Michael Wheeler has a background in finance and served as an adviser to the Small Business Administration during the Trump administration. He’s also a past Kendall County Republican Party Chairman and serves on the State Republican Executive Committee. He lives in Boerne and is running in a crowded Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Dripping Springs).
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m Mike Wheeler. I’m 58 years old and reside in Boerne, Texas. My wife Annabel and I have been married for 32 years, and we have two grown sons. I hold a Bachelor’s in Accountancy from George Washington University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan.
For over two decades, I worked as a corporate bond trader, eventually running high-yield bond trading desks for Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. I’m also a local entrepreneur and deeply involved in grassroots Republican Party efforts, having served as a precinct chair, the Kendall County Republican Party Chair, and on the State Republican Executive Committee.
This past spring, President Trump appointed me as a Senior Advisor at the Small Business Administration, where my primary project was assisting companies in reshoring manufacturing to the United States. Through these experiences, I have a strong business and finance background, dedicated to strengthening our economy.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
Many of my priorities will come up in the questions below, but here’s the big picture. I’m committed to an America First vision that begins with restoring fiscal sanity. This means cutting runaway government spending, reducing the national debt, and curbing inflation to ensure economic stability for all Americans. We must also save Social Security from insolvency by implementing thoughtful reforms that ensure its long-term viability without disrupting what Americans have earned.
In healthcare, affordability can be achieved through a free-market-based approach with increased competition and transparency, rather than through more government control. For young Americans, we need to create tangible pathways to homeownership, such as targeted tax incentives and robust savings programs, to help them build equity.
In education, it’s essential to hold universities accountable for their costs and outcomes, and to elevate vocational education as a respected and viable alternative. Additionally, re-shoring American manufacturing is crucial to reduce our dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthen our economy, and create good-paying jobs domestically.
Finally, a sensible immigration policy is vital, one that puts American interests and national security first. In short, it’s all about building a more affordable, secure, and opportunity-rich future with America First at the core.
3. What should Congress be doing to rein in inflation and/or stabilize/boost the economy?
To tackle inflation and ensure sustainable growth, Congress must act swiftly. That means rescinding waste, fraud, and abuse identified in the DOGE audit and continuing rigorous audits across all federal agencies. Congress must also enforce a constitutional balanced budget.
In addition, the trillions of dollars in federal assets held above and below ground currently generate little or no return. These assets should be managed like a business and leveraged through structured public-private partnerships to demand better returns. All proceeds must be dedicated exclusively to reducing the national debt. When the debt declines, interest rates decline. Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, support housing affordability, stimulate private investment, and encourage job creation.
These fiscal actions should be paired with permanent tax reforms, including lower individual rates, reduced capital gains taxes, and the elimination of the estate tax, to support long-term growth and economic stability, while strengthening federal balance sheets and improving fiscal resilience.
4. What should Congress be doing to reform immigration laws?
We need a bold shift on immigration. First, end birthright citizenship, ensuring no automatic citizenship for children of non-citizens. Instead, adopt a merit-based visa system that rewards skills, education, and English proficiency, fostering a more competitive workforce. We must also ensure that newcomers are willing to assimilate to American culture; if not, they will not be permitted to stay.
Additionally, we must prioritize the deportation of individuals here illegally, starting with criminals. Asylum seekers should remain in Mexico until their cases are approved.
We will eliminate the diversity lottery and restrict chain migration to immediate family. Illegal immigrants will not be eligible for public benefits, and voter ID will require proof of citizenship.
Finally, H-1B visas must be phased out, and American corporations must partner with our universities to prioritize and develop American talent. In short, this approach ensures that our immigration system strengthens our nation and puts America first.
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?
I fully support the President when quick, decisive measures are needed—such as targeted strikes in Iran or the removal of a hostile regime in Venezuela. The executive needs this freedom to act. Our national security cannot be hindered by bureaucratic red tape when immediate threats emerge. However, we must draw a clear line: swift interventions do not mean endless involvement. The Constitution grants Congress the authority over war declarations and funding for a reason.
My proposal is a strict sixty-day action limit: we respond rapidly to immediate threats and then return to Congress for a comprehensive briefing, open debate, and a real vote before any long-term commitment or funding. This ensures no endless wars, no blank checks, and a strong commitment to constitutional guardrails. We maintain strength with rapid response, but also ensure that any long-term involvement is fully debated and approved, protecting our nation’s interests and avoiding perpetual conflict.
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?
Rising healthcare premiums and limited local care are pressing issues in the U.S. To address them, Congress should increase competition by allowing consumers to purchase insurance across state lines and break up monopolies that limit choice. Expanding provider networks and ensuring full price transparency will enable patients to compare costs easily and find the most affordable care options, such as the least expensive MRI in their area.
Additionally, promoting telemedicine can significantly enhance access to healthcare, especially for rural communities, ensuring they receive quality care without the need for extensive travel. Strengthening Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) by increasing contribution limits and broadening eligibility will give individuals greater control over their healthcare spending. This reduces dependence on insurance companies and allows for more cost-effective, free-market healthcare choices. Finally, reducing the power of PBMs and pharmaceutical giants will help lower drug costs and ensure that patients get the best value in their care.
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