipment and infrastructure logistics while also operating a small business. I’ve spent my adult life working in environments where results matter and excuses do not.
I am running for Congress as a service-rooted candidate, not a career politician. My focus is on practical solutions that strengthen families, improve public safety, and restore trust between voters and their representatives.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
My top priorities are border security, economic stability, veterans’ care, and family stability.
Border security must be treated as a logistics and enforcement problem, not a political talking point. That means operational control of the border, stopping cartel activity, and supporting border communities impacted by federal inaction.
On the economy, my focus is reducing inflation, lowering the cost of living, and restoring fiscal discipline. Families cannot get ahead when Washington continues reckless spending without accountability.
I am also committed to improving care for veterans by streamlining access to benefits and expanding mental health support, particularly for those transitioning back to civilian life.
Finally, I believe strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Congress must stop ignoring how federal policies affect parents, children, and working families and instead prioritize stability, predictability, and accountability in government systems.
3. What should Congress be doing to rein in inflation and/or stabilize/boost the economy?
Congress must restore fiscal discipline. Inflation is largely driven by excessive federal spending, unchecked deficits, and policies that disrupt energy and supply chains.
First, Congress should rein in discretionary spending and demand accountability for how taxpayer dollars are used. Second, it should support domestic energy production to lower fuel and transportation costs across the economy. Third, Congress should reduce regulatory burdens that increase costs for small businesses and consumers.
Economic stability comes from predictable policy, responsible budgeting, and allowing businesses and workers to operate without constant federal interference. Families in Texas feel the consequences of inflation every day, and Congress must treat it as an urgent priority.
4. What should Congress be doing to reform immigration laws?
Congress must restore border control while fixing a broken immigration system.
That starts with enforcing existing laws, securing the border, and stopping cartel-driven human trafficking and drug smuggling. Border security is a humanitarian issue as well as a national security issue.
At the same time, Congress should modernize legal immigration to make it orderly, fair, and efficient. Border communities like those in Texas’s 23rd District bear the consequences of federal failure, and they deserve policies that are realistic and enforceable.
Reform must be driven by operational reality, not political rhetoric.
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?
The Constitution clearly defines the separation of powers, and Congress has a responsibility to assert its authority, especially over spending and national security.
I believe disagreements should be handled through oversight, legislation, and transparent debate, not silence or political convenience. Congress cannot abdicate its role simply because confronting the executive branch is uncomfortable.
Respecting constitutional limits protects accountability and prevents the concentration of power in any one branch. I would work to ensure Congress fulfills its responsibilities to the American people.
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?
Congress should focus on affordability, access, and competition.
Rising insurance premiums and shrinking provider networks hurt families, especially in rural and underserved areas. Congress should expand competition across state lines, reduce regulatory barriers for providers, and support innovative care delivery models such as telehealth.
For veterans and working families, access to timely mental health care is critical. Policy should prioritize patient outcomes rather than bureaucratic processes.
Health care reform must be practical, cost-conscious, and centered on patients — not one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington.
