The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan recently featured Abhiram Garapati, a candidate for Texas Congressional District 31, in a discussion covering his policy views and motivations for seeking office. Host Justin McKenzie conducted the interview as part of the series' mission to increase voter awareness through substantive conversations with candidates ahead of primary elections.
Garapati shared his personal background, detailing his legal immigration to the United States over 15 years ago and his subsequent success in business and agriculture in Central Texas. He stated this experience shaped his desire to serve in Congress without accepting a salary or campaign donations, crediting the country's opportunities for his achievements. His policy discussion emphasized fiscal responsibility and the role of a member of Congress as a bridge between federal resources and local needs.
On immigration, Garapati emphasized respect for the rule of law while advocating for a more efficient and accessible legal immigration system. As a farmer and rancher, he highlighted the importance of agriculture and rural communities, pointing to challenges facing volunteer fire departments in fast-growing Hill Country counties. He also stressed the need for investment in rural infrastructure and economic development.
Education and workforce readiness emerged as central themes, with Garapati arguing that Texas's economic future depends on stronger STEM education and preparation for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He stated that equipping students and workers for rapid technological change is critical across industries, from engineering and space to agriculture and manufacturing.
The interview reinforced the importance of civic participation, especially during primary elections where voter turnout historically remains low. This episode is part of Vote Like A Texan's broader effort to provide Texans with direct access to candidates through long-form conversations. The full episode is available for viewing on the series' YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@VoteLikeATexan.
For Texas businesses, Garapati's focus on connecting federal resources to local needs could signal potential support for economic development initiatives. His emphasis on STEM education and workforce preparation directly addresses concerns about talent pipelines in technology-driven sectors, which are vital to the state's continued economic growth. The candidate's agricultural background and advocacy for rural infrastructure investment highlight issues critical to the farming and ranching industries that form a significant part of Texas's economy.
The discussion of immigration reform touches on workforce availability, a persistent concern for many Texas employers across various industries. By framing legal immigration as an economic issue requiring efficiency and accessibility, the candidate connects policy to practical business needs. The interview's availability through platforms like https://www.youtube.com/@VoteLikeATexan represents how civic engagement is adapting to digital media, potentially increasing voter awareness among business professionals and community leaders.
