Ronnie Tullos

Ronnie Tullos earned a high school diploma from Hargrave High School. He also attended Houston Community College and Lone Star College. His career experience includes working in law enforcement and as an ironworker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ronnie Tullos, and I’m running for Governor of the great state of Texas.

I’m not a politician—I’m a lawman, a veteran of the Texas Guard, a first responder, and above all, a proud Texan. I’ve spent over 30 years protecting and serving this state, from the frontlines of natural disasters to the halls of justice, and now I’m stepping up to lead Texas with strength, integrity, and the courage to take on the issues that matter most.

I was born and raised right here in Texas. I grew up with God, grit, and a deep belief in personal responsibility. That foundation led me to a life of service—starting in law enforcement and rising to the rank of Captain with the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve never turned away from a tough job, and I’ve never forgotten who I work for: the people of Texas.

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?

I will defend our border, support our troopers and sheriffs, and end sanctuary policies.I will protect your right to bear arms—no red tape, no backdoor gun grabs.I will cut government waste and push resources back to our schools, rural communities, and first responders.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I will always stand up for faith, family, and freedom.

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

“The Federalist Papers” would be my choice.

It’s the foundation of how this country was built—strong principles, limited government, individual freedom. Those writings remind us that leadership isn’t about control; it’s about protecting liberty and keeping power in the hands of the people. That’s exactly what I believe in, and it’s how I plan to lead Texas.

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

1.

Constitutional Integrity – Honors the Texas and U.S. Constitutions as the highest law of the land.

2.

Loyalty to Texas First – Makes decisions in the best interest of Texans, not D.C. or political elites.

3.

Courage Under Pressure – Makes bold decisions during crises and stands firm in the face of criticism.

4.

Clear Vision – Has a roadmap for border security, economic growth, education, and public safety.

5.

Accessibility – Stays connected to the people and listens to everyday Texans, not just lobbyists.

6.

Crisis Leadership – Capable of leading during natural disasters, emergencies, and social unrest.

7.

Unwavering Support for Freedom – Defends gun rights, medical freedom, property rights, and free speech.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

What makes me the right man to lead Texas isn’t politics — it’s character, experience, and a lifelong record of service.

I’ve spent over 30 years in law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety. I know how to lead in a crisis, how to make hard decisions under pressure, and how to put the needs of the people above everything else.

I bring discipline, because I’ve worn the uniform and understand what it means to be accountable.

I bring integrity, because I’ve never played games with the truth or compromised my values to gain favor.

I bring real-world leadership, because I’ve commanded teams in the field — not from behind a desk.

I bring respect for the law and the Constitution, because I’ve sworn an oath to defend them my entire adult life.

And I bring humility, because I know public service is a privilege, not a platform.

I’m not looking for a title — I’m answering a calling. I believe Texas needs a Governor who doesn’t just talk tough but lives it. A Governor who shows up, stands firm, and never forgets who he works for. That’s who I am. That’s how I lead. And that’s what I’ll bring to the Governor’s office.

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

1.

Vision – Sees beyond today and builds toward a better tomorrow.

2.

Courage – Willing to take heat for doing what’s right.

3.

Humility – Doesn’t forget where they came from or who they serve.

4.

Resilience – Doesn’t back down in the face of failure or criticism.

5.

Transparency – Leads with honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable.

6.

Decisiveness – Makes tough calls with confidence and purpose.

7.

Inspiration – Motivates others to rise higher, work harder, and believe bigger.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

In the state of Texas, the most important responsibility of the Governor is to protect the safety, freedom, and prosperity of the people.

That means securing our border, enforcing our laws, defending our constitutional rights, and being ready to lead in a crisis. Texans are strong and self-reliant — but they expect their Governor to have their back when things go wrong and to clear the path when it’s time to move forward.

Public safety comes first. If our families don’t feel safe in their homes, on their farms, or in their communities, nothing else matters. That’s why I’ll always back our law enforcement, our National Guard, and our first responders — and make sure they have the resources to do their jobs.

But leadership also means standing up for our freedoms. Whether it’s defending gun rights, parental rights, or medical freedom, the Governor must be a firewall against government overreach.

In Texas, where we face everything from border threats to natural disasters to economic pressure, the Governor must be hands-on, clear-headed, and ready to lead at a moment’s notice. That’s the kind of Governor I’ll be — because that’s the kind of leader I’ve always been.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

If it were my choice, the Governor of Texas should be fully engaged in the state’s budgeting process from start to finish.

Why? Because the budget is where talk turns into action. It’s where priorities are made real — and where waste, corruption, and backroom deals can hide if no one’s watching.

As Governor, I wouldn’t just wait to sign off on the numbers after the fact. I’d be involved early — helping to set clear priorities that reflect the will of the people: strong public safety, secure borders, disaster readiness, infrastructure, education, and respect for taxpayers.

I believe in zero-based budgeting — every dollar needs to be justified, not just carried over. And I believe the Governor has a responsibility to ensure agencies are efficient, accountable, and actually serving Texans.

I’ve spent decades in leadership roles where failing to manage resources properly could cost lives. I take that mindset into the budget process. We owe it to the people of Texas to make every penny count — and I’ll make sure we do.

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

The ideal relationship between the Governor and the Texas Legislature is one built on respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to the people.

We don’t have to agree on everything — and we won’t. But we should agree that politics comes second, and Texans come first.

As Governor, I won’t play political games or push personal agendas. I’ll work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who are serious about protecting our freedoms, securing our border, supporting law enforcement, reforming broken systems, and using taxpayer dollars wisely.

That said, I won’t back down from a fight when the people’s interests are on the line. I’ll stand my ground when it comes to conservative values, fiscal discipline, and constitutional rights. But I’ll also bring common sense to the table — because at the end of the day, Texans want results, not gridlock.

The Legislature writes the laws, but the Governor sets the tone. And I’ll lead with strength, clarity, and a deep respect for the people’s voice.

What do you love most about your state?

What I love most about Texas is the spirit of its people.

We’re tough, proud, and fiercely independent. We don’t wait for someone else to fix our problems — we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Whether it’s a neighbor in need, a natural disaster, or a threat at the border, Texans show up for each other without hesitation.

I love that this is a state where faith still matters, where freedom still means something, and where folks still believe in personal responsibility. I love our wide-open spaces, our diverse communities, our deep roots, and our unshakable pride in being Texan.

You can feel it in the way we talk, the way we fight for what’s right, and the way we never back down from a challenge. That’s the Texas I’ve served my whole life. And that’s the Texas I’m running to protect.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Over the next decade, I believe Texas will face some of the toughest challenges we’ve ever seen — and we need real leadership to face them head-on.

First and foremost, border security will continue to be one of our biggest threats. The federal government has failed us, and Texas has been forced to carry the weight. We’re dealing with human trafficking, cartel violence, drug smuggling, and a broken immigration system. That’s not just a border issue — it’s a public safety issue for the entire state.

Next, we’ve got to address our infrastructure and disaster preparedness. With more people moving here every day and weather events growing more extreme, we need to invest in our roads, water systems, and emergency response networks now — not later.

Another major challenge is our criminal justice and prison system. We need serious reform that supports our correctional staff, reduces repeat offenses, and gives people a real shot at redemption without compromising public safety.

I also see educational freedom and workforce readiness as key priorities. We must make sure the next generation is ready for the real world — not just the classroom — and that parents have a say in how their children are taught.

Finally, we need to protect Texas values in the face of growing federal overreach. Whether it’s the Second Amendment, parental rights, energy independence, or economic liberty — we must keep Texas free, strong, and sovereign.

The next ten years will define the future of this state. We can either rise to the occasion or get swallowed up by politics-as-usual. I know where I stand — with the people, with the Constitution, and with a vision that puts Texas first.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Emergency powers should be used rarely, responsibly, and always with the Constitution in mind.

As Governor, I would only invoke emergency powers under clear and immediate threats to public safety — like natural disasters, major public health crises, or large-scale attacks that require swift, decisive action to protect lives and restore order.

But let me be clear: emergency powers are not a blank check. They’re not an excuse to bypass the people, the legislature, or the law. Any use of emergency authority must be limited in scope, time-bound, and subject to oversight. I don’t believe in ruling by executive order — I believe in leadership that respects the rule of law.

We saw during COVID how easily emergency powers can be abused or stretched too far. That won’t happen on my watch. I trust the people of Texas more than I trust unchecked government — and I’ll always err on the side of freedom, transparency, and accountability.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency is not just important — it’s essential.

If you’re going to ask the people of Texas to trust you with their money, you better be able to show them where every dollar is going. I’ve spent my life in law enforcement and public service, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when money is mismanaged, misused, or hidden behind bureaucracy.

As Governor, I’ll push for full accountability in state spending. That means zero tolerance for waste, fraud, or political pet projects. I believe every taxpayer deserves a clear line of sight into how their money is spent — from education and infrastructure to disaster relief and public safety.

I also believe elected officials and public servants, myself included, should lead by example. If I’m asking others to be transparent, I’ll be the first one to open the books.

Government should work for the people — not hide from them.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

As a lawman and public servant, I believe in rules, accountability, and representative government, but I also respect the frustration when people feel shut out.

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I support limited, well-designed ballot initiatives—especially for non-constitutional, policy-specific issues where the Legislature has failed to act.

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I recommend strict guardrails: high signature thresholds, rigorous transparency in funding, clear language and judicial review before getting on the ballot.

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I would not support citizen initiatives for sweeping constitutional changes—that needs legislative review and two-thirds support, as currently required for amendments

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For local issues where communities have a direct stake—like infrastructure or policing—I see value in measured local ballots, with strong oversight.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

Being the top executive authority in the state of Texas means the buck stops with me.

It means I am responsible for setting the tone, enforcing the laws, managing crises, and protecting the rights of every Texan — no excuses, no passing the blame.

It’s not just a title — it’s a trust. It means overseeing the agencies that keep this state running: law enforcement, emergency response, transportation, education, and more. It means making sure they work for the people, not against them. And if they don’t, it’s my job to fix it.

It also means being a steady hand in uncertain times. Whether we’re facing natural disasters, threats at the border, economic instability, or political dysfunction — the Governor must lead from the front with clarity, strength, and courage.

I’ve led men in uniform. I’ve made hard calls when lives were on the line. I know what real leadership requires. And if elected, I’ll bring that same accountability, discipline, and service mindset to the Governor’s office every single day.

Campaign websiteTullos' campaign website stated the following:Government Transparency/EfficiencyThe Texas economy, which ranks among the world's leaders in nominal GDP and surpasses countries such as Russia and Canada, generates significant revenue. This revenue could support well-funded schools, public services, and infrastructure. Ronnie Tullos suggests that wasteful spending might be affecting the system. As Governor, he plans to assess state spending closely to ensure that tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.Border SecurityCurrently, due to the efforts of the President, our border security has significantly improved, with illegal crossings at their lowest in decades. Should the President delegate full control of border policing back to the state, Tullos would pledge to maintain the same level of dedication and strength to safeguard our state and its citizens.2nd Amendment RightsTexans are widely recognized for embracing their Second Amendment rights. Ronnie Tullos, who has dedicated years to teaching firearms courses to his community, firmly believes in safeguarding our right to bear arms. He advocates that all individuals who are legally permitted should engage in gun ownership for safety reasons, provided they receive appropriate firearm education. In addition to defending this right, Mr. Tullos strongly opposes any red flag laws.Property TaxesNo residents of Texas should be burdened with losing their home due to rising taxes after spending their hard-earned income on it. With the increasing population in Texas resulting in higher local revenues, there should not be a necessity for additional tax hikes. Tullos believes that similar to how unrealized stock market gains are not taxed, the county's appraised market value of a home should not increase the homeowner’s tax burden beyond the initial purchase value. This is an area Tullos intends to address upon assuming office.Improving EducationNo child should be stuck in an underperforming and underfunded school because of their zip code or their parent’s income level. As Governor, Tullos wants to address each school district individually, as the issues at one district may not be the same plaguing another. He believes that we should be able to get our schools funded and our teachers better paid across the entire state to help provide our children with the best education in the country.Protecting WomenWe need to empower our female athletes to reach their potential by granting them access to a fair and level playing field. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports defeats the essence of fair competition and the years of hard work these athletes undergo, as well as being dangerous in certain instances. Tullos will do whatever it takes to protect these athletes from having to compete against them on the field of play, as well as keep their locker rooms and bathrooms free of males as their feelings towards the matter have often been overlooked or ignored for political agendas. — Ronnie Tullos' campaign website (January 15, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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