Carl Segan

Carl Segan served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2020. Segan earned a high school diploma from Russellville High School and attended Colorado Technical University. As of 2025, he was retired. Segan has been affiliated with Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Carl Segan, a retired Army veteran with 24 years of service. I know what it means to fight for our country, work hard, and stand shoulder to shoulder with my community. I’m running for Congress in Texas’ 27th District because Washington has forgotten us. Our families, farmers, veterans, and small towns deserve better representation, someone who will listen, deliver, and put community ahead of politics.

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 fix Medicaid. I have a plan to offer affordable healthcare to all Americans that we currently use today. And I will push to ensure veterans have VA access in their communitiesI will prioritize rural infrastructure — investing in roads, broadband, ports, and energy so every township in TX-27 has the resources to grow and succeed, not just our big cities.I will stand with my educators, my healthcare workers, and my law enforcement to ensure they have the facilities, training, and funding they need.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about TX-27’s communities and families, and making sure we have what we deserve: better healthcare, veterans, infrastructure, education, public safety, agriculture, energy, and trade policy. For me, that means fixing Medicaid, ensuring veterans have local VA access, investing in rural roads and energy, supporting educators and law enforcement, protecting farmers and ranchers, keeping Texas strong in oil and gas, and strengthening our shipping ports to boost commerce.

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

I look up to everyday Americans who work hard, raise families, and serve their communities without ever being recognized. That’s who I want to represent and honor in Washington.

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

Honesty, accountability, and showing up for the people you represent. Folks deserve someone who listens, keeps their word, and puts community ahead of politics.

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

To represent the people of the district, not themselves or Washington. To make sure our tax dollars come back home, our communities get the resources they need, and our voices are heard in Congress.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I served with honesty, brought resources home to TX-27, and left my community stronger than I found it.

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

I was born in 1974. I vaguely remember the fuel shortages in the 70s. I also remember when Iranians hijacked airplanes and the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. I remember Ronald Reagan — “They say we’re weak and divided. But they’re wrong. America is strong, America is proud, America is ready.”

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

My first real job was a paper route when I was in the 6th grade. We got our papers at 4:30 in the morning, had to fold them, rubber-band them, and if it was raining, slide them into those little plastic sleeves. I hauled them in a basket on the front of my bike, and if you ever fell over, you had a mess on your hands. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me what real work looked like at a young age.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It has been a steady guide for me through life’s challenges and decisions.

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

I’d stay myself. I don’t need to be a fictional character; Real life gives me plenty to do.

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

Balancing military service with family life. Serving 24 years meant a lot of time away, and that was never easy.

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

It’s the people’s house. It’s supposed to be the closest voice to the everyday American, with members who live and work like the folks they represent.

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

Experience can help, but it’s not the only thing. What matters most is integrity, common sense, and real-world experience that connects you to the people you serve.

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

Keeping healthcare affordable, securing energy independence, strengthening infrastructure, and restoring trust in government. If we can’t fix those, the rest won’t matter.

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

Yes. It keeps representatives accountable to the people. If you’re not doing your job, voters should have the chance to replace you quickly.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits are healthy. Congress shouldn’t be a career path — it should be service. Fresh ideas and accountability keep government closer to the people.

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

I don’t want to model myself after anyone in Washington. I want to represent TX-27 in my own way — by showing up, listening, and doing the work for our communities.

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’ve talked to veterans who have to drive hours just to see a doctor at the VA. That stuck with me. No one who served this country should have to struggle just to get care.

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

Yes — as long as it doesn’t mean selling out your community. You can stand firm on your values and still work across the aisle to get things done for the people you represent.

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?

I would use that responsibility to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely and come back home to our district. We send plenty to Washington — it’s time we see more return to TX-27.

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

The House should use its investigative powers to hold government accountable, not to play political games. Oversight is about protecting taxpayers and making sure government works for the people.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I’ve met veterans who’ve told me how hard it is to get care because the nearest VA is hours away. That stuck with me, and it’s part of why I’m running — to make sure they get the care they earned.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Serving 24 years in the Army and retiring honorably. It was the privilege of my life to wear the uniform and serve this country.

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

The government should set basic guardrails to protect jobs, privacy, and national security, but it shouldn’t strangle innovation. We need a balance between progress and responsibility.

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

Elections should be secure, simple, and fair. I support voter ID, clean voter rolls, and making sure every legal vote counts while keeping the process accessible to all eligible voters.