Raul Castaneda

Raul Castaneda served in the U.S. Navy for over 23 years. He earned a high school diploma from Austin High School. His career experience includes teaching basic electricity and electronics at Bernalillo High School and as a project manager for the Omega Train Group.[1][2]

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?

As a Retired Navy Duty Officer, Raul "Bullet" Castañeda, understands the challenges faced by service members. Bullet is uniquely qualified to serve on the Armed Forces Committee, his core committment is to ensure those who served receive the benefits they earned. Bullet, plans to enhance veteran claims to ensure veterans acquire the disability benefits they deserve. The current process has issues obtaining claims. Bullet will fight to streamline and fix this system.Raul " Bullet" Castañeda is focused on bringing high-quality, permanent employment opportunities to District 16. As Congressman, Raul will work to bring the job industry securing permanent jobs that pay $30-$40 an hour.The working and retired families of the border region deserve better. As Congressman his plan is centered on improving the daily lives, safety and efficiency to all citizens living near the border. Citizens deserve better and safer quality of life, from national border security to more robust education opportunities. Border binational issues will be addressed diligently considering our culture ties and economics. As a former educator, creating a more successful and supportive environment for students and educators is a top priority, more efficient programs need to be established to accomplish continued and successful education.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Veteran affairs, economic growth and Education reform.

Veterans need proper representation in all areas primarily for their disability and healthcare. The delays and backlogs need to be addressed effectively.

Our cost of living is not according to our wages, El Paso, TX was known for an ideal place to retire, we must work to create an economy where residents can secure wages in the $30 to $40 hourly rate.

Educators and students need more support for a more successful environment, we need more programs and scholarships for our students and educators.

Campaign websiteCastaneda's campaign website stated the following:Veterans’ Support and AdvocacyAs a veteran, Raul Castañeda understands the challenges faced by servicemembers and is uniquely qualified to serve on the Armed Forces Committee. His core commitment is to ensure those who served receive the benefits they earned.Enhance Disability Claims: Raul plans to enhance veteran claims to ensure veterans acquire the disability benefits they deserve.Address System Failures: The current process has issues obtaining and approving disability claims. Raul will fight to streamline and fix this system.Civilian Infrastructure and Job SecurityRaul Castañeda is focused on bringing high-quality, permanent employment opportunities to District 16.High-Paying, Permanent Jobs: As Congressman, Raul will work to bring the job industry into District 16 , securing permanent jobs that pay $30 to $40 an hour.Industry Partnership: This requires communicating with industries to build good industries in the district.Border Binational Issues and Quality of LifeThe working and retired families of the border region deserve better. Raul’s plan is centered on improving the daily lives, safety, and efficiency for all citizens living near the border.Better & Safer Quality of Life: Citizens deserve a better and safer quality of life , regardless of whether they cross the border for affordable healthcare or strong family ties.Efficient Crossings: The current system causes extreme long lines daily for students, parents, and retired citizens.Action Plan: Raul will address this issue by moving agents and channels to quicker cross lines without compromising national border security. More agents and efficient wait times are needed.Education: The Key to SuccessRaul, a former educator, believes that Education is the key to success. He is committed to creating a more supportive environment for both students and teachers.Support for Students and Educators: He plans to create a more successful environment for both students and educators.Programs and Scholarships: Raul will bring more programs and scholarships for our students in El Paso.Lottery Funding Utilization: He will use lottery funding to accomplish continued education and scholarship opportunities for students who have at least a C average.— Raul Castaneda's campaign website (February 11, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.