The 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. District 16 represents most of El Paso County, minus some neighborhoods in the eastern portions of the Lower Valley and East Montana. U.S. representatives serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Adam Bauman, 50, a Republican, former Border Patrol agent and Navy veteran, did not respond
Veronica Escobar, 57, a Democrat, is the District 16 U.S. representative
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
What do you believe is the biggest threat to public trust in American democracy today, and what would you do in Congress to address it?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Veronica Escobar: The corruption in politics is likely the number one cause of mistrust. But misinformation and disinformation, generally spread by dishonest political leaders and large social media platforms are just as bad and a direct threat to our ability to debate the issues starting from a place rooted in truth. Congress needs to regulate social media and hold bad actors accountable. We also need to ban stock trading by politicians, and hold those who engage in “pay to play” politics accountable.
Housing, utilities, groceries and gasoline remain significant expenses for many El Paso families. What specific federal policies would you pursue to help make everyday life more affordable?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Veronica Escobar: We must end the illegal war with Iran and Trump’s tariffs that have made us less safe and driven up costs. We also need legislation that provides universal healthcare, childcare subsidies, and paid family and medical leave. These tenants were in the Build Back Better Act we passed in the House in 2021, which would have helped families get ahead and created an economy that works for all. We also need guardrails on big tech, including holding them accountable to their impact on utility bills.
The federal government has dramatically expanded immigration detention and deportation efforts, with billions of dollars being spent on these efforts. What is your position on this approach, and what changes, if any, would you support regarding the scale of detention and deportations, oversight of detention facilities, and protections for people in federal custody?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Veronica Escobar: Mass detention and deportation is a hallmark of Donald Trump, funded by the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” I voted against it, stopped efforts to use warehouses in Socorro by DHS, and have called for shutting down Camp East Montana. I’ve backed bills to hold DHS accountable and protect immigrants, and co-authored bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform to provide legal protections for millions, citizenship for Dreamers, and reforms to our border and asylum systems.
El Paso and the broader region have seen a growing interest from data centers and other energy-intensive developers. What federal policies should govern their use of electricity and water, and how should communities benefit from that development?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Veronica Escobar: Data centers like Meta’s and the Army data center at Fort Bliss will rely on some of the dirtiest forms of energy, significantly harming our air quality. I strongly oppose both and have pushed them to engage with the public and be accountable. I’ve supported and filed legislation to put guardrails on data centers and tech companies exploiting communities like ours; they shouldn’t be allowed to abuse our natural resources or get tax credits or abatements.
What is one issue affecting El Paso or the border region that you believe receives too little attention in Washington, and what specific legislation or policy change would you make a priority during your first year in Congress to address it?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Veronica Escobar: Two issues deserve more attention in Washington. First, every American household should have clean water and reliable wastewater access. No family in the richest country in the world should have to truck in water or rely on failing septic systems that threaten health and pollute groundwater. Second, AI has tremendous potential, but also serious risks. I’m urgently calling on Congress to pass legislation that regulates AI, protects our people and our economy.
The post Q&A: U.S. representative candidates for District 16 in Nov. 3 midterm election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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