MCKINNEY, Texas - January 15, 2026 - Mark Newgent, a 20-year US Army veteran and city and county commissioner, today announced that he is launching his campaign for the Texas 3rd District (TX-03) Congressional seat. He will face incumbent Congressman Keith Self in the March 2026 Republican Primary. Newgent grew up in poverty before rising to the rank of Captain in the Military Police after serving 13 years as an enlisted soldier and a rare direct commission to become an Army officer. Having served in local government, he brings professional and personal experience to the challenge of governing for the benefit of the people of Texas and the USA, not for foreign governments, special interests, or disconnected politicians in Washington.
“I am stepping forward because our community deserves a leader who puts America First and Texas First,” explained Newgent. “After serving 20 years in the military and growing up in real poverty, I know what it means to struggle. I cannot sit back while Congress sends billions overseas while Americans at home face rising costs, veterans are left on the streets, and young people wonder whether they have a future.”
Newgent brings expertise in three core areas to the work of representing TX-03 in Congress: national security, fiscal responsibility, and working-class policy issues. In the US Army, Newgent deployed multiple times, advised senior leaders, worked in anti-terrorism operations, and oversaw security planning across the Pacific Region. He understands military readiness, the real costs of foreign conflicts, and what it takes to keep Americans safe without engaging in endless wars. In terms of fiscal leadership, Newgent brings deep experience in budgeting and financial discipline to the legislative process.
In local government, Newgent has devoted himself to issues that directly affect working families, such as the cost of living, housing, veterans’ services, public safety, and building a more responsive government.
“I was homeless at 16,” Newgent shared, “so I learned early what it means to stretch a dollar and make tough decisions. Washington is completely disconnected from that reality. I bring a lived understanding of affordability, rising costs, and the burden that everyday families shoulder because Congress refuses to balance its own books.”
For Newgent, 47, the decision to run for TX-03 is also about the direction of the Republican Party itself. He shared, “The truth is simple: unless our party changes, it will fail to inspire and attract the next generation of younger conservatives. Young Republicans are looking for authenticity, accountability, and leaders who actually fight for working families. I am running to help lead that renewal, to bring fresh energy, real courage, and a commitment to the people back into the GOP.”
For more information, visit https://markforus.com/
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