Abhiram Garapati

Abhiram Garapati was born in Nuzvid, India.[1] Garapati earned a bachelor's degree in electronics and communications engineering.[2] His career experience includes founding Ant Savings and working as a farmer, rancher, real estate broker, and property manager. Garapati has been affiliated with the National Association of Realtors and Williamson County Republican Leaders.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I immigrated legally to the United States in 1997 at the age of 22 with just $500. Through hard work, perseverance, and the grace of God, I became a self-made millionaire by 30. I have founded and led multiple successful businesses, including Ant Savings, a commercial real estate investment firm headquartered in Central Texas with retail properties across multiple states. I proudly affirmed my allegiance to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 2010.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering and completed advanced investment coursework at Stanford University. My career has taken me across the U.S., building relationships and doing business with Americans from all walks of life.

In addition to business, I am a dedicated farmer and rancher, raising hay and livestock on my 200-acre ranch in Central Texas. I have represented Texas’s 31st Congressional District as a delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention and served as a delegate to the Texas GOP Convention in 2020. The deep love I have for this country has fortunately been returned to me many times throughout my life, which is why I have pledged to self-fund my campaign, refuse all contributions, decline a congressional salary and pension, maintain full transparency of my finances, and refrain from owning individual stocks or trading while in Congress.

Beyond work and public service, I enjoy volleyball, traveling, and cherishing time with my wife and our two children.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Congress must pass a balanced budget amendment, drastically cut spending, and develop a long-term plan to tackle the national debt while simultaneously reducing the tax burden on hard-working Americans.Congress must eliminate waste, fraud, corruption, and unconstitutional activity from the federal government while increasing transparency.Congress must ensure we have secure borders and that we carefully vet who is coming into the country, whether temporarily or permanently. Border security is not only national security, it is also the protection of American jobs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about fiscal policy, Constitutional issues, and government oversight. I believe a moral government, free people, and a strong economy are key to the well-being of the American people. I plan to tackle issues of reckless spending, violations of constitutionally protected rights, and a lack of accountability in government head-on.

I also believe national security is the foremost responsibility of the federal government, and I will work tirelessly to ensure Americans are safe at home and when they travel abroad.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

From a young age, I was greatly inspired by former President Abraham Lincoln. I would like to follow in his footsteps in making bold decisions to ensure our nation does not fall, even when such decisions are unpopular among colleagues. At the same time, I will maintain strict Constitutional compliance. History often excuses some of Lincoln’s unconstitutional actions as necessary given the circumstances. While I will deliver bold action on behalf of my constituents if elected, those are lines I would not feel comfortable crossing, and I will not cross them.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must first and foremost have the greatest degree of respect and loyalty to the Constitution they swear to uphold and defend in their oath of office. Second, they must understand that they are representatives of the people who elect them, not of their own interests or outside interests, and they should work relentlessly to serve their constituents. Third, an elected official must have the integrity to hold themselves accountable and avoid activities that would compromise their oath. Finally, I believe now more than ever, the ability to remain deeply disciplined, particularly when it comes to fiscal responsibility, is of great importance.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

There are three core responsibilities: to work hard, to represent the interests of constituents, and to adhere to the confines of the U.S. Constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of fiscal responsibility, Constitutional adherence, and putting constituents above special interest groups in Congress.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The most significant world event I can remember from an early age is the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. I was a young adult, 26 years old, living in the United States, having immigrated legally only several years prior. I could not believe my eyes. The U.S. had always felt impenetrable, almost bulletproof, to me. My heart broke watching individuals jump out of windows to avoid being burned alive. It was tragic, and I do not think anyone who experienced that day has ever felt the same degree of safety that existed before.

National security must be the utmost priority of the federal government, and it must be executed without trampling upon the rights of U.S. citizens. This is clearly spelled out in the Constitution and was reinforced on that fateful day. If elected to Congress, I will work to ensure the alleged role of the Saudi Arabian government and any additional parties is fully investigated and that those individuals are held accountable. I will also work to ensure the rights of U.S. citizens are not violated by unconstitutional surveillance programs. I will fight to combat religious extremism and terrorism, secure our borders, enforce immigration laws, properly vet individuals coming into the United States, and ensure our intelligence and special operations communities are fully equipped and effectively fulfilling their vital roles to ensure September 11th never happens again. The United States of America should be the safest country on Earth by far.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was testing the mainframe systems at AT&T for Year 2000 compliance. I worked there for roughly a year before venturing out to start my first business.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Made in America by Sam Walton. It was the first book I read after immigrating legally to the United States in 1997. The book inspired me tremendously to start my own business, and I later applied many of its principles to growing my own company, Ant Savings.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would be 007, but for American intelligence—minus the illegal and unconstitutional activities carried out by a small group of individuals who undermine the hard work and integrity of the vast majority of Americans in our intelligence community.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a businessman, I have had to navigate very difficult economic cycles to keep employees paid and my family afloat. I have been fortunate to survive and rise from these struggles, and I can now weather storms far greater than before. However, I have noticed these storms becoming unbearable for those just starting out. I am not sure I could recreate my own path to success in today’s economic climate, and that deeply concerns me for the future of this country. This is one of, if not the foremost, reasons I decided to run for Congress. I spent the early years of my youth in a socialist country, and I never want to see that happen to the United States of America.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are the two institutions of government with the greatest ability to tackle the challenges Americans face daily. The House is unique in that it represents a much smaller group of individuals and allows representatives to connect with constituents on a greater level. It would be my honor to stand for the U.S. Constitution and the 31st District of Texas in that chamber and to work toward a free and prosperous future for those I am elected to represent.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe in theory it should be beneficial, but unfortunately, government office seems to have the ability to corrupt, especially for those seeking higher office. Individuals often abandon those they represent to secure campaign funds from special interest groups, and some even take it further by engaging in illegal actions for favors and personal benefit. While there are certainly moral individuals who resist such temptations, I often find myself doing further research into candidates who have held prior office due to these concerns.

Additionally, I believe that as a representative, an in-depth knowledge of civics, attainable by multiple means, far exceeds government experience in importance. If you look at the number of individuals in Congress who consistently fail their oath of office “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to “bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” it speaks largely for itself.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The national debt and inflation are spiraling out of control. The single most important thing any member of Congress can do right now is work to balance the budget and begin reducing the national debt without increasing the burden on taxpayers. This can only be achieved with extreme fiscal discipline, something I will bring to Congress with my background as a businessman in Central Texas.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

In the U.S. House of Representatives, I believe two-year terms are appropriate and keep members interacting with constituents.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

When it comes to Constitutional Amendments, I believe that members of the U.S. House of Representatives should vote in line with the wishes of the majority of their constituents. Based on my campaign experience, the vast majority of constituents in the 31st District of Texas support term limits. Therefore, if elected, I will act in favor of them. I believe term limits of 12 years for both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are reasonable and the most viable to pass.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I believe the needs of my district are unique, and I do not wish to mold myself after any other current or former representative. However, if I were to pick a representative I find myself ideologically aligned with in many ways, I would choose former Texas Congressman Ron Paul, one of the greatest champions of liberty since the days of our Founding Fathers.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

On my campaign trail, I met a seventy-seven-year-old homeless veteran, in declining health, living in his vehicle outside of the Georgetown Public Library. His story of going from serving our country to feeling alone and abandoned was heartbreaking and wrong. No one in the United States of America should have to live like that, especially someone who swore to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

While fixing the economic problems our country faces must be done through responsible fiscal policy and removing unnecessary and burdensome barriers, I was greatly affected by his condition, and I decided to build him a brand-new home in the 31st District with my personal funds to ensure he could live with dignity. While I haven’t the means to do that for every struggling American, if elected, I hope to bring that same opportunity to every American through sound economic policies.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that compromise is acceptable on matters of little importance to the well-being of the country, such as on the planning committee of a special event. However, I do not support compromises on the U.S. Constitution, national security, or fiscal policy, and I will not make compromises in these areas.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

If elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, I will introduce or cosponsor a Balanced Budget Amendment. I will also work toward drastic spending cuts and tax reform that greatly reduces the burden on U.S. taxpayers, with the goal of eliminating income taxes and abolishing the IRS in favor of a fairer system of raising revenue, such as a FairTax, though lower than the currently proposed rate.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House of Representatives should use its investigative powers aggressively to uncover waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, and misconduct in government, and to ensure the individuals implicated in these activities are held accountable.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

New Patriot Foundation Texas

Jack McConnell (former candidate)

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am most proud of raising two happy, healthy, and beautiful children with my wife.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The U.S. government should prioritize staying ahead of other countries in the development and application of artificial intelligence, especially in defense and national security, while ensuring that neither the government nor AI companies abuse fair use laws or infringe upon the rights of American citizens.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

The United States must have secure and trustworthy elections. This includes requiring voter ID, using paper ballots, and ending mail-in ballots, which are different from absentee ballots that allow deployed servicemembers to vote, and which I support. There should be severe penalties for individuals engaging in voter fraud and for those who interfere with the duties of poll watchers. There is also a need for campaign finance reform, because the weight of a billionaire in New York’s wallet should not determine the results of an election in Central Texas. To further ensure a functioning Republic, Election Day should be designated a federal holiday so that all Americans have the opportunity to vote.

The authority of these measures spans multiple levels of government. If elected to represent the people of the 31st District of Texas, I will introduce and support legislation within the powers of Congress designated in the Constitution to accomplish these measures, strongly encourage state and local governments to implement them within their authorities, and support a constitutional amendment to guarantee secure and fair elections in the United States where there is inaction due to negligence or nefarious purposes.

Abhiram Garapati did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Garapati’s campaign website stated the following:

America Should Win

Taxation - Keeping the tax burden on our citizens low is vital to a healthy economy. Government spends to much and takes too much of our tax dollars. I will push for audits of every department in the Federal Government to find and eliminate waste and give tax dollars back to the people. I will be a strong, vigorous voice speaking against President Biden's plans to raise taxes on hard-working Americans and job creators.

Fiscal Discipline - Congress has spent $4.6 trillion since the pandemic began. That's as much as the Federal Government spent from 1789 to 1976! I want to balance our national budget and pay off our national debt by 2050.

Pro Business - Will support small businesses to create jobs for all Americans.

Term Limits - Members of Congress should not serve for a lifetime. That is why I support term limit of 12 years for Senators and Representatives.

Abortion - I am Pro Life.

Second Amendment - I support the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and the right of the people to keep and bear arms. I will oppose Washington’s plans to ban and confiscate guns.

Immigration - I'm in favor of making it easier for legal immigrants who wait in line, obey the law, and don't jump the fence to obtain citizenship. The disaster at our Southern border is entirely the fault of the Biden administration, which has signaled that illegal entry into the US is now acceptable. It is never acceptable, and I will oppose this Open Borders policy in Washington.

Trade policy - We need to balance our trade with the world, bring jobs home from overseas, and demand that nations who trade with us do so fairly. Exporting $100 for every $500 we import isn't sustainable, and needs to be addressed. Pres. Trump started doing this, and it was working. We need that to continue and I will fight for the American worker in Congress.

Healthcare - We must work with the insurance industry to make healthcare truly affordable and remove all unnecessary costs to make the insurance industry more competitive. Everyone should have insurance, not controlled by the government, but low-cost, private insurance plans.

Washington has become a place for the status quo and nothing gets done of the people, by the people or for the people and no one represents this status quo more than our current Congressman John Carter, who has been in Washington for the last two decades.

[19]

—Abhiram Garapati’s campaign website (2024)[20]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

"I have lived the American dream. I made my first million dollars by the age of 30. I've started multiple businesses and am a successful small businessman.

I earned a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering. I studied In-vestments at Stanford University, and despite facing many hurdles, I founded Ant Savings in 2004, and have made it into a successful, multimillion dollar real estate investment firm based in Austin, owning retail investment properties in 12 states.

As part of doing business, I have visited the most remote corners of the country and have had the opportunity to meet and do business with wonderful people all over the US.

I am also a cattle rancher, and raise hay on my ranch, along with 100 head of cattle.

I have my real estate license and am an active broker. And I'm developing 93 acres of commercial property I just purchased on Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Leander.

I enjoy playing Volleyball on weekends with friends, I love traveling and have visited more than 50 countries. I'm happily married to my high school sweetheart, whom I have known since kindergarten. We have two young children.

I’m a member of the National Association of Realtors, and Williamson County Republican Leaders."

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have a plan to eliminate the National Debt by 2050.Congress needs term limits - 12 years maximum for House and Senate.Fix immigration, secure our borders

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our government needs to live within its means, just like families in our district do - savings money and investing for the future. We must apply the same standards for the federal government, eliminate the debt and balance the budget to make our country stronger financially for our future generations.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have always admired Pres. Abraham Lincoln, who was a former congressman. I would like to go to US congress and work tirelessly for my country and solve some of the burning issues facing us. I want to unite my country just like honest Abe and focus our divided nation on solving real issues and make America stronger financially and healthy for future generations.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I've always loved the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" because it represents the essence of America. We have an ongoing choice between becoming more like Bedford falls or more like Potterville. I think Americans will always choose to be Bedford Falls, because it represents the essential goodness of the American people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I think honesty and integrity are vitally important for those in politics.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am honest, dedicated and have a strong sense of integrity that will lead my decision-making in Congress.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first historical event was riots that happened in our town when lots of people lost their lives and property was damaged and I was around 12 years at that time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working part-time at a restaurant for a few months.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The US House of Representatives is the "people's House," and is the closest to the people. It is a special institution, and I will show it respect by attending every session.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. Just as in business, new people with no experience often bring fresh perspectives to a job.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The National Debt of over 29 trillion dollars is by far the most challenging problem we face as a nation. We need to deal with it in a serious way NOW to ensure that future generations aren't born under an unmanageable burden of interest payments.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Finance, Spending, Immigration

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, but I understand why some want to explore a four-year term. It's difficult to always be seeking re-election in one's second year.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The Founders envisioned a citizen legislature, in which citizens served in public office for a time and then returned home to their private lives. We need to return to that ideal. I support term limits of 12 years in each chamber - Six two-year terms in the House and two six-year terms in the Senate.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Only one, Abraham Lincoln.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I met a 67 year old homeless man on my campaign in Georgetown who was sleeping in his pick-up truck every night. After meeting him, I was moved to personally help him by finding him permanent shelter.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Whenever a nation is as divided as ours is, compromise is necessary to govern. But as a Congressman, I won't ever compromise on strong, core conservative principles.

Campaign website

Garapati's campaign website stated the following:

America Should Win

Taxation - Keeping the tax burden on our citizens low is vital to a healthy economy. Government spends to much and takes too much of our tax dollars. I will push for audits of every department in the Federal Government to find and eliminate waste and give tax dollars back to the people. I will be a strong, vigorous voice speaking against President Biden's plans to raise taxes on hard-working Americans and job creators.

Fiscal Discipline - Congress has spent $4.6 trillion since the pandemic began. That's as much as the Federal Government spent from 1789 to 1976! I want to balance our national budget and pay off our national debt by 2050.

Pro Business - Will support small businesses to create jobs for all Americans.

Term Limits - Members of Congress should not serve for a lifetime. That is why I support term limit of 12 years for Senators and Representatives.

Abortion - I am Pro Life.

Second Amendment - I support the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and the right of the people to keep and bear arms. I will oppose Washington’s plans to ban and confiscate guns.

Immigration - I'm in favor of making it easier for legal immigrants who wait in line, obey the law, and don't jump the fence to obtain citizenship. The disaster at our Southern border is entirely the fault of the Biden administration, which has signaled that illegal entry into the US is now acceptable. It is never acceptable, and I will oppose this Open Borders policy in Washington.

Trade policy - We need to balance our trade with the world, bring jobs home from overseas, and demand that nations who trade with us do so fairly. Exporting $100 for every $500 we import isn't sustainable, and needs to be addressed. Pres. Trump started doing this, and it was working. We need that to continue and I will fight for the American worker in Congress.

Healthcare - We must work with the insurance industry to make healthcare truly affordable and remove all unnecessary costs to make the insurance industry more competitive. Everyone should have insurance, not controlled by the government, but low-cost, private insurance plans.

Washington has become a place for the status quo and nothing gets done of the people, by the people or for the people and no one represents this status quo more than our current Congressman John Carter, who has been in Washington for the last two decades.[19]

—Abhiram Garapati's campaign website (2022)[21]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I came to America in 1997 with $500 and made my first million dollars by the age of 30. I have started multiple businesses and am a successful small businessman. I have a bachelors degree in Electronics and Communications engineering. Studied a course on Investments at Stanford university and started Ant Savings in 2004. Despite facing a lot of hurdles, made Ant Savings into a successful multi million dollar real estate investment firm based out of Austin owning retail investment properties located in 12 states of the USA. We own multiple Starbucks, Wendy's and McDonald's as part of our portfolio of commercial investment properties. As part of doing the business, I have visited the most remote corners of the US and had the opportunity to meet and do business with wonderful people all over the United States. I also play Volleyball over the weekends together with my friends. I am interested in traveling the world and have visited more than 50 countries. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart whom I have known since kindergarten and have 2 young kids.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Eliminating the federal debt and balance our budgetSafest and healthiest country in the world100% renewal energy and zero landfill waste by 2040 with zero cost to the tax payers

What areas of public policy are you p