Manuel Barraza

Manuel Barraza's career experience includes working as a paralegal. He is also a former El Paso judge.[1]

Manuel Barraza did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Media interview

Barraza highlighted the following themes in an interview with El Paso Matters on February 9, 2026. The questions from El Paso Matters are bolded and Barraza's responses follow below.[1]

What is your top priority if you were to be elected to this office and how would you work to achieve it?

Manuel Barraza: The economy is my No. 1 priority. It is unacceptable that the federal minimum wage hasn’t moved in years; it is a stagnant policy that hurts our workforce. On Day 1, I will file a bill to increase the national minimum wage. This isn’t just a labor issue — it’s an economic necessity. Raising wages reduces poverty, decreases reliance on social services, and ensures El Paso families can finally get ahead.

What specific actions would you take in Congress to help El Paso families struggling with high costs for food, housing and health care?

Manuel Barraza: To combat the rising costs of food, housing, and healthcare, I will file legislation on day one to increase the federal minimum wage. A stagnant wage is a policy failure that makes basic necessities unaffordable. By raising the wage, we increase household purchasing power, allowing families to better afford rent and medical care while reducing poverty and the need for social services.

How would you improve health care access, particularly for low-income families, veterans and border residents?

Manuel Barraza: To improve health care access, I will champion the direct physician care model. Our current system prioritizes insurance billing over patient needs, leaving families and veterans stuck in a ‘pay-to-play’ maze. I support legislation to allow Medicaid and VA funds to be used for DPC memberships. This removes the insurance middleman, providing low-income and border residents with 24/7 access to a doctor for a flat fee. It’s about care, not coverage, and medicine, not paperwork.

What policies do you favor for immigration and border enforcement?

Manuel Barraza: I support a comprehensive approach to immigration that prioritizes both national security and human dignity. This includes significant investments in border technology and personnel to ensure our ports of entry are secure, paired with a legal pathway to citizenship for those already contributing to our communities. Any pathway must be orderly, safe, and efficient, replacing the current backlog with a streamlined system that ensures a fair and predictable outcome for all applicants.

Why are you running as a Republican and what beliefs and values lead you to run in that party?

Manuel Barraza: I am running as a Republican because I believe in common-sense leadership and the protection of American values. This begins with ensuring the integrity of women’s sports and private spaces, and maintaining national sovereignty through a strong, secure border.[2]