Who Is Running in Texas Congressional District 17th in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Pete Sessions
(Incumbent)Economy
HighPete Sessions has advocated for lifting the crude oil export ban, which he believes creates American jobs and adds to GDP. He supports reducing regulations, such as by passing the REINS Act, to alleviate burdens on job creators. Sessions also voted in favor of legislation aimed at increasing the supply of housing in America (HR 6644) and the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 (S 1383).
Immigration
HighPete Sessions prioritizes strict border security, including building a physical wall and enhancing technology, to address illegal immigration and combat human trafficking. He has expressed a commitment to reforming national immigration laws and finding a resolution for DACA. Furthermore, he supports bills like the Border Tunnel Task Force Act and the No IDs for Illegals Act, while also supporting legislation to prohibit a "remain in Texas" policy for asylum seekers. He advocates for a balanced approach regarding DHS funding and immigration enforcement tactics.
Healthcare
HighPete Sessions advocates for patient-centered, market-based healthcare solutions aimed at lowering costs and increasing options. He voted for H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," which aims to reduce healthcare premiums. Sessions also introduced H.R. 3129, the "Health Care Fairness for All Act," designed to ensure fairness and affordability through health insurance tax credits and reformed health savings accounts. He has also co-authored an an opinion piece on Affordable Care Act reform.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Pete Sessions |
|---|---|
| Economy | Pete Sessions has advocated for lifting the crude oil export ban, which he believes creates American jobs and adds to GDP. He supports reducing regulations, such as by passing the REINS Act, to alleviate burdens on job creators. Sessions also voted in favor of legislation aimed at increasing the supply of housing in America (HR 6644) and the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 (S 1383). High |
| Immigration | Pete Sessions prioritizes strict border security, including building a physical wall and enhancing technology, to address illegal immigration and combat human trafficking. He has expressed a commitment to reforming national immigration laws and finding a resolution for DACA. Furthermore, he supports bills like the Border Tunnel Task Force Act and the No IDs for Illegals Act, while also supporting legislation to prohibit a "remain in Texas" policy for asylum seekers. He advocates for a balanced approach regarding DHS funding and immigration enforcement tactics. High |
| Healthcare | Pete Sessions advocates for patient-centered, market-based healthcare solutions aimed at lowering costs and increasing options. He voted for H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," which aims to reduce healthcare premiums. Sessions also introduced H.R. 3129, the "Health Care Fairness for All Act," designed to ensure fairness and affordability through health insurance tax credits and reformed health savings accounts. He has also co-authored an an opinion piece on Affordable Care Act reform. High |
| Climate & Energy | Congressman Pete Sessions secured $750,000 for Pflugerville's water infrastructure in the FY2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act to modernize the system, protect public health, and support economic development. He also voted 'Yes' on the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Pete Sessions states that life begins at conception and that elective abortion is not a right. He maintains a 100% lifetime voting record with the National Right to Life, indicating consistent opposition to abortion access. He advocates for clear Texas abortion laws to ensure doctors can provide medically necessary, life-saving care for pregnancy complications without legal ambiguity for patients or medical professionals. High |
| Foreign Policy | Pete Sessions has consistently supported defense initiatives, as evidenced by his voting record. In 2026, he voted in favor of the Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act and the Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to (PROTECT) Taiwan Act. Additionally, he opposed a resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela, indicating support for ongoing military presence. He also received an endorsement from AIPAC. Medium |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Pete Sessions has an "A+" rating from the NRA-PVF. He has voted to protect veterans' Second Amendment rights, expand hunting and shooting access, and prevent gun confiscation during emergencies. He also voted to repeal an Obama-era scheme impacting Social Security recipients' firearm rights and supported legislation to protect the gun industry from predatory lawsuits. He opposes bans on semi-automatic firearms and universal background checks. Medium |
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