Incumbent
TX-31 Republican nominee?
$31.1K
MAR 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age84 years old (Nov 6, 1941)
GenderMale
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LocationTexas
BackgroundAttorney
EducationTexas Tech University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsJohn Rice Carter is a Republican member of the U.S. House representing Texas's 31st congressional district (first elected in 2002, serving since 2003). Before Congress, he worked as an attorney and served as a District Judge in Williamson County, Texas (277th District Court). He earned a B.A. from Texas Tech University and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. He is married to Erika Carter and they have four children.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax relief for individuals and small businesses, has backed repeal or reduction of estate (death) taxes and measures to retain lower rates on capital gains and dividends, and frames tax cuts as a way to spur economic growth and lower costs for consumers. Voting and public statements show consistent support for Republican tax-cutting proposals and opposition to tax increases.
Healthcare
Opposes the Affordable Care Act and has supported legislation to repeal or replace it; backed the 2017 American Health Care Act and cosponsored the Keep Your Health Plan Act. Emphasizes patient choice, tort reform, and market-oriented changes while supporting coverage for people with preexisting conditions. Has sponsored and secured federal funding for local health and mental-health programs.
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Immigration & Border
Supports strengthening border security through physical barriers, increased Border Patrol/ICE staffing, expanded surveillance and technology, and tougher enforcement measures including laws to penalize reentry and limit sanctuary policies. Advocates E-Verify and other employer verification to discourage illegal immigration and has opposed using military bases to house migrants.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports significant restrictions on abortion, including bans on most abortions after around 20 weeks and prohibiting federal funding for abortion; has supported criminal penalties for certain abortion-related conduct and co-sponsored legislation limiting abortion access. Voting and sponsorship history reflects a pro-life stance with some exceptions in legislative language.
Climate & Energy
Opposes regulation of greenhouse gases and federal mandates for renewable energy, and advocates for prioritizing domestic fossil fuel production and energy independence. Has sponsored and supported legislation to limit EPA authority over greenhouse gases and to protect and expand domestic oil and gas development.
Public Safety & Guns
John Carter consistently supports expansive Second Amendment rights and opposes major new federal gun restrictions. He has a history of votes and public statements defending gun manufacturers' legal protections, opposing bans and new private-transfer criminalization, and has received high ratings and endorsement from pro-gun organizations.
News
John Carter won the GOP primary for Texas’s 31st congressional district, defeating challenger Vince Offer, known as the “ShamWow Guy.” Carter will be the Republican nominee in the race. Offer has alleged election misconduct, claiming his nickname was removed from the ballot.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262022
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements