Scott Mandel

Scott Mandel was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He earned a master's degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 1998. His career experience includes working as a chief executive officer and a government security contractor. He has been affiliated with the National Business Aviation Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the National Rifle Association (NRA).[1][2]

Scott Mandel did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteMandel's campaign website stated the following:ServeService is more than a promise - it’s a way of life. I’ve spent my career protecting families, creating jobs, and standing up for the people who make South Texas strong. I am proud of my district, our state, and our country- and I am proud to serve you.

StrengthenWe strengthen our communities by investing in people - in their safety, their opportunities, and their futures. Together, we can build a stronger Texas rooted in hard work, and common sense. The American dream is still alive, and in Texas it wears boots.

SucceedWhen South Texans have the tools, support, and freedom to thrive, we all succeed. Our growing economy, powered by energy, trade, and innovation, proves that prosperity begins when we work together to create opportunity for every Texan.

"Leadership is about giving back, NOT cashing in." -Scott Mandel

Our Issues Together as Texans

Faith, Family & CommunityMy Catholic faith has been instrumental in how I serve others. It has taught me humility, discipline, and the importance of spiritual leadership. I'm fully committed to protecting life and promoting families. I have been married for 41 years, raised 3 children, and enjoy grandparenting our 4 grandchildren.

I was born, raised, and work in District 34. My family and I have been very active in the community for many years sponsoring over 30 non-profit organizations. As my commitment to our community, I will donate my entire congressional salary to the communities I represent.

Border Security & Human DignityA strong border creates a strong nation. We must provide for a full border shutdown once and for all, to protect future generations. By using forward operating bases and our military we can eliminate drug and human trafficking.

My plan is called ABICUS (America's Border Immigration Control and Unified Systems). ABICUS creates a zero-tolerance policy for illegal immigration and creates a strong pathway for managed legal migration.

Veteran SupportOur veterans need to be treated with the same respect they had when they wore the uniform. Too many veterans continue to struggle with the VA health care system. Our system should allow our veterans to choose their doctors and encourage doctors to accept reasonable payments.

The VA should be in the business of paying medical bills and not be in the in-house doctor business. The days of having to wait months for an appointment or drive for hours to a VA clinic needs to change.

Fiscal Responsibility & Economic GrowthAs a small businessman I understand the need to run a lean, efficient operation while providing services to our clients. As a government contractor I have seen the systems causing much of the waste and inefficiencies of our Federal government. We need a government that supports our industries, our small businesses, our farmers. We need policies designed to promote growth rather than punish success.

Economic growth is stifled by too many regulations and by a government that spends too much on unnecessary programs. I'm committed to rooting out corruption from our system and putting the needs of our communities first.

Protecting Social SecurityI will oppose any effort to cut Social Security benefits. We have contributed to the system with the promise that it would be there when we need it the most. The program is not a handout; it is money earned through decades of hard work. I will work to ensure that we can continue to depend on the promises our government has made to us.

Public Safety & Law EnforcementThe first role of government is to protect its citizens. Our communities deserve a justice system which keeps our safety as its top priority, not coddling criminals and looking for excuses for repeat offenders. As a former law enforcement officer I understand the strong need to support our police and sheriffs.

I commit to finding our law enforcement agencies the funding they need to do their jobs for us.

Powering Texas & Fueling our FutureTexas leads the nation in energy production, and South Texas is driving that growth. Corpus Christi now ranks among the top ten economies in the world, fueled by energy exports, trade, and innovation. The Rio Grande Valley continues to expand as one of the fastest-growing energy and logistics regions in America, creating opportunity and stability for thousands of families. I will work to keep this momentum strong by supporting fair regulations, expanding infrastructure, and protecting the jobs that power our communities. Energy independence is not just an industry goal; it is essential to our future prosperity and national security.

Making Healthcare AffordableHealthcare has become too expensive for too many families, with rising premiums and costs that strain hardworking Texans. I know what it feels like to grow up in economic struggle and to see how rising costs can push basic needs out of reach. I have also seen firsthand how the system fails the people who need care the most. In Congress, I will fight to make healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable, increase transparency in pricing, and protect access to quality care for every South Texan. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and getting the care they need.

Education & Opportunity for AllEvery child deserves a chance to succeed whether that means college, a trade school, or a career that helps support themselves. We can build a successful education system by improving partnerships between schools and local industries. School choice can give those families the opportunity to find the proper education environment for their children.

— Scott Mandel's campaign website (November 20, 2025)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

God. Family. Country. Conservative. Married. 3 grown children. 3 grandchildren. Catholic. Grew up in Corpus Christi. Government Contractor. Successfully run several businesses. Very energetic. Love adventure and the outdoors. Rancher. Builder. Pilot. Diver. Hunt. Fish.

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 am conservative, bring 33 years of successful business and federal experience to the job. I am the only candidate that is very knowledgeable about the border crisis and federal issues.Since the 1940’s we have built fences on the US/Mexico border. 84 years later we have about 700 miles of fence, have improved technology and manpower, spent billions yet we still are not able to control illegal immigration, legal migrations, and drug trafficking. I will introduce legislation to close the border, overhaul immigration, the visa program and place a temporary limit on legal immigration based on our capabilities and needs.We continue to spend money we do not have. The US is in debt to the tune of 34 trillion dollars. I will introduce legislation that would require every federal agency receiving federal dollars to complete a detailed questionnaire justifying their role, responsibilities and their costs to Congress and the American people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Border Security

Immigration

Federal Spending

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus, he was very humble, always kept his faith in the face of challenge, and never stopped believing in the greater good.

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

2 book's I would recommend is The Duty to Vote by Julia Maskivker, and Overdoing democracy by Robert B. Talisse.

A movie I would recommend is Lincoln.

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

Strong Leadership, great communication, creative thinking, committed to helping the great good.

Keep promises, do good, preserve life,

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

Great Listener, Extrovert, Problem Solver, Proven Leader, successful Businessman, Government Contractor, Great Negotiator.

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

Listen and represent all the voters in your district.

Propose, vote and enact laws and policies for the greater good of their district, state and country.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I made the world a better place, helped people, encouraged and inspired others, giving of my time, talent, energy, and treasures.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

July 20, 1969, watching the lunar Landing. I was 7 1/2 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Western Auto, 4634 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, Tx 78415. 3 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Sherlock Holmes

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Holy water by We the Kingdom

Tell us your favorite joke.

Which is the only government office that actually listens to you......The National Security Agency.

Campaign website

Mandel’s campaign website stated the following:

THE TEXAS BORDER

Our border situation is dire. I propose we close the border and do a hard reset. We must enforce our laws and set rules. We need to hire hundreds of part-time immigration judges. We need to restructure the Border Patrol to be more efficient. I would call for an immediate Latin American Summit to address migration issues. Our immigration laws were not designed to handle today’s crisis. Part of my plan, ABICUS (America’s Border Immigration and Unified Systems), will establish forward operating bases on the border to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The fence helps, but it is not enough! Having a secure border and a more functional unified system for legal immigration would control and reduce illegal immigration. Sending a message to Mexico, Central and South America that our borders are closed is a key step. Allowing our U.S. embassies to process asylum claims will help alleviate the crisis.

ESCALATING NATIONAL DEBT

Our escalating debt demands immediate attention. As a country, we only have two choices: spend less or make more. We are giving money away that we do not have. Now, more than ever, you need a proven, successful, and assertive business leader. As with many in the past, I am transitioning from the business sector to public service to make a difference.

OUR CURRENT REPRESENTATION

Congressman Cloud has served us for 5 years, been paid $840,000, and does not serve us well. He has not been aggressive with the issues. If elected, I will work to help our communities, this district and our country. I have the business background and experience to make positive changes, but more importantly, I am a strong consensus builder and will make every effort to improve the livelihood of our citizens. Please…March 5th go out and vote – MANDEL. Let’s send a message that you want TX-27 to lead the way on border issues and reducing the debt.[3]

—Scott Mandel’s campaign website (2024)[4]