Jay Fondren

Jay Fondren served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2005. He graduated from Corsicana High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2019. His career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jay Fondren, and I am running for Congress to serve the people of Texas District 8 with the same courage and conviction that shaped my life on the battlefield. I am a husband, a father of six, and a Veteran whose life was spared by the grace of God after being wounded in Iraq. That experience changed everything. It taught me that every breath is a gift, every moment is stewardship, and every calling is to be held with humility.

For the last two decades, I have stood beside Warriors and families navigating the federal system—fighting for them, advocating for them, and helping them rebuild hope. I’ve lived firsthand what happens when government forgets who it serves. I’ve also seen the strength of local communities, churches, and families who step in where Washington falls short.

I am not running to join the political class. I am running because our liberties are under pressure, our border is broken, our children’s future is at stake, and career politicians have lost touch with the people they represent. I believe public office is a season of sacrifice, not a pathway to power. And I believe Texans deserve a representative who answers to them—not to Washington, not to donors, not to party bosses.

My commitment is simple: to honor God, defend liberty, serve with integrity, and stand for the people of Texas District 8 with a warrior’s resolve and a servant’s heart.

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?

Servant Leadership, Not Career Politics

Washington is full of people who treat public office like a ladder of privilege instead of a place of sacrifice. My life has never been about climbing—it's been about serving. From the battlefield to advocating for Veterans, I’ve learned that real leadership means showing up, listening, and putting others first. I’m not running to join the political class. I’m running because the people of this district deserve a representative who knows what service costs and who will carry that responsibility with humility, conviction, and courage.Protecting God-Given Liberty

Our rights do not come from Washington—they come from the Lord who created us in His image. Government’s only legitimate role is to defend those freedoms, not manage every corner of our lives. When the federal government grows beyond its God-ordained limits, liberty shrinks, families weaken, and communities suffer. I am committed to restoring a proper balance—championing limited civil authority, safeguarding parental rights, defending life, protecting the rule of law, and ensuring that Texans live free, not under federal intrusion.Texas-First, Community-Focused Governance

The strength of Texas District 8 is found in our families, churches, small businesses, ranches, timber, energy, and the countless neighbors who hold this community together. Decisions that shape our future should be made here, not dictated by distant agencies. I will work to secure our border, strengthen local economies, protect our natural resources, and return power back to where it belongs—our people. When Washington overreaches, Texans lose. When Texans lead, our communities flourish, our children thrive, and freedom endures.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m running to return power to the people of Texas District 8. I believe government must be limited, accountable, and rooted in the Constitution. My priorities include securing the border, protecting parental rights, defending life, strengthening Texas energy and jobs, supporting Veterans, upholding ADA protections, and restoring fiscal responsibility. Strong families, accessibility, local control, and God-given liberty—not Washington bureaucracy—are the foundation of a free and thriving Texas.