In a recent interview on the series Vote Like a Texan, former Federal Election Commission Chairman Trey Trainor, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas Congressional District 21, framed the 2026 election as a critical juncture for the state's influence in Washington. Trainor, who served as FEC Chairman from 2020 to 2025, warned that Texas is on the verge of losing significant seniority and clout in Congress due to multiple open seats, making immediate, effective leadership essential. "The next representative for District 21 must be ready on day one to lead, not learn," Trainor stated during the conversation hosted by Justin McKenzie.
Trainor's discussion centered on the necessity of electing a representative with proven experience to navigate federal systems and advocate for Texas priorities. He highlighted his tenure overseeing federal election law and campaign finance enforcement at the FEC as foundational to understanding Washington's workings. The candidate emphasized issues like restoring accountability and constitutional limits in the federal government, securing border security reimbursements to direct funds back to Texas communities, and addressing national security concerns in the Western Hemisphere. He also stressed the importance of handling local challenges such as water infrastructure, wildfire risk, and economic growth across the district's nine counties.
A key point in the interview was Trainor's focus on civic engagement, particularly in primary elections. He argued that in districts like CD-21, where the Republican primary is likely decisive, voter participation in primaries and runoffs is crucial for shaping representation. "If voters want their voices heard, they must show up in the primaries and the runoff," Trainor said, underscoring that this is where the future representative is chosen. The full episode, which provides a comprehensive look at Trainor's background and policy vision, is available for voters seeking detailed information. For more on his campaign, visit https://www.trey4tx.com/.
Throughout the episode, Trainor positioned himself as a candidate with the experience to translate political knowledge into actionable results, citing his advisory roles with national party leadership, congressional testimony, and efforts to counter bureaucratic overreach. He also noted his long-standing relationship with former President Donald Trump and a commitment to enacting durable policy reforms. By linking his federal expertise with local Texas issues, Trainor aims to convince voters that his background equips him to protect and advance the state's interests during a period of potential decline in congressional seniority, making the upcoming primary a defining moment for the district's future representation.
