U.S. Representative, District 8 - Texas Ballot Compare

Jessica Hart Steinmann

Republican

On ballot as: Jessica Hart Steinmann
Current role: Attorney; served as executive general counsel at the America First Policy Institute
Background: Bachelor's degree, University of Texas at Austin
J.D., Baylor University
Lives in Montgomery County
Her husband, Brandon Steinmann, is Montgomery County Clerk
Experience: Has served as executive general counsel at the America First Policy Institute (per her campaign site)
Director, U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (2020–2021)
Earlier work: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's office, the Texas House and the Harris County Republican Party
Top priorities: Border: "finish President Trump’s wall, end catch-and-release, and restore law and order at our southern border"
Says she will "defend parental rights, protect children from radical agendas"
Energy: "unleash American energy to make America the dominant energy producer in the world"
Election integrity: "I’ve fought to protect them and I’ll continue this fight in Congress"
AI: "cut the burdensome regulations that slow innovation"
Tidbits: Abortion: Pro Life
Immigration: "I will fight to finish President Trump’s wall, end catch-and-release, and restore law and order at our southern border"
Guns: "Law-abiding Americans should not be punished for the actions of criminals"
Health care: "We want great private healthcare, real competition, lower costs, and choice"
Claims and the record
Controversies: None found in the news coverage we reviewed
Endorsements: Texas Values Action
Texas Right to Life PAC
President Donald Trump (primary)
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (primary)
Gov. Greg Abbott (primary)
Show all 7
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (primary)
Numerous Republican Officials and Conservative Groups – too many to list (see website)
Campaign website: jessicasteinmann.com

Laura Jones

Democratic

On ballot as: Laura Jones
Current role: Real estate agent and small business owner
Background: Born in Houston
Lives in San Jacinto County
Texan, Army mom and small business owner
Experience: Democratic nominee for Texas' 8th Congressional District in 2022 and 2024, losing both elections
2026 is her fourth run for the seat
Top priorities: Minimum wage: "We should not only raise it, but tie it to the cost of living"
Health care: "expanding and improving Medicare for All"
Taxes: "lower taxes for the 99%" while billionaires and large corporations pay "what they owe"
LGBTQ+ rights: "Everyone deserves to live openly, safely, and without discrimination"
Tidbits: Abortion: Pro Abortion
Immigration: Called for abolishing ICE. She did not answer iVoterGuide questions on physical border security or sanctuary-city funding.
Guns: Focus on “gunsense legislation.”
Health care: "Healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege tied to a job or the size of a paycheck"
Claims and the record
Controversies: None found in the news coverage we reviewed
Endorsements: Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus
Houston Chronicle (primary)
Secular Houston (listed by campaign)
Progressive Voters Network (listed by campaign)
Harris County Young Democrats (listed by campaign)
Area 5 Democrats (listed by campaign)
Campaign website: laura4tx.com