North Texas Sun sent questions to all candidates listed on the ballot in the Republican and Democratic primaries, which are being held on March 3. Early voting runs Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, including Sunday.

Check the Denton County Elections Administration website see who is on your ballot and where to vote on Election Day.

Republican primary:

Rep. Pat Fallon (incumbent) did not return the questionnaire.

Don Horn did not have contact information on his website.

Democratic primary:

Name: Jason Pearce

Age: 32 (33 on 2/28)

Occupation: Former mortgage loan originator, day trader, and insurance agent. I left my job last October to campaign full time.

Website: www.pearcefortexas.com 

What made you want to run for office?

I saw the suffering that people were going through and I had to protect them as much as I could. I have far less to lose than so many others. If I can become a big enough target, I can hopefully take the target off of others.

What experience do you bring to the office?

My first job was at 12 shoveling stables. My first paid job was at 14 making $4.25 an hour. I worked through high school to try and save for college. I had to drop out because I couldn't afford the debt. I had also developed a severe social phobia where I would vomit every day before school. I joined sales to force myself to face my fears every day. I worked minimum wage 90 hour work weeks at 2 jobs for years. I know what it is like to choose between food, rent, and healthcare. I then taught myself how to be federally licensed as a mortgage loan originator. I taught myself stock trading. And I taught myself how to become licensed as an insurance agent. I have struggled and clawed my way out of the dirt multiple times. I do not give up, and I don't want anyone else to struggle the way I did.

Republicans currently have a tight margin in the House of Representatives. Are you willing to work across the aisle to pass legislation? How?

I am willing to work with anyone who genuinely wants to help the American people. I am in a unique position to reach across the aisle. I grew up extremely conservative, and didn't flip sides until I was in my 20's. I know how to talk to people in a way they understand, and have not heard before. I have had multiple far right people say they would vote for me, even when I only speak about progressive policies.

If elected, what legislation would you pursue that would directly impact your constituents?

Ban corporations from buying single family homes. End school vouchers. Mandatory civics and financial literacy courses. Universal healthcare, and overturning citizens united.

What will be your biggest priorities in Congress?

To be a voice for the people, not donors or corporations. I want people to know that there is at least one person in the room that genuinely cares about them.

What do you think is the biggest issue the country is facing?

Lack of accountability and basic human decency.

Name: Dr. Andrew L Rubell

Age: 62

Occupation: Teacher/Education Consultant

Website: https://www.drdrewforcongress.com/

What made you want to run for office?

I decided to run for office because too many families are being left behind by a system that no longer works for working people. After a lifetime of service—as an educator, vocational coordinator, human resources executive, and advocate—I’ve seen how policy decisions made in Washington directly affect people’s ability to afford housing, access quality education, and secure good-paying jobs. I’m running to bring real-world experience, accountability, and compassion back into government, and to ensure that everyday people—not special interests—are at the center of our decisions.

What experience do you bring to the office?

I bring decades of hands-on leadership experience across education, workforce development, and human resources. I’ve managed large organizations, balanced budgets, negotiated contracts, and worked directly with individuals navigating barriers to employment and economic stability. As a former Executive Vice President of Human Resources and a vocational adjustment coordinator, I understand both sides of the table—workers and employers—and how smart policy can create opportunity while holding institutions accountable.

Republicans currently have a tight margin in the House of Representatives. Are you willing to work across the aisle to pass legislation? How?

Yes—governing requires collaboration. I’m willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems for our constituents. That means focusing on practical, people-first legislation rather than partisan posturing. I believe common ground exists on issues like workforce training, lowering costs for families, infrastructure, and supporting small businesses. I’ll work across the aisle by listening, negotiating in good faith, and staying focused on outcomes—not ideology.

If elected, what legislation would you pursue that would directly impact your constituents?

I would prioritize legislation that lowers the cost of living and expands economic opportunity. That includes investing in vocational and workforce training programs, protecting public education, addressing housing affordability by cracking down on private-equity price gouging, and supporting policies that reduce student debt. I’m especially committed to legislation that helps people gain skills that lead directly to good-paying jobs.

What will be your biggest priorities in Congress?

My biggest priorities will be affordability, accountability, and opportunity. That means lowering everyday costs, ensuring government works transparently and ethically, strengthening public education, expanding workforce development, and protecting the economic security of working families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

What do you think is the biggest issue the country is facing?

The biggest issue facing our country is a crisis of economic fairness and trust in government. Too many Americans are working harder than ever and still falling behind, while they feel unheard by their leaders. We must restore faith in democracy by delivering real results—policies that improve people’s lives, reduce inequality, and prove that government can once again be a force for good.