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, is a former Border Patrol agent who runs canine drug detection business, did not respond
Manuel Barraza, 70, is a former attorney and judge convicted of federal crimes
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.
What is your top priority if you were to be elected to this office and how would you work to achieve it?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Manuel Barraza: The economy is my No. 1 priority. It is unacceptable that the federal minimum wage hasn’t moved in years; it is a stagnant policy that hurts our workforce. On Day 1, I will file a bill to increase the national minimum wage. This isn’t just a labor issue — it’s an economic necessity. Raising wages reduces poverty, decreases reliance on social services, and ensures El Paso families can finally get ahead.
What specific actions would you take in Congress to help El Paso families struggling with high costs for food, housing and health care?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Manuel Barraza: To combat the rising costs of food, housing, and healthcare, I will file legislation on day one to increase the federal minimum wage. A stagnant wage is a policy failure that makes basic necessities unaffordable. By raising the wage, we increase household purchasing power, allowing families to better afford rent and medical care while reducing poverty and the need for social services.
How would you improve health care access, particularly for low-income families, veterans and border residents?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Manuel Barraza: To improve health care access, I will champion the direct physician care model. Our current system prioritizes insurance billing over patient needs, leaving families and veterans stuck in a ‘pay-to-play’ maze. I support legislation to allow Medicaid and VA funds to be used for DPC memberships. This removes the insurance middleman, providing low-income and border residents with 24/7 access to a doctor for a flat fee. It’s about care, not coverage, and medicine, not paperwork.
What policies do you favor for immigration and border enforcement?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Manuel Barraza: I support a comprehensive approach to immigration that prioritizes both national security and human dignity. This includes significant investments in border technology and personnel to ensure our ports of entry are secure, paired with a legal pathway to citizenship for those already contributing to our communities. Any pathway must be orderly, safe, and efficient, replacing the current backlog with a streamlined system that ensures a fair and predictable outcome for all applicants.
Why are you running as a Republican and what beliefs and values lead you to run in that party?
Adam Bauman: Did not respond.
Manuel Barraza: I am running as a Republican because I believe in common-sense leadership and the protection of American values. This begins with ensuring the integrity of women’s sports and private spaces, and maintaining national sovereignty through a strong, secure border.
My vision for our economy is centered on rebuilding America; by investing in infrastructure — from roads and bridges to broadband — we will create good jobs and stimulate long-term growth. I stand firmly for God, family, and country, and I am proud to represent a party whose values so closely align with my own.
The post Q&A: U.S. representative candidates for District 16 in May 26 Republican primary runoff election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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