Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 06, 2026
Candidate Garapati Shares Immigration to Congress Journey on Vote Like A Texan
TLDR
- Abhiram Garapati's campaign offers voters in Texas District 31 a candidate with business success and a no-salary pledge, providing a fiscal advantage.
- The interview details Garapati's 15-year legal immigration process, policy positions on fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and plans for STEM education and rural infrastructure.
- Garapati's journey and focus on education, workforce readiness, and civic participation aim to build a better future for Texas communities and the economy.
- A Texas congressional candidate who is also a farmer discusses preparing the state's workforce for AI and technology in agriculture and manufacturing.
Impact - Why it Matters
This interview matters because it provides voters in Texas's 31st Congressional District with a detailed, unfiltered look at a candidate's platform and personal motivations ahead of a critical primary election. With historically low turnout in primaries, such direct access to candidates is essential for an informed electorate. Garapati's focus on practical issues like rural infrastructure, workforce readiness for AI, and immigration reform addresses core concerns for Central Texans, impacting local agriculture, education systems, and economic competitiveness. His unique perspective as an immigrant-turned-businessman and farmer highlights the evolving political landscape in Texas, where demographic shifts and technological change are reshaping policy priorities. For voters, understanding these stances is key to choosing a representative who can effectively bridge federal resources and local needs in a rapidly growing region.
Summary
The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan, hosted by Justin McKenzie, features an in-depth conversation with candidate Abhiram Garapati, who is running for Texas Congressional District 31. Garapati shares his compelling personal narrative of immigrating to the United States legally over 15 years ago, building successful businesses and agricultural operations in Central Texas, and now seeking public office motivated by a desire to serve without accepting a salary or campaign donations. The discussion delves into his core policy positions, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, a dual approach to immigration that respects the rule of law while advocating for a more efficient legal system, and the critical importance of supporting rural infrastructure and volunteer fire departments in the fast-growing Hill Country.
As a farmer and rancher, Garapati brings a unique perspective on the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, making these issues a central part of his campaign. The conversation with Justin McKenzie also highlights education and workforce development as paramount, with Garapati arguing that Texas's economic future hinges on stronger STEM education and preparing students and workers for the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across all sectors, from engineering and space to manufacturing and farming. He positions the role of a member of Congress as a vital bridge connecting federal resources to local needs in public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
This episode is a key part of the Vote Like A Texan’s nonpartisan mission to boost voter awareness and participation by providing Texans with direct, substantive access to candidates through long-form conversations ahead of primary elections, where turnout is historically low. The series aims to empower voters with the information needed to make informed decisions at the ballot box, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement in shaping the state's future.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Newsworthy.ai. Read the original source here, Candidate Garapati Shares Immigration to Congress Journey on Vote Like A Texan
