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).
Taxes & budget
Casey ShepardDemocratic
No documented position found.
Pete SessionsRepublican
- Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill.In office
Public safety
Casey ShepardDemocratic
No documented position found.
Pete SessionsRepublican
- Introduced bipartisan legislation against identity fraud and theft.In office
- Opposes rescheduling marijuana.In office
Housing
Casey ShepardDemocratic
- Proposes tax incentives to build affordable housing.
- Supports fully funding rental assistance programs.
Pete SessionsRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Casey ShepardDemocratic
- Proposes ending tariffs that raise food and building costs.
Pete SessionsRepublican
- Introduced the Independence Investment Fund Act for biotechnology.In office
Health & human services
Casey ShepardDemocratic
- Supports fully funding SNAP and school meals.
- Supports restoring Medicaid and Medicare funding.
Pete SessionsRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Casey ShepardDemocratic
- Supports stronger congressional checks on the executive branch.
Pete SessionsRepublican
- Co-introduced the American Procurement Improvement Act.In office
- Introduced the RED TAPE Act to limit federal regulation.In office
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.