The upcoming general election on November 3 will see voters in Texas’s District 37 choose between U.S. Representative Greg Casar and first-time Republican challenger Lauren Peña. Casar, a Democrat currently representing District 35, is shifting to District 37 due to redistricting changes that have excluded Austin from his former district.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, there are 435 members, with Texas holding 38 seats—the second highest in the nation, trailing only California. Each representative serves a two-year term, during which they draft legislation, vote on federal laws, and participate in various committees. Notably, there are no term limits for representatives.
Casar has stated that if re-elected, his primary focus will be on affordability issues. He aims to implement a comprehensive “New Affordability Agenda,” which he detailed in April. This agenda includes proposals to limit utility bills, reduce childcare expenses, and lower the costs of groceries and prescription medications. Furthermore, he proposes legislation to eliminate “surveillance pricing,” a controversial practice allegedly employed by airlines and online retailers that charges different rates based on individual browsing habits and personal data. Casar is also advocating for a windfall tax on oil companies benefiting from surging profits due to wartime crude oil prices and plans to provide rebates to consumers overcharged for gas.
“Had we passed this bill last year, we could have issued $300 to $400 rebate checks to those overpaying for gas right now,” Casar remarked.
In addition to economic issues, Casar has introduced measures aimed at regulating advanced artificial intelligence systems, which he argues pose potential risks to jobs, prices, and personal freedoms through mass surveillance.
District 37 is poised to be the only Democratic-leaning district in the Austin region, following strategic changes to the state’s congressional maps that increased the number of Republican seats. The new boundaries encompass most of Central Austin while merging the city’s outskirts with predominantly conservative rural areas. Parts of Travis County are grouped with the Midland-Odessa metro area, while others extend to the Gulf Coast.
“Austin deserves multiple representatives, and it is unfortunate that gerrymandering has fragmented the city,” Casar expressed. “I recognize the significant responsibility of being essentially Austin’s sole congressperson next year.”
On the other hand, Lauren Peña is optimistic about her prospects, aiming to engage previously apathetic voters, particularly those residing in public housing. “I advocated for a district that encompasses Austin so I could connect with public housing residents and encourage them to vote for the first time,” Peña stated. “I’m bringing a new and more substantial voting bloc into the fold.”
Peña, a paralegal and mother of six who has lived in public housing since 2020, credits her access to affordable housing for helping her overcome a tumultuous past. After facing homelessness and human trafficking following an early pregnancy, she ultimately secured a bachelor’s degree and paralegal certification, discovering a desire to use her experiences to benefit others.
“I realized that my journey could provide valuable insights for many people,” she noted. “There is a significant lack of representation in government from individuals who have lived through these challenges.”
As a congressional representative, Peña intends to collaborate with both Democrats and Republicans to reduce taxes, lower utility costs, and enhance public safety. She has already conceptualized legislation aimed at establishing stricter regulations for adult entertainment venues to safeguard workers from trafficking.
Moreover, she seeks to revitalize social programs like Section 8 housing, food assistance, and Medicaid, leveraging her insider perspective on necessary changes. “I have neighbors who are sixth-generation public housing residents, and for them, this lifestyle is all they’ve ever known,” she reflected. “However, I can see that with better education and job opportunities, these programs are not being utilized effectively.”
Peña highlighted the deteriorating conditions in her public housing complex, citing issues such as a broken elevator and littered hallways, which reflect broader systemic failures. She observed that workforce training initiatives often become mere income sources instead of pathways to sustainable careers.
“While Democrats push their ideologies, the reality is that many in the community do not share those views,” Peña stated. “There has simply not been anyone from our background willing to step up and run for office who truly understands these struggles.”
