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T.C. Manning

RepublicanFirst-time candidate

T.C. Manning ran for U.S. House Texas District 2 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

T.C. Manning was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He served in the United States Navy from 2003 to 2010. Ponca pursued his undergraduate education at Lone Star College, Central Texas College, and Tulsa Community College.[1]

Campaign money

Raised
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From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
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FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

T.C. Manning did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Thomas's lifelong dream has been and is to serve his beloved country. Coming from a family of conservative business owners with over 65 years of family service in the United States military, TC enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduating high school in 2003. He quickly proved himself by earning 1 of the 3 meritorious promotions while at boot camp and continued to prove himself throughout his duty stations demonstrating outstanding work ethic and leadership skills. After being honorably discharged from active duty in 2010 T C has taken his experience of "cause and effect analysis" and utilizes it daily to solve complex problems in countries all over the world. T C served on-board the USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) (2004-2005), USS Barry (DDG-52) (2006-2010) and other duty stations. T C was deployed to the Persian Gulf in defense of our country (2004), assisted in relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina (2005), mass evacuation of US Citizens from Lebanon (2006), Black Sea showing US presence Russia-Georgia conflict (2008).

His military awards include - Navy "E" Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal x2, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal x2, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon x3

TC is a father, a husband, a fighter and a Patriot who stands up for his beliefs. The beliefs of the American Dream.

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?

The United States of America and the American DreamHonor our Veterans and Texas valuesKeep the economy going

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education - High Schools no longer prepare young adults for entering the workforce or the "real world" which they enter after graduating high school. The United States spends more per student than all but Norway yet our students perform below average in most areas. More money obviously does not solve the problem. Education reform is mandatory to stay competitive in a global market. In order for our children to have a chance at life we must put the trade schools back into high schools (for those who don't wish to go to college) and we must put the challenge classes that prepare one to enter the workforce back into high schools, i.e. accounting and payroll and other courses that may help in the job market.

Veterans - Approximately 17 veterans commit suicide per day. Military wives and husbands are worn out from their loved ones being deployed constantly. They are at their breaking point and it is destroying military families. Veterans have a history of poor treatment after giving so much for their country. The VA reform continues to be needed despite the improvements over the last few years. Our soldiers, airmen, and sailors need to come home. The military needs to be rebuilt and retooled for the next conflict. A strong military is a military that is less likely needed to be utilized than one that is weak, outdated, and overused.

Immigration - I am married to an immigrant - I understand the issues

2nd Amendment - Forever

Jobs & Economy

The Constitution

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

My father Tom Manning - He is stubborn, incredibly intelligent, opinionated and he keeps to his values, he has honor, and he taught me the golden rule. The founding fathers - in the face of death if they failed, they created they most amazing country on Earth. Audie Murphy - Another true American hero who's bravery did not just end on the battlefield, at home he spoke out about PTSD bringing it to the public's attention.

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

Braveheart - one man can make a difference

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

Honor, Integrity, Courage, Commitment, keeping promises, actions speak louder than words

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

Honor, Integrity, Courage, Commitment, Honesty - I am a fighter and I will fight for you until my last breath.

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

Representing those of his or her district to their fullest ability. Maintaining the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States of America.

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

The Gulf War. I was 6 years old.

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

I worked at a bait and tackle shop beginning at the age of 16. Okie Bait and Tackle. I kept the job for about 2 or 3 years.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It is the embodiment of a representative democracy.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No - what is beneficial is having the best person to perform for his or her bosses, the bosses are the people he or she represents.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

1. Maintaining global economic dominance

2. Countering China's strategy for Pacific military and economic dominance

3. Continuation of the war on terror

4. Getting US spending under control

5. Infrastructure - US infrastructure is fragile and not robust. Our systems are outdated and vulnerable to bad actors and natural disasters.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Armed Services, Education and Labor, Foreign Affairs, Science Space and Technology, Veteran Affairs, Budget

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

Source(opens in new tab)
T.C. Manning — U.S. House Texas District 2 candidate, 2026 | True Vote