LinkedIn

Kevin is originally from Chicago. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin and his master's degree in business administration from Texas Tech University. 

Kevin currently workers as a partner at Blue Group International. He previously worked as an intern at Free2Care, a project finance analyst at Memorial Hermann Health System, and as a medical records clerk at Village Medical.

Kevin Dural's campaign for US representative in Congressional District 18 in Texas is his first run for public office.

Candidate website

Plans to prioritize policies that stimulate economic growth, reduce regulations, and create job opportunities for all Texans.

Plans to prioritize policies that stimulate economic growth, reduce regulations, and create job opportunities.

Promises to "fight to reduce wasteful spending, balance the budget, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently."

Supports policies that aid farmers and ranchers, encourage rural development, and provide resources for agricultural businesses.

- Plans to prioritize policies that stimulate economic growth, reduce regulations, and create job opportunities.
- Supports lower taxes.
- Promises to "fight to reduce wasteful spending, balance the budget, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently."
- Supports policies that aid farmers and ranchers, encourage rural development, and provide resources for agricultural businesses.

Economy

Believes in deploying the National Guard to ensure community safety.

Supports deploying the National Guard to ensure community safety.

Supports local law enforcement and plans to provide them with more resources.

- Opposes gun control.
- Supports deploying the National Guard to ensure community safety.
- Supports local law enforcement and plans to provide them with more resources.

Public Safety

Supports policies that aim to increase healthcare choices, reduce costs, and protect individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Believes in a healthcare system that prioritizes innovation and accessibility without sacrificing quality.

- Supports policies that aim to increase healthcare choices, reduce costs, and protect individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Believes in a healthcare system that prioritizes innovation and accessibility without sacrificing quality.

Healthcare

Believes children deserve access to high-quality education and plans to empower parents with more choices, support vocational training, and advocate for adequate school funding and management.

Advocates for access to high-quality education and for school funding and management.

- Advocates for access to high-quality education and for school funding and management.
- Supports parents' choices in education. 

Education

As a partner at Blue Group International, he helps propose and develop infrastructure projects like railroads and recycling facilities through public-private partnerships.

As a partner at Blue Group International, helps propose and develop infrastructure projects like railroads and recycling facilities through public-private partnerships.

- As a partner at Blue Group International, helps propose and develop infrastructure projects like railroads and recycling facilities through public-private partnerships.

Energy & the Environment

Believes "voting is for Americans only" and supports requiring voter citizenship.

- Believes "voting is for Americans only" and supports requiring voter citizenship.

Voting & Elections

Believes in stronger border security and comprehensive immigration reform to address Fentanyl and human trafficking.

Believes in stronger border security and comprehensive immigration reform that "prioritizes American safety, sovereignty, and security from the Fentanyl and human trafficking crisis."

Supports ensuring veterans have access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Wants to ensure veterans have access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Supports policies that strengthen the military, provide top equipment and training for troops, and maintain the U.S. as a global defense leader.

Supports Israel and opposes antisemitism.

Supports Texas Senate Bill 147, which aims to restrict foreign nationals from hostile countries from purchasing land in the state.

- Believes in stronger border security and comprehensive immigration reform that "prioritizes American safety, sovereignty, and security from the Fentanyl and human trafficking crisis."
- Wants to ensure veterans have access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
- Supports policies that strengthen the military, provide top equipment and training for troops, and maintain the U.S. as a global defense leader.
- Supports Israel and opposes antisemitism.
- Supports Texas Senate Bill 147, which aims to restrict foreign nationals from hostile countries from purchasing land in the state.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Facebook

Kevin Dural

Kevin Dural lives in The Woodlands, Texas. He holds an M.B.A. from Texas Tech University and a B.S.A. in Biology with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. He attended Lakewood Church with Pastor Joel Osteen growing up.

Kevin Dural is a partner at Blue Group International, where he works on infrastructure projects. He has also worked at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and was a newswriter for The Daily Texan. Additionally, he served as a managing editor at Cavs Nation.

As of September 12, 2024, Kevin Dural’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in economic development, limited government, and strong border security.

Supports policies that benefit farmers and rural communities.

Believes in holding the executive branch accountable.

Believes President Biden has "absolutely no plan other than to continue to spend more and more money."

Believes the leaders of the current administration are trying to downplay the impact of inflation on the economy.

Believes inflation is caused by unplanned money printing.

Believes the economy is the most important issue.

Believes Congress should address inflation, saying, "The majority party right now and the President are more focused on accomplishing their agenda and not on inflation.”

Said, "If President Biden is unable and unwilling to protect Americans, then we’re going to step up and do it for him."

Believes in implementing constitutional reforms to protect Texas from foreign influence.

Believes in implementing constitutional reforms to enhance public safety.

Supports 24-hour health screenings for COVID-19, lice, and scabies before transferring individuals to Health and Human Services.

Supports parents' choices in education. , support vocational training, and advocate for adequate school funding and management.

Believes Harris is untrustworthy, saying she "will say or do anything she needs to do in order to win this election. Voters need to beware."

Supports open debates with other candidates as the election approaches.

Supports voting rights and fair elections.

Believes in protecting voting rights and ensuring fair elections.

Believes in supporting conservative principles and aligning with leaders like Donald Trump.

Believes in prioritizing local needs over political ambitions.

Believes in replacing nominees for elections, as seen with the announcement of Mayor Turner as a replacement nominee for the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.

Supports the decision to call a special election following Jackson Lee’s death, believing it allows the people of District 18 to choose a leader who prioritizes their needs.

Believes this election is about "bringing true representation back to the people."

Believes in the need for a candidate who opposes "left-wing elitists and nationally powerful figures" to ensure true representation for Texans.

Believes in the need for "real Republicans and real conservative values" to represent Texans, and supports the idea that without Governor Abbott calling the special election, it would have been "the Democrat committees selecting the candidate. That would not have been true representation."

Believes in condemning the recent violence in Gaza, and supports Israel and the Jewish people.

Believes the Biden administration lacked a foreign policy plan and strategy, predicting a "train wreck" outcome, but acknowledges the importance of pressuring them to act.

Believes in securing borders and comprehensive immigration reform.

Supports taking bold action to protect Texas and the nation.

Believes strong immigration policies are essential for national security, citing over 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Supports legislation that ensures "strategic assets" in Texas are controlled by those who prioritize state interests.

Opposes the expansion of federal security measures.

Supports swift congressional action to address foreign policy threats.

Supports banning TikTok from government devices due to national security concerns.

Ballotpedia, Lana Centonze

Lana earned her associate degree from Zion Bible Institute, her bachelor's degree from Nyack College, and her master's degree from Texas Woman's University. She and her husband have 2 children. 

Lana previously worked as a federal law enforcement officer.

Lana Centonze's campaign for US Representative in Congressional District 18 in Texas is her first run for public office.

Community Impact, Q&A: Meet the Republican primary candidates for US Rep District 18

Twitter

Believes the current administration has caused "skyrocketing inflation" and financial struggles for families, saying "it's time to get back to a booming economy where we support hard workers, family, savings and investing again."

Said, "It's time to get back to a booming economy where we support hard workers, family, savings and investing again."

- Supports investing in small businesses.
- Opposes taxes on tips.
- Said, "It's time to get back to a booming economy where we support hard workers, family, savings and investing again."

Believes human trafficking is a significant issue in Houston and across America, and is committed to stopping it.

Said, "Law and Order is not just a political slogan, is a promise that our laws are upheld and that those who break our laws are brought to justice."

- Believes human trafficking is a significant issue in Houston and across America, and is committed to stopping it.
- Said, "Law and Order is not just a political slogan, is a promise that our laws are upheld and that those who break our laws are brought to justice."

Wants to lower and make healthcare costs affordable.

- Wants to lower and make healthcare costs affordable.

Said, "We all know that the family unit is under attack but its time to protect our families. Our children are being bombarded with ideas and concepts which their innocent minds should not have exposure."

- Supports parental rights in education.
- Said, "We all know that the family unit is under attack but its time to protect our families. Our children are being bombarded with ideas and concepts which their innocent minds should not have exposure."

Aims to update infrastructure to reduce flooding from hurricanes.

- Aims to update infrastructure to reduce flooding from hurricanes.

Supports term limits for government officials.

- Supports term limits for government officials.

Believes U.S. immigration laws are outdated and ineffective, saying "Our immigration problem is out of control and our laws are extremely outdated."

Believes immigration laws should be updated to match the "current immigration crisis." 

Said, "We cannot afford to stand idly by while our borders remain vulnerable."

- Opposes illegal immigration.
- Believes immigration laws should be updated to match the "current immigration crisis." 
- Supports Israel.
- Said, "We cannot afford to stand idly by while our borders remain vulnerable."

Youtube

Lana Centonze

Lana Centonze arrived in the United States as an immigrant at the age of six. She pursued her education diligently, culminating in the successful completion of her Master's degree at TWU, where she graduated with honors.

Lana Centonze served as a Federal Officer for twelve years and has been working in immigration for twelve years.

As of September 12, 2024, Lana Centonze’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes children are exposed to inappropriate ideas and concepts.

Believes in pursuing education diligently, as demonstrated by completing a Master's degree at Texas Woman's University with honors.

Believes the family unit is "under attack" and emphasizes the need to protect families.

Believes District 18 is vulnerable to major flooding due to its susceptibility to hurricanes.

Aims to implement strategies to update infrastructure to reduce environmental dangers.

Ballotpedia, Sylvester Turner

Sylvester earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Houston. He is a member of the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society Board, Brookhollow Baptist Church, Coalition for School Improvement, and the United Negro College Fund.

Sylvester worked as the chief of state for the Texas House of Representatives. He has also worked as an attorney, adjunct professor, and seminar lecturer.

Sylvester Turner is the former mayor of Houston. He served from 2016 to 2024.

Aims to address rising prices and the high cost of living by investing in affordable housing and reducing costs for essentials such as food, energy, prescription drugs, and healthcare.

Supports passing the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, credit, education, public services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

- Aims to address rising prices and the high cost of living by investing in affordable housing and reducing costs for essentials such as food, energy, prescription drugs, and healthcare.
- Supports passing the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, credit, education, public services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

Supports passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to enhance police accountability and public safety.

Supports gun control and "strong reforms to end the epidemic of gun violence."

Supports increasing services and funding for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, including reauthorizing programs under the Violence Against Women Act.

- Supports passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to enhance police accountability and public safety.
- Supports gun control and "strong reforms to end the epidemic of gun violence."
- Supports increasing services and funding for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, including reauthorizing programs under the Violence Against Women Act.

Supports abortion and wants to pass a federal law to codify Roe v. Wade.

Supports access to abortion and wants to pass a federal law to codify Roe v. Wade.

Supports protecting the Affordable Care Act and expanding Medicaid in Texas.

Believes in maintaining federal funding to address local health issues, such as the cancer cluster in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, and to support local health care organizations.

- Supports access to abortion and wants to pass a federal law to codify Roe v. Wade.
- Supports protecting the Affordable Care Act and expanding Medicaid in Texas.
- Believes in maintaining federal funding to address local health issues, such as the cancer cluster in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, and to support local health care organizations.

Believes in reducing inequality in public schools and ending the HISD takeover.

Prioritizes reducing inequality in public schools and ending the HISD takeover.

- Prioritizes reducing inequality in public schools and ending the HISD takeover.

Believes in achieving environmental justice for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens by urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the Union Pacific Railroad site.

- Believes in achieving environmental justice for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens by urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the Union Pacific Railroad site.

As of September 7, 2024, Sylvester Turner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Instagram

Sylvester Turner

As of September 13, 2024, Sylvester Turner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Sylvester Turner is the former Mayor of Houston and a 26-year member of the Texas House of Representatives.

The candidate's website says, "Sheila made big things happen."

Believes in strong inter-departmental communication and local engagement, saying "On any issue with the Department of Transportation, HUD, EPA, Department of Education, Immigration, Passports, and more, the Congresswoman could get you an audience or get the Secretary to come to Houston."

Believes in enhancing public safety measures.

Supports enhancing public safety measures.

Supports initiatives to improve public safety.

Supports enhancing public safety by increasing police presence, improving community-police relations, and implementing crime prevention programs.

Set up over 50 COVID-19 testing sites in her district.

As a City Council member, ensured vaccine distribution throughout her district.

Believes the next representative must embody "compassion, caring, and humanity" in leadership and public service.

Supports candidates with integrity and community service.

Believes in supporting local schools and ensuring quality education for all children.

Believes that spending quality time with seniors and offering a helping hand deserves equal attention as the Washington duties of a member of Congress.

Believes in advocating for local education leaders and policies that benefit students and teachers.

Promises to support teachers and parents in their efforts to improve education.

Believes in addressing educational disparities by advising presidents, meeting global leaders, and delivering resources to under-resourced communities.

Organized food and water distribution sites throughout her district after the storms passed.

Believes in paying attention to all details in education policy.

Believes in using earmarks to fund projects in underserved communities.

Believes in directly advocating for constituents' needs, as demonstrated by her actions of bypassing the Mayor’s Office and contacting city directors for assistance.

Believes in overcoming funding and sponsorship challenges to ensure community projects succeed.

Believes in actively seeking opportunities to improve education, and plans to continue advocating for projects that benefit students and teachers.

Believes in providing additional federal resources to address the impact of severe weather events on local communities.

Believes in addressing energy and environmental issues by keeping federal resources flowing for hurricane recovery, cancer clusters, rising prices, public safety, health care, women's reproductive freedom, education, and police accountability.

Believes in the importance of fair representation and local governance, and supports the Democratic Party's values and policies.

Believes in honoring and building upon the legacy of the Congresswoman.

Believes the 18th District needs stability and continuity in leadership.

Believes in the importance of choosing representatives who embody the values and spirit of their district.

Believes in the importance of experienced leadership in delivering for the community.

Supports taking back the House of Representatives, re-electing Kamala Harris as President, turning Texas Blue, and continuing to fight for a successful 18th district.

Believes in maximizing resource use and executing plans with "military precision" to achieve foreign policy goals.

Ballotpedia

Vince is from Houston. He attended Wheatley Senior High School and studied dentistry at Lamar University. 

Vince is a small business owner and carpenter. 

Vince Duncan previously ran for U.S. representative of Congressional District 18 in 2018, 2020, and 2022, but did not win any race.  

Supports limiting trade imports to decrease U.S. reliance on foreign goods.

Wants to end trade agreements with foreign countries and instead have all products be manufactured and assembled in America.

- Supports limiting trade imports to decrease U.S. reliance on foreign goods.
- Wants to end trade agreements with foreign countries and instead have all products be manufactured and assembled in America.
- Plans to raise the minimum wage.

As of September 7, 2024, Vince Duncan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to work toward cleaner air in Houston, noting high resident cancer rates from local factories.

- Wants to work toward cleaner air in Houston, noting high resident cancer rates from local factories.

Wants voting reform, including providing ballot records, expanding voting centers, placing a "gag order" on media outlets reporting on results, and having a verification period for citizens to confirm their votes.

- Wants voting reform, including providing ballot records, expanding voting centers, placing a "gag order" on media outlets reporting on results, and having a verification period for citizens to confirm their votes.

Supports a strong military to protect U.S. borders and prevent domestic "Islamic [terrorism]."

Opposes U.S. involvement with NATO and wars in the Middle East.

- Supports a strong military to protect U.S. borders and prevent domestic "Islamic [terrorism]."
- Opposes U.S. involvement with NATO and wars in the Middle East.

Vince Duncan

Vince Duncan previously ran for U.S. representative of Texas's Congressional District 18 in 2018, 2020, and 2022, but did not win.  

- Your U.S. Representative represents the interests of your district in the U.S. House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress. Texas currently has 36 U.S. Representatives.
- U.S. Representatives can author, sponsor, debate, and vote on bills that become national law.
- Representatives may serve on congressional committees. Committees focus on certain policy areas, such as transportation, education, or labor. They may also run for higher positions within their party, such as the Speaker of the House or Majority/Minority Leader.
- Representatives are elected to two-year terms. To hold this office, a candidate must be a legal resident of Texas for at least seven years before their election. U.S. Representatives are paid a salary of $174,000/year.

Texas US Representative, District 18

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