Federal

U.S. Representative, 17th Congressional District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A member of the U.S. House of Representatives votes on federal laws, taxes and spending on behalf of the district.

All of Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan, Milam and Robertson counties; part of Williamson County (about 49% of its residents: part of Cedar Park, part of Austin, part of Round Rock, part of Leander, part of Hutto and part of Taylor); part of Bell County (about 9% of its residents: part of Temple); part of Johnson County (about 9% of its residents: part of Cleburne).

Candidates Compare by issue

Casey Shepard

Democratic

Attorney · Waco

The gist

Supports fully funding SNAP and school meals.
Proposes ending tariffs that raise food and building costs.
Supports restoring Medicaid and Medicare funding.
Proposes tax incentives to build affordable housing.
Supports fully funding rental assistance programs.
Supports stronger congressional checks on the executive branch.

More about Casey

View sources (1)

Supports fully funding SNAP and school meals.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Strengthen support for families by fully funding SNAP and school breakfast and lunch programs.”
Proposes ending tariffs that raise food and building costs.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Rebuild global food stability by restoring the USAID Food Program and ending tariffs that raise food prices.”
Supports restoring Medicaid and Medicare funding.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Restore support for Medicaid and Medicare to ensure seniors, families, and people with disabilities receive the care they need.”
Proposes tax incentives to build affordable housing.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Encourage new housing development by offering tax incentives that make it easier to build affordable homes.”
Supports fully funding rental assistance programs.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Support low‑income families by fully funding rental assistance programs so more people can keep stable housing.”
Supports stronger congressional checks on the executive branch.
Casey's Vision — Casey Shepard for Congress
Campaign website · Casey Shepard for Congress · caseyshepardforcongress.com
“Protect the separation of powers by making sure Congress can fully check the actions of the executive branch.”

Pete Sessions

RepublicanIncumbent

U.S. Representative

The gist

Co-introduced the American Procurement Improvement Act.In office
Introduced bipartisan legislation against identity fraud and theft.In office
Opposes rescheduling marijuana.In office
Introduced the RED TAPE Act to limit federal regulation.In office
Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill.In office
Introduced the Independence Investment Fund Act for biotechnology.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Pete

View sources (6)

Co-introduced the American Procurement Improvement Act.
Congressman Pete Sessions and Congressman Steny Hoyer Introduce the American Procurement Improvement Act
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Pete Sessions and Congressman Steny Hoyer Introduce the American Procurement Improvement Act”
Introduced bipartisan legislation against identity fraud and theft.
Congressman Pete Sessions Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Identity Fraud and Theft
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Pete Sessions Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Identity Fraud and Theft”
Opposes rescheduling marijuana.
Congressman Sessions Leads Letter Opposing Marijuana Rescheduling
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Sessions Leads Letter Opposing Marijuana Rescheduling”
Introduced the RED TAPE Act to limit federal regulation.
Congressman Sessions Introduces RED TAPE Act to Rein in Bureaucracy
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Sessions Introduces RED TAPE Act to Rein in Bureaucracy”
Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Congressman Sessions Votes "YES" on President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill"
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Sessions Votes "YES" on President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill"”
Introduced the Independence Investment Fund Act for biotechnology.
Congressman Pete Sessions Introduces the Independence Investment Fund Act
Government record · Office of Rep. Pete Sessions · sessions.house.gov
“Congressman Pete Sessions Introduces the Independence Investment Fund Act”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.