Teague in Republican primary in 9th Congressional District
God and country are the common threads for the three candidates running in the March 3 Republican primary for Texas’ 9th Congressional District, a seat held since 2005 by Democrat Al Green.
Johnny Mark Teague is a longtime Baptist pastor and former accountant for
Shell, Jon Mark Menefee is a Marine veteran and business owner and Julian A. Martinez is a Houston car dealer and service center owner who “believes in stewarding the resources God has given him to further the greater good.”
Teague and Menefee are the only ones to report raising money in the race through the end of 2019.
Menefee led the way with about $32,000 raised and about $2,000 on hand. Teague pulled in a little more than $29,000 and had $855 remaining. Green had more than $154,000.
Both men hew closely to the Republican line on President Donald Trump, immigration, guns, health care, abortion, energy and environmental issues.
Menefee said he hopes to use his military background to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs, including protection for whistleblowers and streamlining the disability claims process.
Teague points to his service as senior pastor of Houston’s Church at the Cross, including working to help refugee families and to battle human trafficking and reduce crime in the neighborhoods around the church.
As for trying to improve civil discourse and seek bipartisan solutions in
Washington, Teague said he would lead by example to bring people together.
Martinez did not fill out a Chronicle questionnaire, and Teague was the only GOP candidate in the race to accept an invitation to meet with the Editorial Board to discuss the issues.
We recommend Teague to Republican voters in the primary.