Who Is Running in Texas Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Lance Gooden
(Incumbent)Economy
HighLance Gooden supports pro-growth economic policies and free market principles to foster private sector innovation and investment. He advocates for policies that prioritize American families and businesses. Gooden reintroduced the Credit Card Competition Act in June 2023.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Lance Gooden supports strict immigration laws, advocating for border security and enforcement. He co-sponsored and voted for the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for federal elections, stating that American elections should be decided by American citizens. Gooden also introduced H.R. 7612 and the End Sanctuary Cities Act, which aims to penalize state and local officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement or harbor illegal immigrants, asserting that sanctuary cities are government-sanctioned obstruction of federal law.
Healthcare
HighLance Gooden opposes Obamacare, stating it has failed to reduce costs or increase access to quality, affordable health insurance, leading to skyrocketing premiums. He advocates for free-market solutions, aiming to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and increase patient choice for all Americans. Furthermore, Gooden is pro-life and pledges to fight against government funding for abortion services. He has received an endorsement from the Texas Alliance for Life.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Lance Gooden |
|---|---|
| Economy | Lance Gooden supports pro-growth economic policies and free market principles to foster private sector innovation and investment. He advocates for policies that prioritize American families and businesses. Gooden reintroduced the Credit Card Competition Act in June 2023. High |
| Immigration | Representative Lance Gooden supports strict immigration laws, advocating for border security and enforcement. He co-sponsored and voted for the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for federal elections, stating that American elections should be decided by American citizens. Gooden also introduced H.R. 7612 and the End Sanctuary Cities Act, which aims to penalize state and local officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement or harbor illegal immigrants, asserting that sanctuary cities are government-sanctioned obstruction of federal law. High |
| Healthcare | Lance Gooden opposes Obamacare, stating it has failed to reduce costs or increase access to quality, affordable health insurance, leading to skyrocketing premiums. He advocates for free-market solutions, aiming to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and increase patient choice for all Americans. Furthermore, Gooden is pro-life and pledges to fight against government funding for abortion services. He has received an endorsement from the Texas Alliance for Life. High |
| Climate & Energy | Lance Gooden voted in favor of the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (HR 4758) and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act (HR 4626) in February 2026. He opposes climate regulations and supports blocking ESG rules for retirement accounts. His public image includes efforts to block climate rules and defund UN migration agencies. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Lance Gooden is a staunch pro-life advocate, aiming to advance protections for unborn babies and their mothers. He supported a 20-week abortion ban, including third-trimester abortions and those for babies with disabilities, through his vote on HB 2 in 2013. Gooden also supports an amendment to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Lance Gooden supports strengthening national defense and securing borders, citing a commitment to these goals upon taking office. He voted 'Yea' on the Made-in-America Defense Act (US HB4216) and on the Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to (PROTECT) Taiwan Act (HR 1531). Additionally, he serves on the House Committee on Armed Services, demonstrating his focus on defense policy. High |
| Education | Representative Lance Gooden states that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is ineffective, advocating for policies that empower states and parent choice. He emphasizes teaching students skills for the modern workforce, including career and technical education programs. In April 2022, Gooden unveiled a bill aimed at preventing gender identity and sex education in elementary schools. High |
| Gun Policy | Lance Gooden has received an endorsement from Gun Owners of America (GOA) in the U.S. House, TX-05 election. GOA highlights his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the freedoms of law-abiding Texans and his impressive track record of supporting the Second Amendment, stating he staunchly opposes attacks on it. Low |
Get updates on Texas 5th Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.