Ernest Lineberger III

Ernest Lineberger III was born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 1995. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in 1980 and graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1988. His career experience includes working as an engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I’m Ernest R. Lineberger, III. I’m a common man of the people. I’ve been blessed with many experiences and achievements, some of which I detail in my book, “There I Was:…Life Memories from Ernest Lineberger” available on Amazon.com. My life has had highs and lows, but throughout “Love your neighbor” and “service” have been key. I often see multiple sides of an issue. I believe in communication and compromise, but also in right from wrong. I’m eager to restore respectfulness and civility to congress while working hard to restore democracy and help everyone to achieve their full potential, especially those who may not have started with all of the advantages of wealth.

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?

My campaign is about “Putting People’s Needs First! Your needs. Your neighbor’s needs.”

Our people, our communities, our nation all have critical needs that aren’t being considered by the current administration that gives us chaos, corruption, cruelty and a large variety of consequences that we are left to deal with. Enough! It’s well past time for the people to stop believing the lies, to stop being cheated out of our vote by slick politicians, to stop excusing the bad behavior, to stop acting like the current administration cares about us or what we care about, to stop voting for Republicans on a single issue like the border, abortion or guns, when we know that we are losing our democracy in a very bad trade. Enough!As a retired naval officer, specialized in nuclear, with tours on multiple warships including the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, I have lived service, dedication, and responsibility. I have sworn the same oath to the constitution as a congressman, and I’ve kept it. After retirement, my next 29 years were working the technicalities of semiconductor manufacturing with Texas Instruments in the Dallas area, keeping high paying jobs in this critical industry here in America. Long before that, I was the youngest in a family of six where my dad was a navy chaplain and Lutheran minister. We moved a lot, lived in a lot of different places, and interacted with a wide variety of people. I believe in ‘Love your neighbor and we are all neighbors.’This 2026 election is our last best chance to right the ship of American democracy. We have seen firsthand throughout 2025 how the Trump 2.0 administration has ignored the constitution, cancelled or reduced important programs that serve true needs of our veterans, seniors, and people in general with no concern for the consequences they leave behind. In the past we had been used to thoughtful and considerate administrations. Now, we see the impact of the opposite. The Trump tax cuts of 2017 and now furthered with the One Big Bill have accelerated our deficit and debt, which went from $37,000,000,000,000 to $38T in just 2 months. A rate to be at $44T by the November election. They are cashing in while our future pays the price. Vote Dem!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about putting people’s needs first! For every bill I author, sponsor, or am called to vote on, I will ask “Who does this serve?”. If it serves only the wealthy, large corporations, industrial schemes without real benefit to the American people, I will vote No. If it benefits the people, helps more to achieve their full potential, better serves their health and well-being, improves their communities and quality of life, helps those at the lower economic levels to afford the blessings of liberty and contribute to the economic base, then I will proudly vote Yes. Accessibility and affordability to healthcare, higher education, housing and food, meaningful employment, safe and vibrant communities, and a sense of contribution.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

As I am writing this early in the 2026 campaign, when many of the endorsement boards are just collecting answers to their questionnaires and preparing to schedule interviews, I will answer with those major endorsements for my 2024 campaign for the same office.

Texas AFL-CIO

The Dallas Morning News, October 18, 2024

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Alliance for Retired Americans

plus over 138,000 voters in the 2024 general election

For 2026, I am pursuing these endorsements again, working to increase name recognition and get my message to the voters.

Campaign website

Lineberger's campaign website stated the following:

Healthcare Policy

I aim to ensure access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Americans. Here are the key aspects of my healthcare policy:

1. Universal Access: I support expanding access to healthcare coverage while preserving choice. This includes strengthening and building upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to ensure every American can access comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of pre-existing conditions.

2. Lowering Healthcare Costs: I advocate for measures to lower prescription drug costs, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and promoting the use of generic medications. Additionally, we should implement transparency measures to curb surprise medical bills and unnecessary healthcare expenses.

3. Protecting Medicare and Medicaid: I am committed to protecting and improving Medicare and Medicaid, vital programs that provide healthcare coverage to seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. This includes addressing funding gaps and ensuring these programs remain sustainable for future generations.

4. Mental Health and Addiction Services: I support expanding access to mental health services and addiction treatment programs. By integrating mental health into primary care and increasing funding for community-based services, we can address the mental health crisis and combat substance abuse effectively.

5. Promoting Telehealth and Innovation: I propose expanding telehealth services to increase access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Supporting healthcare innovation and technology advancements will improve patient outcomes and enhance efficiency within the healthcare system.

6. Women's Health and Reproductive Rights: I advocate for protecting and expanding access to reproductive healthcare services, including contraception and safe, legal abortion. Women should have autonomy over their healthcare decisions without interference from politicians or special interests.

7. Addressing Healthcare Disparities: I am committed to reducing healthcare disparities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. This includes investing in community health centers and initiatives to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

8. Long-Term Care and Aging Population: I support policies that address the long-term care needs of our aging population, including expanding access to home and community-based services and supporting family caregivers.

By implementing these policies, I aim to build a healthcare system that is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Americans, ensuring that healthcare is a right and not a privilege.

Jobs and Economic Growth Policy

I believe in fostering sustainable economic growth that benefits all Americans. Here are key aspects of my policy for jobs and economic prosperity:

1. Investing in Infrastructure: We will prioritize significant investments in infrastructure projects nationwide, creating millions of jobs while modernizing our roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband networks. These investments will improve connectivity and efficiency and stimulate economic activity in local communities.

2. Supporting Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Increasing access to capital and providing targeted tax incentives to help small businesses thrive. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting entrepreneurship can spur innovation and job creation across diverse sectors.

3. Workforce Development and Education: To ensure our workforce remains competitive, I advocate for expanding access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and higher education. By partnering with industries to align training programs with market demands, we can equip workers with the skills needed for 21st-century jobs.

4. Fair Trade Policies: I support agreements that protect American workers and uphold environmental standards. By promoting exports and reducing trade barriers, we can expand market access for American products while safeguarding jobs at home.

5. Tax Reform: I propose tax reforms that promote fairness and support economic growth. This includes closing loopholes that benefit the wealthy and corporations while providing tax relief to working families and small businesses. By simplifying the tax code and ensuring everyone pays their fair share, we can generate revenue for vital public investments.

6. Environmental Sustainability: Transitioning to a clean energy economy is essential for environmental sustainability and economic growth. I support investments in renewable energy sources and technologies that create green jobs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

7. Supporting Innovation and Research: We must invest in research and development across healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors. We can drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and maintain America's global leadership by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

8. Worker Protections and Benefits: I am committed to strengthening worker protections, including advocating for a living wage, paid family leave, affordable healthcare, and retirement security. These measures support workers' well-being and enhance productivity and economic stability.

Through these policies, I aim to promote inclusive economic growth, support American workers and businesses, and ensure that prosperity is shared equitably across our nation.

Education Policy

I want to strengthen our education system to ensure every child has access to quality education and opportunities for success. Here are the key aspects of my education policy:

1. Early Childhood Education: I support expanding access to high-quality early childhood education programs, including universal pre-kindergarten, to ensure all children have a strong foundation for learning.

2. K-12 Education: I advocate for increased funding for public schools, prioritizing resources for schools serving low-income communities. This includes supporting teachers with competitive salaries, professional development, and reducing class sizes to enhance learning environments.

3. Equity and Inclusion: I am committed to addressing educational disparities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. This includes promoting diversity in schools, supporting programs that foster inclusive environments, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.

4. College Affordability: I support making higher education more affordable and accessible. This includes expanding Pell Grants and federal student loan forgiveness programs and incentivizing states to invest in public universities and community colleges.

5. Vocational and Technical Education: I advocate for expanding vocational and technical education programs that provide students with practical skills and certifications for in-demand jobs. This includes partnerships with businesses and industries to align curriculum with workforce needs.

6. Teacher Support and Recruitment: I propose initiatives to recruit and retain qualified teachers, including student loan forgiveness for educators who commit to teaching in high-need areas and increasing funding for teacher training and mentorship programs.

7. STEM Education: I support promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives to prepare students for careers in the modern economy. This includes expanding access to STEM programs and encouraging partnerships between schools and STEM industries.

8. Safe and Supportive Schools: I advocate for policies that promote safe and inclusive school environments, including addressing bullying and supporting mental health services for students.

9. Higher Education Accountability: I believe in holding colleges and universities accountable for student outcomes and costs. This includes promoting transparency in tuition pricing, improving graduation rates, and ensuring that federal funding supports student success.

By implementing these policies, I aim to ensure that every student receives a quality education that prepares them for lifelong success, strengthens our workforce, and promotes economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.

Immigration Policy

My approach to immigration policy is grounded in compassion, pragmatism, and respect for the rule of law. Here are the key principles and initiatives of my immigration policy:

1. Pathway to Citizenship: I support comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already contributing to our communities and economy. This pathway would include rigorous background checks, English proficiency requirements, and payment of taxes and fines.

2. Border Security: I believe in securing our borders effectively and responsibly, utilizing a combination of technology, infrastructure, and manpower where necessary. Border security measures should be practical and evidence-based, ensuring they enhance national security without unnecessarily infringing on civil liberties.

3. Asylum Reform: I advocate for reforms to the asylum system to ensure fair and efficient processing of asylum claims while maintaining humanitarian protections for those fleeing persecution and violence. This includes addressing backlogs in the asylum process and providing adequate resources to immigration courts.

4. Dreamers and DACA: I strongly support protections for Dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children—who have grown up here and contribute to our society. I endorse legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and support the continuation and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

5. Family Reunification: I prioritize family reunification as a cornerstone of our immigration policy. This includes reducing visa backlogs and bureaucratic delays that separate families, promoting policies that keep families together, and supporting the integration of immigrants into our communities.

6. Guest Worker Programs: I support expanding and reforming guest worker programs to meet the labor needs of various sectors of the economy, ensuring protections for American workers and guest workers. This includes safeguards against exploitation and providing fair wages and working conditions.

7. Humanitarian Relief: I advocate for compassionate policies that provide humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations, including refugees, trafficking victims, and individuals fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries. This includes maintaining and enhancing protections under international law.

8. Integration and Citizenship: I support efforts to facilitate the integration of immigrants into American society, including promoting English language learning, civic education, and access to essential services. I believe in the value of citizenship and support initiatives that encourage eligible immigrants to naturalize.

9. Enforcement: I believe in humanely and effectively enforcing immigration laws, focusing resources on targeting criminals and threats to national security while respecting due process and civil liberties. Immigration enforcement should prioritize public safety and national security without undermining community trust.

10. Bipartisan Cooperation: I am committed to working across party lines to achieve meaningful immigration reform that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants and strengthens our economy and communities.

Through these policies, I seek to uphold America's legacy as a land of opportunity and a beacon of hope, while ensuring a fair and orderly immigration system that serves the interests of all Americans.

National Security & Veterans Policy

I bring firsthand experience as a U.S. Naval officer and a deep commitment to national security and veterans' issues. Here are the key components of my policy:

1. Military Readiness and Modernization: Drawing from my over 15 years as an active-duty U.S. Naval officer, I prioritize maintaining a strong and technologically advanced military. This includes investing in modern equipment, training, and personnel to prepare our forces for current and future threats.

2. Veterans' Healthcare and Benefits: Having served alongside our veterans, I understand their sacrifices. I advocate for comprehensive healthcare services, mental health support, and resources to address veterans' homelessness. We must fulfill our commitment to those who served by providing timely and quality care.

3. Defense Budget Oversight: I support a responsible defense budget that eliminates waste while prioritizing the needs of our military and veterans. This includes ensuring funding for critical programs without burdening taxpayers unnecessarily.

4. Counter-terrorism and Homeland Security: I believe in proactive measures to combat terrorism and secure our homeland. This involves robust intelligence gathering, cybersecurity enhancements, and coordinated efforts with international allies to prevent threats before they reach our shores.

5. Support for Military Families: Recognizing the vital role military families play, I advocate for policies that support them, including healthcare access, education opportunities, and employment assistance during and after deployments.

6. Ethics and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and accountability in national security and veterans' affairs is paramount. I will work to ensure transparency in government operations and hold officials accountable for their actions.

7. Diplomacy and Global Engagement: Diplomacy is a cornerstone of national security. I support strengthening alliances and engaging diplomatically to address global challenges such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and emerging security threats.

8. Promoting Veterans in Government: I am committed to increasing the representation of veterans in government roles and supporting initiatives that help veterans transition to civilian life successfully, including education and job training programs.

With my background in the U.S. Navy and dedication to serving our country, I am prepared to advocate vigorously for policies that enhance national security, support our veterans, and uphold America's leadership in the world. Together, we can ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Americans

Energy & Environment Policy

I believe in responsible stewardship of our environment while ensuring energy security and economic prosperity. Here are the key components of my energy and environment policy:

1. Climate Action and Clean Energy: Addressing climate change is urgent. I support rejoining the Paris Agreement and setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, as well as promoting research and development in clean energy technologies.

2. Transition to a Green Economy: I advocate for policies that transition our economy towards sustainability, creating jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure projects. This transition will not only mitigate climate impacts but also drive innovation and economic growth.

3. Environmental Protection: I am committed to safeguarding our natural resources, including protecting air and water quality, preserving biodiversity, and conserving public lands. This involves supporting regulations that hold polluters accountable while promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and transportation.

4. Energy Independence: I support reducing dependence on foreign oil through strategic investments in domestic energy production, including responsible development of natural gas and clean technologies. This includes advocating for energy policies that prioritize national security and economic stability.

5. Infrastructure Investment: I believe in modernizing our energy infrastructure to improve efficiency, reliability, and resilience against climate impacts. This includes upgrading aging infrastructure, expanding smart grid technologies, and incentivizing energy storage solutions.

6. Environmental Justice: I am committed to addressing environmental inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This includes ensuring equitable access to clean air, clean water, and green spaces, as well as mitigating the impacts of environmental pollution on vulnerable populations.

7. International Leadership: I support diplomatic efforts to collaborate with other nations on global environmental challenges, including deforestation, marine conservation, and combating illegal wildlife trade. It's crucial that we engage in global initiatives to protect our shared planet.

8. Fiscal Responsibility: I advocate for policies that balance environmental protection with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively to achieve environmental goals and spur economic growth.

By promoting sustainable practices, investing in clean energy technologies, and protecting our natural resources, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come. Together, we can achieve environmental sustainability while fostering economic prosperity and energy security for all Americans.

[2]

—Ernest Lineberger's campaign website (2026)[3]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased January 1, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ernest R. Lineberger, III, Retired Naval Officer, Naval Nuclear Power, Surface Warship Operations.

BS Aerospace Engineering, MS Engineering Acoustics, MS Systems Technology (Anti-Submarine Warfare)

27 years with Texas Instruments in the manufacturing of semiconductors in Dallas, Texas.

Man of faith, family and community. Believes in a loving merciful God who brings us back in to relationship with Him and each other.

As brothers and sisters, and neighbors, we are to treat each other with respect and caring.

Not a career politician, but stepping up 'To Give You a Better Choice'.

We need more statesmen in government. Less Stunts and antics.

We need to work toward getting the business of government managed.

You know the issues. From agreeing on a budget, to updating the immigration laws, to improving access to affordable health care, Managing the environment, creating economic balance, weapon security, voter equality, and so much more.

As a Naval Officer, I have already taken the same oath of office as the congressmen, 'to support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic'. I have done so in the past, and look forward to doing so again in this new role.

I am running as a democrat, but also an American. I want to work with all in congress to understand all points of view, find the compromises that move us in the best direction for the people, communities, the nation and the world.

Democracy and Leadership.

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?

In Texas, we are used to not having much choice in the voting booth. I'm running 'To Give You a Better Choice'. I have the Education, Mentality, Discipline, Honor, Sense of purpose and Duty to serve the people of Texas and the nation without gamesmanship and antics. To be businesslike about the business of government. To Support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The opening lines of the constitution say a lot: We the People… in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…This is what I will strive to do in congress.My core beliefs include: Love is stronger than hate. All people are created equal even if they are not the same and don’t all have the same advantages. The government has a key role in setting the tone for Americans and the world to follow. Leadership is key. How we behave and what we support is noticed and emulated. Lately, there has been too much trash talk and bad behavior. This is irresponsible for anyone in a leadership role. We need to restore the Better Soul of our country. Not by dictating any rules for religious practice. Not by instilling fear or hate. Quite the opposite. By honoring each person’s rights to make choices, regulating the powerful, providing the safety net we all need in time, being consistent with allies.The polarization of Americans is real but entirely unnecessary. Motivations and loyalties can change. I urge voters to reconsider their core beliefs and values. Also take a closer look at which party has done more for jobs, economy, improving the quality of life, access to health care, personal freedoms, etc. vs. which party has been more interested in allowing large corporations and billionaires to write all of their own rules. I personally want a government that works towards economic balance, putting rules in place on the powerful to protect the average American. Most people would, so sometimes the party of big business will emphasize a hot issue (abortion, immigration) to add fear and panic voters to support them. See past that.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Making the rules favor the average person: accessible affordable health care, good jobs, living wages, fair tax laws.

Strong and effective military, ready to respond as needed anywhere and anytime.

Strong international alliances to help prevent conflict and add support if it comes.

Reduced cost for higher education. Current cost structure is prohibitive. Student debt is limiting students from achieving their full potential, which is limiting our nation and communities.

Resolving the necessary Immigration reform. Establishing the correct methods and fully funding the courts and border patrol staff to make it happen. Resolving the Limbo status of non-citizens.

Addressing mis-information. There are so many information sources, some with verifiable facts and others with strictly conjecture and opinion. Now, we are learning more about the possibility of AI generated material which looks factual but is not. The people need help to sort through and understand what is real and what is not. This is especially important for voters. We need to help voters understand the truths that matter to their votes.

Climate change is a key issue. People need to know. What are the factors. What helps, what hurts? What are the pros and cons of the methods under consideration? What is the cost? What is the time table? What are the direct impacts of the actions being taken, and if no action is taken?

Personal medical decisions need to go back to being personal. Restore Access.

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

Over the last couple of years, I have enjoyed reading the daily Facebook posts of Heather Cox Richardson. She is a historian, and also very tuned in to accurate current news sources. Most of her posts give some details on the news of the day, but then she goes on to make that news more meaningful and understandable by adding in the historical background to the event. Some days the post will center on an event that happened on that day many years ago. The detail may give some facts of the events leading up to that particular event, as well as how the results of that event have reverberated in to our lives today. In other cases, the current comments of a figure today may be enlightened with the history behind those comments. This gives better insight into what is actually being said that the un-informed might miss. I find these articles informative on both the current and historical basis. The bits I've gained over time have helped me to better understand and evaluate information provided by other sources. She has also written a best-selling book, 'Democracy Awakens'.

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

'Seek first to understand'. An elected official may have an opinion that is made known before / during the election. If elected, that official may feel the election is enough justification to stick to that opinion. However, it is really just a license to dig deeper into the