Chris Rector

Chris Rector was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. He served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 2007. His career experience includes working as an author, deputy sheriff, and fire resources coordinator.[1]

On January 29, 2024, Rector notified [the profile publisher] that he had changed party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.[2]

On July 7, 2025, Rector notified [the profile publisher] that he had changed party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.[3]

Chris Rector did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Chris Rector did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm from Tennessee. After graduating High School. I joined the Army and served for three years in West Germany, I received an Honorable Discharge. I then went to the State of Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy and earned my P.O.S.T certification. As a Deputy Sheriff, I went undercover in a large white supremacist group that was abusing and trafficking young females and also targeted violence on the LGBTQIA community. We were able to get over a hundred felony convictions from this investigation. I again joined the Army after this for another twenty-one years. I served as a Fire Resources Coordinator for the Tennessee Division of Forestry after retiring from the Army and this position led to me making Texas my home. I'm a published Author and have wrote three books. I'm a disabled veteran and volunteer through a couple of groups helping other disabled veterans.

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?

The power grid failure in February 2021 was unacceptable, and the legislature’s failure to address ongoing risks and deficiencies in the grid is not acceptable. After over 700 Texans lost their lives, we must do more to ensure no other Texan loses their life due to a power outage.I will fight to repeal the recent attacks on our voting rights and work to expand access to the ballot box with increased vote by mail and early voting options so that all our neighbors can have their voices heard. We must also establish a bipartisan redistricting commission to stop partisan gerrymandering.I will fight to repeal SB 8 the fetal law bill, Abortion is health care and also constitutional carry law, we need common sense gun laws.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I will fight hard to repeal the recent attacks on our voting rights and work to expand access to the ballot box with increased vote by mail and early voting options so that all our neighbors can have their voices heard. We must also establish a bipartisan redistricting commission to stop partisan gerrymandering.

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

I believe you have to listen to many voices of the citizens in your district. Listen to voices from all angles whether you agree with them or not, so you can make the best decision on a situation that benefits all the citizens that you represent.

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

You have to be able to represent all the citizens of your district not just a certain few.

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

I worked in the cafeteria at Children's Hospital in Knoxville, TN as a dishwasher and serving food. I worked there for three years before joining the Army.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. I first read this book after retiring from the army and it was spot on in a lot of places and brought back good and not so good reflections.

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

Underdog

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

I'm a disabled veteran and one of my disabilities is PTSD and has been very costly to me in the past. Writing literally saved my life and led to my first published book.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The state legislature makes the laws and the governor enforces the laws, but we can't have the governor writing executive orders and passing them off as laws and also trying to enforce them. The best ideal is having them listen to the people who elected them and work from that together.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, I believe we need to elect citizens from all walks of life without regard to race, creed, or sexual orientation.

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

Veterans rights and Criminal Justice

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

I believe you have to compromise to a point to get things done, but compromises have to be agreed upon by both parties. I will only have a little bend though in my core beliefs.

Chris Rector did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2021 Candidate Connection survey.