TX-23 Democratic nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleNational Park Service employee/administrator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
LocationTexas
BackgroundNational Park Service employee/administrator
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EducationBoston University — B.S., Broadcasting and Communications
Notable personal detailsGretel Marysdatter Enck is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District (2026). She spent about 25 years working for the National Park Service and has also served in the Peace Corps. She earned a B.S. in Broadcasting and Communications from Boston University and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy from the University of Denver. She is based in Marfa, Texas.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports policies to help small businesses (affordable capital, grants, broadband and infrastructure) and emphasizes addressing economic hardship for low-income residents, but no clear, specific proposals on taxation levels or major tax changes were found in available campaign or reporting sources.
Healthcare
The candidate emphasizes protecting and securing healthcare benefits for working Texans and names healthcare access as a campaign priority, but public statements and campaign materials located do not lay out specific policy prescriptions (for example, support for Medicare for All, a public option, ACA expansion, or market-based reforms).
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Immigration & Border
Supports expanding legal pathways to citizenship and improved asylum/immigration processes while also backing increased resources for Border Patrol and measures to bolster border security and cross-border commerce. Emphasizes compromise legislation (the bipartisan Dignity Act) that pairs pathways to legal immigration with targeted enforcement resources.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports codifying a federal right to abortion and repealing the Hyde Amendment; advocates investing in family planning and reproductive health care to expand access.
Climate & Energy
Supports large-scale federal climate action including the Green New Deal and restoration of tax incentives for renewable energy; emphasizes job training and support for workers during a transition to renewable energy.
News
Gretel Enck is in the news amid a newly competitive race for Texas’s 23rd congressional district after Rep. Tony Gonzales withdrew. The shake-up has intensified attention on the remaining candidates, including Republican Herrera, who is facing criticism over past statements and associations, as Democrats see an opening to contest the seat.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements




