To inform readers about the candidates seeking their votes on the November ballot, the San Antonio Report asked all candidates to answer the following questions. We edited answers for clarity, not substance or grammar, and we did not fact-check responses. We restricted responses to 200 words for each question.
Read other candidates’ answers here.
Party:
Republican
Incumbent?
No
Link to campaign website:
www.TonyGonzalesForCongress.com
Age:
40
Education background/degrees earned:
I have earned a Graduate Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University, a Master’s degree in International Relations from American Public University, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in International Development with an emphasis on Security Studies and International Politics at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Current occupation, employer, or job title:
Assistant Professor, University of Maryland system (teach counterterrorism, U.S. Government, and political science courses); Master Chief, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Previous elected offices held and/or sought:
None
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I chose to run for Congress to bring a true spirit of service and representation back into Washington. I am dedicated to the people who have stories much like mine in Congressional District 23. I love and respect them, and I know that they deserve someone in office who will fight for their rights and dreams as Americans.
What three issues do you feel are most important to voters in your district?
The economy, COVID response, and border security
If elected, what would be your top priorities after taking office?
First and foremost, I would fight to strengthen and protect our southern border. Second, take steps to address our veterans’ mental health care and military families who are suffering. Finally, I would make it my mission to drastically reduce government over-regulation of small businesses in this district that cripples the working class.
How has the coronavirus pandemic shaped your priorities?
We must not lose sight of where this pandemic originated, and the president took action by closing the border to travelers from Europe and China expeditiously. We could be in a much worse situation had he not done so. At this point, we need to advance public health guidelines and safely reopen our economy and schools. I am very concerned about small businesses. Congress helped save 50 million jobs with the Paycheck Protect Program, which needs to be extended.
For incumbents: What do you consider your most significant accomplishments in office? What would you change?
N/A
For non-incumbents: What, if anything, would you do differently from the current officeholder?
Will Hurd has ably served this district, especially as it relates to national security, cybersecurity, and constituent matters. I will represent our values, work hard, and represent our constituents. I will be constantly traveling this district to hear from people firsthand.
