Abhiram Garapati, a candidate for Texas Congressional District 31, detailed his policy vision and personal background in a recent interview with the civic series Vote Like A Texan. The conversation highlighted his journey from legal immigrant to successful entrepreneur and his platform focused on fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and technological preparedness.
Garapati described arriving in the United States with limited resources and navigating the legal immigration process over 15 years before becoming a U.S. citizen. He credits the opportunity-driven nature of the country for his success in building businesses and agricultural operations across Central Texas. This experience has shaped his commitment to public service, leading him to pledge to serve in Congress without accepting a salary or campaign donations.
On immigration policy, Garapati emphasized respect for the rule of law while advocating for a more efficient and accessible legal immigration system. He connected border security discussions to his personal experience, stating that his background informs his approach to reform. As a farmer and rancher raising cattle in Central Texas, he also highlighted the importance of agriculture and the challenges facing rural communities, particularly volunteer fire departments in fast-growing Hill Country counties.
Education and workforce readiness emerged as central themes in the interview. Garapati argued that Texas’ economic future depends on equipping students and workers for rapid technological change, calling for stronger STEM education and preparation for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He noted this preparation is critical across industries—from engineering and space to agriculture and manufacturing.
The discussion with host Justin McKenzie also covered the role of a member of Congress as a bridge between federal resources and local needs, including public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The interview is part of Vote Like A Texan’s broader effort to provide Texans with direct access to candidates through long-form, substantive conversations ahead of primary elections. The full episode is available to watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@VoteLikeATexan.
This interview matters because it provides voters in a key Texas district with substantive policy discussions from a candidate who represents both immigrant and entrepreneurial perspectives. With primary elections approaching and historically low voter turnout, such conversations help inform electoral decisions that will shape federal policy on immigration, technology investment, and rural infrastructure. The candidate’s emphasis on technological adaptation reflects broader national concerns about maintaining economic competitiveness, while his immigration narrative adds personal dimension to ongoing legislative debates.
