Terry Wilson

Terry Wilson was born in Odessa, Texas. Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 2015. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Texas A&M University in 1990 and a graduate degree from Air War College in 2003. Wilson has been affiliated with the National Rifle Association and Rotary.[1]

Terry Wilson has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Terry Wilson asking him to fill out the survey.

If you are Terry Wilson, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Terry Wilson to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing Terry@TerryWilsonForTexas.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Odessa, Texas, and after high school I joined the Army. Several years later I realized I needed higher education to reach my goals in life. I left the Army with the rank of Sergeant, enrolled in Texas A&M University and graduated with a BS in Business Administration. I later earned an MS in Strategic Logistics Plans and Management from the Air War University. I was commissioned as an Army Officer after graduation from Texas A&M, just as Operation Desert Storm began.

I have extensive experience in providing leadership, balancing budgets, and working with Congress, Homeland Defense, the State Department and foreign governments. After I retired from the Army, I leveraged that experience as an advocate for exceptional and talented small businesses, helping them break through bureaucracy to deliver technology to our warfighters.

I have been married to my wife, Shannon, for 28 years and together we have two sons, William and Benjamin, who both attend Texas A&M as members of the Corps of Cadets. We are members of First Baptist Church. I am also an Assistant Scout Master and support local education by speaking to students in the schools and serving on special projects.

I serve as Chairman of the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs, which oversees all matters dealing with the relationship between the State of Texas and the Department of Defense, as well as issues impacting veterans and emergency response. I am also honored to serve on

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?

Border security - Texas ought to explore the creation of a specialized agency or a distinct division within the Department of Public Safety, dedicated exclusively to handling border-related criminal activities. Establishing such an entity is crucial for unifying and optimizing the state’s current border security initiatives. The primary function of this focused agency would be the investigation of an array of border-related crimes, encompassing human smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering.Excelence in Education - Education is key to Texas history. The original Texans listed Mexico's failure to provide a free system of public schools as a bigger problem than dissolving the Texas legislature by force. Texans have always and will always demand good education for their children.

In my time in the legislature, I have helped build structures to improve Vocational education starting in the seventh grade, allowing students to find their passion and get the training and certifications they need right out of high school. We have also pushed back against the use of critical race theory and DEI in our public schools, ensuring that parents have a say in their children's education. Improved Infrastructure - From Water to Transportation, infrastructure is essential to allowing Texans to build the future of our state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Water and Infrastructure. Every generation has a responsibility to build things up to hand over a better future for their children. For today’s children to live in the prosperity we experience we must build up the infrastructure and resources necessary to keep food on the table and water in the pipes.

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

I loved my Granddad, W. E. (Bill) Howard. If I’m going to follow any person’s example, it would be his. He became the man of the house at the age of 13 after his father died. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II, surviving after his ship was torpedoed by the Japanese. He later attended and graduated from Texas Tech University, opened his own CPA firm, and created a comfortable life for his family. He was both practical and principled, and he was the smartest man I ever knew. He would say, “If you’re on time, you’re late,” and “If you want friends, show yourself friendly.” He taught me that hard work paid off, and that family, love, and laughter are important. He lived to be 90 years old...one of the last of the Greatest Generation. I miss him every day.

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a great movie. It was released in 1939 but still rings true today. Mr. Smith, played by Jimmy Stuart, gets elected as a representative and is disappointed and angry at the gamesmanship and dishonesty in Washington’s political scene. He decides he can make a difference (and he does) without selling out his principles. I believe being honest and decent and standing up for the people least likely to be heard is the job of a statesman. The people need a voice in the face of political interests.

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

Knowing the limited role of government. Adam Smith, the father of Capitalism, said the four legitimate purposes of government were:

1.

Provide for national security and public safety

2.

Enforce contracts

3.

Provide infrastructure

4.

Maintain a strong currency

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson stated that governments are instituted among men to protect “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

If it isn’t on one of those lists, the government should stay out of it.

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

Leadership and Integrity. As a Retired US Army Colonel of 32 years, 14 of those years a nation at war, I lead teams to do everything from capturing enemy objectives to building the latest technology that will power our forces for the next 50 years. I have brought that experience to my time in the legislature, and to my time serving as the whip for the Republican Caucus. You can only lead people into battle successfully when they know that you mean what you say and back it up with your actions.

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

Listening to the people. Elected officials are supposed to serve as the voice of the people and carry out their will.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of bringing people together through honesty and hard work, showing that we can find common ground and build something that benefits us all.

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

I was almost five years old when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Of course, I didn’t really understand what a significant accomplishment this was at the time, but I remember the excitement and the feeling that we were a part of something really momentous.

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

United States Army – 32 years

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

Illegal Immigration and Water supply.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is beneficial but not always necessary. Experience in leadership and within the community can count just as much if not more.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is absolutely necessary to build relationships with other legislators, on both sides of the political aisle. So many issues that come before the legislature aren’t strictly liberal or conservative, and being able to come to a consensus with people who think very differently than you is a vital skill.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

David Simpson. He proved that you can be extremely conservative, never compromise your principles, and still be a statesman who treats everyone with respect and honor, even those you disagree with.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I believe I was called to what I am doing now, and I am committed to this position.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Stefanie Turner. She lost her son Tucker after he took a single pill that had been contaminated with fentanyl. She took her pain and her grief and poured it into making sure no mother ever had to lose a child that way again. With her help, we passed Tuckers Law in the 88th session, allowing parents like her to be able to tell their stories in schools directly to students.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature is the representative body of the people. Emergency powers should be limited in scope and subject to rigorous oversight by the legislature.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The creation of a Border Protection Unit within the Office of the Governor. Texas cannot rely on the federal government to defend our borders. We must establish a permanent force to secure it when the federal government will not.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Governor Greg Abbott,

Governor Rick Perry,

Senator Charles Schwertner,

Senator Bryan Hughes,

Senator Mayes Middleton,

Texas Alliance for Life,

Texas Right to Life,

Young Conservatives of Texas,

National Rifle Association,

Texas Home School Coalition,

Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND,

Texas State Rifle Association,

Texas Realtors PAC (TREPAC),

Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick,

The Honorable Ron Garland,

The Honorable Kevin Pitts,

The Honorable Steve Fought,

The Honorable Andy Webb,

The Honorable Josh Schroeder,

The Honorable Edna Staudt,

Donna Province (Sun City),

Milam County District Attorney Bill Torrey,

Warren Gillespie,

and more than 20 Williamson County Precinct Chairmen residing in House District 20.

What committees interest you?

Defense and Veteran’s Affairs, Agriculture and Livestock

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Governments owe the people they serve absolute and complete transparency in how their tax dollars are spent.

Terry Wilson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Terry Wilson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Wilson's campaign website highlighted the following issues:

Immigration:

We must secure the border, put an end to sanctuary cities, reject amnesty, and put an end to the incentives that encourage illegal immigration.

National Security:

As a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, I have seen first hand the evil of terrorism and know it must be taken seriously. Our border agents are overwhelmed with potentially dangerous illegal aliens who are crossing into our country at an alarming rate and are intent on destroying our values of freedom.

Second Amendment:

One of the most important rights we hold as Americans is our right to keep and bear arms. I will fight to eliminate the regulations and "gun-free zones" that put law abiding citizens in danger and limit our ability to exercise our God-given Constitutional rights.

Pro-Life:

I am 100% pro-life and will fight to put an end to abortion in Texas.

Taxes:

I will work hard to lower the tax burden on families and small businesses therefore putting more money back into your pocket.[7]

—Terry Wilson[8]