Candidate Abhiram Garapati Discusses Immigration, Technology, and Rural Issues in Congressional District 31 Interview

The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan featured Abhiram Garapati, a candidate for Texas Congressional District 31, in a conversation exploring his motivations for seeking public office and his policy views. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the discussion provided voters with direct access to the candidate's perspectives ahead of primary elections. Garapati described his personal journey of immigrating to the United States legally over 15 years before becoming a U.S. citizen, arriving with limited resources and eventually building successful businesses and agricultural operations across Central Texas. He credits the opportunity-driven nature of the country for his success and says that experience shaped his desire to serve in Congress without accepting a salary or campaign donations.

The conversation addressed border security and immigration reform, with Garapati emphasizing respect for the rule of law while advocating for a more efficient and accessible legal immigration system. As a farmer and rancher raising cattle in Central Texas, he highlighted the importance of agriculture and rural communities, particularly the challenges facing volunteer fire departments in fast-growing Hill Country counties. The discussion also covered fiscal responsibility, rural infrastructure, and workforce development, with Garapati arguing that Texas' economic future depends on preparing students and workers for rapid technological change.

Education and workforce readiness emerged as central themes, particularly the need for stronger STEM education and preparation for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Garapati emphasized that equipping students and workers for technological advancement is crucial across industries from engineering and space to agriculture and manufacturing. McKenzie and Garapati also discussed the role of a member of Congress as a bridge between federal resources and local needs, including public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The episode reinforced the importance of civic participation, especially during primary elections where voter turnout historically remains low.

This interview is part of Vote Like A Texan's broader effort to provide Texans with direct access to candidates through long-form, substantive conversations ahead of early voting and primary election dates. The nonpartisan series aims to increase voter awareness and participation across Texas by allowing voters to hear candidate perspectives in depth. The full episode is available for viewing on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@VoteLikeATexan where viewers can subscribe to the channel. The conversation with Garapati covered multiple policy areas that are particularly relevant to Congressional District 31, including the specific challenges facing rural communities, agricultural interests, and the district's growing population.