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Carmen Montiel

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

Real Estate Broker

Carmen Montiel is a Republican candidate for U.S. House Texas District 38 in the 2026 election. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Carmen Maria Montiel was born in Venezuela and lives in Houston, Texas. Montiel earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from East Tennessee State University in 1991. Her career experience includes working as a television journalist , news anchorwoman, and real estate broker.[1][2][3][4]

Bachelor's:
East Tennessee State University, 1991

In their own words

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?

Faith, Family and FreedomWe are loosing America to a socialist AgendaTake back the American Dream

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health, Economy, National Security and Education,

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Debbie Georgatos, Rememberance Project, Blues (The largest Police printing in the world)

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a legal immigrant, business woman, survivor of domestic violence and mother of three.

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?

FamilyEconomic growthEducation

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Preservation of our constitution, economic opportunities and safe education.

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

My parents raised us well, with faith, manners and the importance of culture; They are my pillars.

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

Stolen Identity, Atlas Shrugged, Del Buen Salvaje Al Buen Revolucionario.

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

Integrity and active in resolving the issues of our constituents.

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

I am a legal immigrant that knows the obstacles we have to overcome as immigrants. I have been working in Charity since I was a teenager.  I understand the importance of helping others. And I am the Mother of three; the most difficult and important work in the world.

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

Represent our constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I never stopped fighting against Socialism=Communism.

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

At 12 years old I worked at a Toy Import company for the summer.

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

Overcoming Domestic Violence

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

Intelligent, knowledge of our nation and foundation, protection of our constitution (the greatest in the world)

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

No. We represent the people. We need representatives with real life experience.

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

Maintain our position as the most powerful nation.

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

No, Representatives spend most of their time campaigning instead of serving the people.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

People are living longer. I believe there should be term limits.

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

Markwayne Mullin

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?

The over twenty year Cancer cluster that is killing our people is touching.  It is unbelievable that this has not been resolved yet.

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

To a certain level

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?

The American People pay too much taxes

What committees interest you?

Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veteran Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We serve the American people, who pay taxes, they deserve to know how our Money is used and for what purpose.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born in Venezuela, I came to the United States of America, legally 34 years ago as a student.

I experience from here how my country of birth was detsroyed and my family had to leave looking for a better life in other countries.

A Mother of three (Alexandra, Carmen and Juan Diego) I am a journalist, entrepreneur and business woman.

I have served my community since I came to Houston. And now will continue to do it by this time as a Congresswoman, bringing opportunities and jobs to my district.

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?

Serve the peopleStop the liesI will work for you

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economy: We need to reduce inflation and reduce expending

Immigration: As immigration in this country has to be legal

Education: The money should follow the student

Campaign website

Montiel's campaign website stated the following:

SECURE OUR BORDERS

END HUMAN TRAFFICKING

PROSECUTE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FIGHT CRT EDUCATION

RESTORE AMERICAN VALUES

These values include:

Faith

Family

Opportunity

AMERICA FIRST POLICIES

These include:

Energy Independence

Agriculturally Self-Sustaining

Ending regulations

Choice in education

Keeping business in America

Supporting small business

Creating more jobs[5]

—Carmen Maria Montiel's campaign website (2022)[6]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Jobs

2) Education

3) Immigration[8][5]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

The growing path to loose ara rights needs to stop. Energy IndependenceCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[5]

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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