Former FEC Chairman Trey Trainor Lays Out Vision for Texas Leadership in New “Vote Like a Texan” Episode

Vote Like a Texan, the civic-focused interview series hosted by Justin McKenzie, has released a new in-depth episode featuring Trey Trainor, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas Congressional District 21.

The episode offers voters a rare, substantive conversation with Trainor, who previously served as Chairman of the Federal Election Commission from 2020–2025. Drawing on decades of experience in Texas and national politics, Trainor outlines why this election cycle represents one of the most consequential moments for Texas leadership in Washington in a generation.

“Texas is about to lose an enormous amount of seniority and influence in Congress,” Trainor explains. “The next representative for District 21 must be ready on day one to lead, not learn.”

A Leadership Moment for Texas

With multiple Texas congressional seats opening due to retirements and candidates seeking higher office, Trainor frames the 2026 primary as a defining decision point for voters—particularly in a district where the Republican primary is likely to determine the next member of Congress.

Throughout the episode, Trainor discusses:

• His tenure overseeing federal election law and campaign finance enforcement

• The importance of restoring accountability, transparency, and constitutional limits in Washington

• Border security reimbursement and ensuring federal dollars return directly to Texas communities

• National security concerns in the Western Hemisphere and the reassertion of American leadership

• Why experience and accessibility matter for constituents spread across nine counties

McKenzie presses Trainor on how federal leadership intersects with local realities—water infrastructure, wildfire risk, flooding, law enforcement, and economic growth—issues that directly impact families and businesses across the Hill Country.

Experience That Translates Into Action

Unlike first-time candidates, Trainor emphasizes that his career has been spent navigating the exact systems he now seeks to reform. From advising national party leadership to testifying before Congress and confronting bureaucratic overreach, he positions himself as a candidate prepared to immediately advocate for Texas interests.

The episode also highlights Trainor’s long-standing relationship with President Donald Trump and his commitment to codifying policy reforms into lasting law—ensuring continuity beyond any single administration.

A Call to Primary Voters

A central theme of the conversation is civic participation. Trainor urges voters to recognize that, in districts like CD-21, the primary election is often the decisive moment.

“If voters want their voices heard, they must show up in the primaries and the runoff,” Trainor says. “That’s where the future representative is chosen.”

Watch the Full Episode

The full episode of Vote Like a Texan featuring Trey Trainor is now available and provides voters with a comprehensive look at his background, priorities, and vision for Texas leadership in Congress.

To learn more about Trey Trainor’s campaign, visit https://www.trey4tx.com/.

About Vote Like a Texan
Vote Like a Texan is a long-form interview series hosted by Justin McKenzie, focused on educating voters through thoughtful, non-sensational conversations with candidates and civic leaders across Texas.