Thurman Bill Bartie

Thurman Bill Bartie is a lifelong resident of Port Arthur, Texas. He earned a high school diploma from Lincoln High School. Bartie studied political science at Prairie View A&M University and earned a bachelor's degree from Lamar University. He studied mortuary science at the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He earned a master's degree in ministry from Tennessee Temple University Baptist Seminary. His career experience includes working as a funeral director and embalmer at Hannah Funeral Home, a teacher at Memorial High School, and a pastor. In 1994, Bartie was elected the first African American Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8 in Jefferson County, Texas. In 2019, he was elected mayor of Port Arthur and served two terms.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am honored to avail myself to represent the 14th Congressional District of Texas. I began my political affiliation being elected the first African American Justice of the Peace in Pct 8 - Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas. I was elected Mayor of the city of Port Arthur and served two consecutive term until terming out. My educational and public political experiences affords me the opportunity to seek the office of Congressman of this vast district.

Politics as usual here in America has taken a drastic change from being the government of the people to becoming the government of a selected few. We ar compelled to change the structure our future is heading into. The motto my campaign has chosen : "People Over Politics" is the statement of my desire to serve this present age. There are too many ills facing our nation presently for us not to have the proper representation in Washington, D C.

My election by you the voters will impower me to represent you in a manner consistent with the values of the district. Those values will be ascertained by personal interactions with you at designated intervals specifically designed to allow input from the population of this 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?

Our state and nation is divided, and I believe its time we remember something simple: "we are humans situated in Texas, which is part of the United States of America; we want safe neighborhoods, strong schools, good jobs, and a future our children can be proud of. These goals don't wear a party label, they voice a concern of every citizen in our Congressional district 14.I am running to bring common sense and cooperation back to the government - by working across the aisle and putting "people over politics!" Progress doesn't happen when you're shouting at each other; it emerges when we roll up our sleeves and get to work together. Standing for values relative to Southeast Texas / Congressional District 14 is what I stand for.Congressional District 14 knows all too well the devastation from natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, ice storms and even extreme heat events have plagued our part of the country. Through it all, we came together as one community, we didn't whether help came from Democrats or Republicans - we asked what was right for the people affected by the disaster. This is the same spirit I bring to this campaign and the same spirit I will bring as your Congressional District 14 Congressman.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Opportunity and fairness for all citizens. Every American deserves the dignity of good job opportunities. I'll fight for small businesses to grow and thrive. I'll support fair wages and safe working environments for workers.

Education for the future of our nation depends on fair and equal funding for all public schools and the re-assembling of the Department of Education has to occur.

Public policy ensuring the public safety of every community and backing law enforcement to protect and serve in a fair and equitable manner. Supporting the eradication of homelessness with reestablishing mental health intervention and treatment for those in need.

Healthcare access for every American citizen through the complete funding of ACA.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

People's Political Action Committee of Beaumont, TX

Galveston County Residents who Desire Real Change

Campaign websiteBartie's campaign website stated the following:Where I Stand.My platform is centered on the needs of the people of Congressional District Fourteen. My beliefs are shaped by lived experience, community conversations, and a commitment to practical solutions that truly improve daily life.Economic OpportunityEvery person deserves access to good jobs and fair wages. I support job training, small business growth, safe working conditions, and strong local economic development. I believe that strong communities begin with strong local economies, and I will fight for policies that open doors for Southeast Texas families.EducationEducation is the backbone of opportunity. I support investment in teachers, modernized classrooms, and clear pathways to success for every child. A strong public education system builds the next generation of leaders.Mental Health, Public Safety, and HomelessnessI support law enforcement, and I believe true safety requires stability, mental health support, and opportunity. I am committed to addressing the mental health crisis that contributes to homelessness and affects community well being. Real safety means caring for people, not ignoring the challenges they face.Infrastructure and ResiliencyDistrict Fourteen knows hurricanes, floods, and power outages. Basic infrastructure should never be political. I support smart infrastructure, energy reliability, and resilient systems that protect our families and our businesses.HealthcareEvery citizen should have access to affordable and reliable healthcare without long travel times or overwhelming costs. I support strengthening and restoring the Affordable Care Act so people can manage health concerns and still maintain a good quality of life.Bringing People TogetherThis campaign is about unity. Safe neighborhoods, strong schools, good jobs, and a future our children can be proud of do not belong to any one party. I believe that progress happens when people work together. I am committed to cooperation, common sense, and listening to the voices of Southeast Texas.— Thurman Bill Bartie's campaign website (February 10, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.