Shelly deZevallos

DeZevallos obtained a bachelor's degree in political science and Chinese from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in business administration from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in education with an aviation and space science focus from Oklahoma State University. DeZevallos worked as a regional sales manager for Cessna before joining the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a regional representative. As of the 2026 primary, deZevallos had been president of the West Houston Airport for eight years. Both President Donald Trump (R) and Governor Greg Abbott (R) appointed deZevallos to transportation and business-related advisory boards.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proven leader, business owner, aviation expert, and America First conservative running to represent Texas’s 38th Congressional District. Born and raised in Houston with deep Texas roots, I’ve built my life on the timeless values of faith, family, and hard work. Helping operate the family business, I learned the importance of service, responsibility, and community early on.

As President of West Houston Airport — one of the nation’s busiest general aviation hubs — I’ve created jobs, supported local businesses, and navigated complex federal regulations to improve economic opportunity in our region. With my 5,000+ hours of logged pilot experience, I have advised leaders on aviation safety and policy and served on federal and state aviation advisory committees.

I’m also a devout Christian, a proud wife and mother of twin daughters, and I understand firsthand the importance of protecting the freedoms that allow families to thrive — from secure borders and strong communities to low taxes and energy independence. I will bring real-world business experience and a results-driven leadership approach to Washington because Texans deserve a Representative who will stand with President Trump to cut red tape, defend our values, and deliver for our district.

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 running for Congress to put America First and defend the conservative values that make our country strong. I will uphold the Constitution, protect individual freedoms, and stand against the radical Left’s agenda that weakens our nation. Texans deserve a Representative who will fight for faith, family, freedom, and a government that serves the people — not Washington elites or special interests.I will fight to unleash our economy by cutting taxes, reducing burdensome regulations, and empowering small businesses and job creators. As a business leader, I understand how government overreach stifles growth and raises costs for families. In Congress, I will support policies that promote innovation, strengthen our workforce, and keep Texas a national leader in economic opportunity.Securing our border and keeping our communities safe is non-negotiable. I will work with President Trump to enforce our immigration laws, secure our border, and stop cartel activity. I will strongly support law enforcement and ensure they have the resources needed to protect Texans. Public safety starts with the rule of law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about border security, public safety, economic freedom, education choice, and energy independence. I believe parents, not bureaucrats, should control their children’s education, and hardworking Americans should not be burdened by high taxes and inflation. I am committed to policies that strengthen families, protect jobs, and keep America secure and prosperous.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Congressman Sam Graves MO-06

Congressman Troy Nehls TX-22

Congressman Randy Weber TX-14

Congressman Jake Ellzey TX-06

Houston Region Business Coalition

Texas Conservative Review

Conservative Republicans of Texas

GOPAC

Winning for Women

VIEWPAC

“C” Club

Over 35 precinct chairs

Local, state, elected officials, and business leaders across the city and state

Campaign websitedeZevallos' campaign website stated the following:TEXAS VALUES.

AMERICA FIRST PRIORITIES.Shelly deZevallos is ready to put her experience to work in Congress for the taxpayers of the 38th District — because President Trump needs trusted conservative leaders in Congress who will end Democrat obstruction and keep the results coming for the American people.Put America FirstPresident Trump and our America First agenda are under attack — and it will take proven fighters to deliver more victories for the American people. Shelly will lead with her conservative values and never back down to deliver a safer, more prosperous future for Texans.Unleash Our EconomyPresident Trump's America First agenda is unleashing economic growth, and Shelly will represent our district to keep the results coming for Texans. She'll work to cut burdensome regulations, reduce taxes, and support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. As a businesswoman and aviation industry leader, Shelly knows what it takes to succeed — and she'll ensure Texas remains a national leader in innovation and job creation.Keep Our Families & Community SafeThe Left's soft-on-crime policies have put Texas families in the crosshairs of violent criminals and gangs. Shelly will always back the blue, fully fund law enforcement, and give first responders the resources they need to stop violent crime and keep our communities safe. Every Texan deserves to feel secure in their home, neighborhood, and community — and Shelly will fight to restore the rule of law.Crush The Cartels & Secure Our BorderPresident Trump is working to secure our border, but Congress must give him the resources to finish the job. Shelly will help finish the wall, enforce immigration laws, and stop drug cartels and human traffickers from putting Texans at risk. The chaos at the southern border threatens our safety, economy, and future — and Shelly will restore law and order to protect Texas families.Cut Costs For TexansShelly will cut wasteful government spending, reduce the tax burden on families, and eliminate job-killing regulations that drive up prices. As a businesswoman who knows what it takes to make payroll and balance a budget, Shelly will bring that same discipline to Congress and deliver real relief for Texas families.Lead The Way On Transportation & InfrastructureAs a pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time and decades of aviation leadership, Shelly understands infrastructure's critical role in America's future. She will champion smart investments in transportation and workforce development in Congress while cutting the red tape that slows progress. Shelly will ensure Texas stays at the forefront of innovation and job growth — because President Trump's America First agenda means putting American infrastructure and American workers first.Defend Faith, Family & FreedomShelly's principles are rooted in her faith, her family, and her commitment to freedom. She will defend life, protect religious liberty, and stand firm against government overreach that threatens our constitutional rights. In Congress, Shelly will preserve the America First conservative values that make Texas strong — because our freedoms are under assault from the radical Left, and we need fighters who won't back down.Secure American Energy IndependenceA strong Texas depends on American energy. Shelly will work to expand oil and gas production, cut regulations that hurt our energy workers, and keep Texas leading the nation in reliable, affordable power. President Trump's energy dominance agenda is lowering costs and creating jobs — and Shelly will ensure Washington stops standing in the way. By strengthening our energy independence, we protect jobs, lower costs, and keep our country secure.— Shelly deZevallos' campaign website (November 19, 2025)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.