In a new episode of the interview series Vote Like a Texan, former Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chairman Trey Trainor, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas's 21st District, presented his case to voters, framing the 2026 election as a critical juncture for the state's federal influence. Trainor, who served as FEC Chairman from 2020 to 2025, warned that Texas is poised to lose considerable seniority and clout in Congress due to multiple retirements and candidates seeking higher office, making experienced leadership essential.
Trainor argued that the district's next representative must be prepared to lead immediately, not undergo a learning period. He cited his tenure overseeing federal election law and campaign finance enforcement as direct preparation for navigating Washington's systems. A central theme of his platform is restoring accountability, transparency, and constitutional limits in the federal government. He also discussed specific policy priorities, including securing border security reimbursements to ensure federal funds return to Texas communities and addressing national security concerns in the Western Hemisphere to reassert American leadership.
The interview, conducted by host Justin McKenzie, connected these federal issues to local realities for constituents across the district's nine counties. Trainor addressed how federal leadership intersects with critical local concerns such as water infrastructure, wildfire risk, flooding, law enforcement support, and economic growth. He emphasized that his career, which includes advising national party leadership, testifying before Congress, and confronting bureaucratic overreach, translates into an ability to advocate effectively for Texas interests from day one.
Trainor also highlighted his long-standing relationship with former President Donald Trump and expressed a commitment to codifying policy reforms into lasting law, ensuring continuity beyond any single administration. A significant portion of the conversation focused on civic participation. Trainor urged voters to recognize that in districts like the 21st, where the Republican primary is likely decisive, the primary election is where the future representative is chosen. He stressed the importance of voter turnout in both the primaries and any subsequent runoff elections.
The full interview provides voters with a detailed examination of Trainor's background and policy vision. For more information on his campaign, voters can visit https://www.trey4tx.com/. The episode is part of the Vote Like a Texan series, which aims to educate voters through in-depth conversations with candidates and civic leaders across the state.
