U.S. Representative, District 9 - Texas Ballot Compare

Alex Mealer

Republican

On ballot as: ALEX MEALER
Current role: Small business owner
Background: Army veteran; Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer in Afghanistan
Graduate of West Point, Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School
Former Houston oil and gas investment banker
Experience: 2022 Republican nominee for Harris County judge;
Former public safety chair for Harris County METRO
Won the May 26, 2026 Republican primary runoff
Top priorities: "I will fight to BAN members of Congress from trading individual stocks while serving in office and implement term limits for Congress"
"I will fight to cut taxes and unnecessary regulations, create good-paying jobs, and lower the cost of living"
"Restore law and order at the border, enforce our immigration laws"
"I will fight to protect girls' sports and keep biological men out of women's locker rooms"
Flooding: "target the state and federal funds required to complete flood mitigation projects”
Energy: "expand domestic energy production to drive down gas and electricity prices"
Tidbits: Abortion: Pro Life
Immigration: "I will fight to restore law and order at the border, enforce our immigration laws"
Guns: No public statement found
Health care: No public statement found
Claims and the record
After losing the 2022 Harris County judge race, she sued to contest the result; the election had ballot paper shortages and other polling-site problems. She dropped the suit, saying her goal was "to make sure future races are fair to all voters and candidates."
Residency: In the Republican runoff, opponent Briscoe Cain accused her of not living in the district. Mealer called Cain a "career politician" and said he was trying to confuse voters. She won the runoff.
Endorsements: President Donald Trump
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer
National Border Patrol Council
Texas Municipal Police Association
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State Rep. Briscoe Cain, her primary runoff opponent
Jim McIngvale "Mattress Mack", Hometown Hero (listed by campaign)
Numerous Republican Officials, Conservative, Business & Law Enforcement Organizations – too many to list (see website)
Campaign website: alexandramealer.com

Leticia Gutierrez

Democratic

On ballot as: LETICIA GUTIERREZ
Current role: Government relations and community outreach director, Air Alliance Houston
Background: Born in Mexico
Bachelor's degree University of St. Thomas
Experience: Air Alliance Houston
Former chief of staff at the Houston City Council
Won the six-way March 3, 2026 Democratic primary with 54% of the vote
Top priorities: Affordability: "I am ready to bring bread back to the table for you and your family"
Government "has been feeding subsidies to large corporations all while hardworking families foot the bill"
Infrastructure: "I want to ensure that our infrastructure is prepared to take care of you"
"I am passionate about ensuring that immigrants receive a fair shake and the due process that our nation promises"
Tidbits: Abortion: Pro Abortion
Immigration: "I am passionate about ensuring that immigrants receive a fair shake and the due process that our nation promises."
Guns: Supports enforcing existing laws, effective background checks, keeping firearms from violent felons and domestic abusers, safe storage around children, and court action when someone poses a proven imminent threat.
Health care: Supports expanding access to affordable healthcare and working toward universal coverage
Claims and the record
Controversies: None found in the news coverage we reviewed
Endorsements: Numerous Democrat Officials, and Liberal, & Union Organizations – too many to list (see website)
Campaign website: leticiaforcongress.com