Andrew Vantine for Congress

Welcome to my South Texas Campaign Plans blog! Here, you’ll find detailed insights and strategies aimed at enhancing our outreach and engagement efforts throughout the region. From grassroots initiatives to innovative community partnerships, this blog will chronicle our journey in mobilizing support and fostering connections. Join us as we share updates, organize events, and highlight key issues affecting our communities, making every step count in our campaign efforts for a brighter future in South Texas.

My Bold Vision for South Texas: The Dallas-Monterrey-McAllen Bullet Train.

South Texas deserves infrastructure that meets the demands of a growing economy and a vibrant future. As your representative for Texas District 28, I am committed to championing the development of a transformative high-speed rail line connecting Dallas, the Rio Grande Valley (Laredo, McAllen, brownsville area), and Monterrey, Mexico.

This isn’t just about faster travel; it’s about unlocking unprecedented economic opportunities, strengthening international trade, and improving the quality of life for families and businesses across our region. This project, which builds on existing discussions and studies with Texas and Mexican officials, will position South Texas as a central hub in a dynamic international corridor.

Key Benefits of the High-Speed Rail Initiative:

Economic Catalyst: The construction phase alone will generate thousands of jobs, while the operational line will attract new businesses, boost tourism, and facilitate efficient cross-border commerce.

Strengthened Trade: As a vital link to Monterrey, Mexico’s industrial powerhouse, this rail line will enhance our logistics capabilities and solidify the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship that is critical to our local economy.

Reduced Congestion: By providing a fast, safe, and reliable alternative to driving, the train will alleviate pressure on I-35 and other major roadways, reducing commute times and improving highway safety.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Imagine traveling from South Texas to Dallas in a fraction of the time it currently takes to drive. This efficiency connects families, expands educational opportunities, and offers new possibilities for regional leisure travel.

Modern Infrastructure: This initiative represents a commitment to 21st-century infrastructure, ensuring our district is prepared for future growth and technological advancements.

My Commitment:

Current discussions and planning for such projects are underway, often involving public-private partnerships and federal funding applications. In Congress, I will use my position to:

Aggressively pursue federal funding and secure the necessary approvals for this critical infrastructure project.

Work closely with state, local, and international partners to ensure its successful development.

Champion responsible planning that minimizes disruption to landowners and prioritizes community input.

Together, we can build a future where South Texas leads the way in modern, connected, and prosperous regional growth.

Supporting South Texas Agriculture: Securing Our Rural Economy

South Texas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses are facing unprecedented challenges—from labor shortages to market access hurdles.

The backbone of our regional economy is struggling, and they need a representative who offers real solutions, not just rhetoric. As your representative for Texas District 28, I commit to implementing targeted programs that provide immediate relief and long-term prosperity for our agricultural community.

My plan addresses the critical needs of our local producers, ensuring they have the resources, workforce, and market access required to thrive.

My Plan to Support South Texas Producers:

1. Solving the Labor Crisis with a Common-Sense Visa Program

A reliable workforce is essential for planting, harvesting, ranching operations, and meat packing facilities. The current system is broken, leaving many businesses in limbo.

I will champion legislation to create a streamlined, no-cost visa program for essential agricultural immigrant workers. This program will provide a legal, efficient pathway for the workers our farmers and ranchers depend on, stabilizing operations and ensuring our food supply chain remains robust.

2. Expanding Market Reach Through Technology

To compete in a global market, our producers need access to modern sales platforms.

I will secure federal funding to develop and maintain a dedicated, online e-commerce portal for South Texas farmers and ranchers. This platform will facilitate direct sales, connecting local producers with regional, national, and international buyers, opening new revenue streams and cutting out middlemen.

3. Connecting Producers to Global Buyers

Visibility is key to growth. Many local producers lack the resources to attend major trade shows and connect with high-volume buyers.

I will create a federal assistance program to subsidize participation in key agricultural trade shows and expos. This initiative will cover booth costs, travel expenses, and logistical support, allowing our South Texas producers to effectively showcase their high-quality beef, produce, and other goods to the world.

4. Standing with South Texas

This is a critical time. Our producers are resilient, but they need a partner in Congress. My plan is designed to cut red tape, provide essential support, and ensure the future of farming and ranching in South Texas remains strong for generations to come.

Lowering Education Costs and Expanding Opportunities for South Texas Families

The cost of a college education has become an overwhelming burden for too many families in Texas District 28. Our students are bright and ambitious, but rising tuition and student loan debt are locking them out of opportunities and holding back the economic potential of our region.

As your representative, my priority is to make higher education and job training affordable and accessible for every South Texan. We must invest in our local talent to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our community.

My Plan for Affordable Education and Local Opportunity:

1. Making College Debt-Free and Accessible

We need systemic change to address the root causes of student debt.

I will champion legislation that makes public college and university tuition affordable, potentially debt-free for many students, through federal aid reforms and increased funding for existing grant programs like Pell Grants.

I will fight to lower interest rates on existing student loans and simplify repayment plans, providing immediate relief to thousands of South Texans currently struggling with debt.

2. Strengthening South Texas Community Colleges and Trade Schools

Not every path to a high-paying job requires a four-year degree. We need to invest heavily in robust alternatives that lead directly to in-demand careers.

I will secure federal grants to expand programs at our local community colleges and trade schools, focusing on certification in high-growth industries present in South Texas, such as healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

We will ensure these institutions have state-of-the-art equipment and resources to train the workforce of tomorrow.

3. Expanding Local Opportunities Through Partnerships

We need to bridge the gap between education providers and local employers.

I will work to create stronger public-private partnerships that offer more paid internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs for South Texas students. This ensures our graduates are job-ready and connect directly with local employers, keeping our best and brightest talent right here in District 28.

4. Investing in Our Future

By reducing the financial barrier to education and creating clear pathways to good jobs, we aren’t just helping students; we are investing in the entire economic vitality of South Texas.

Bringing the Future to South Texas: Building a Tech Hub in District 28

South Texas is primed for the next wave of economic growth. We have the talent, the location, and the ambition to become a leading technology hub. As your representative for Texas District 28, I refuse to let our region be left behind in the 21st-century economy.

My plan is to aggressively recruit tech companies to our district, creating thousands of high-paying jobs and ensuring our local workforce is ready to fill them. We need a direct pipeline from our classrooms to high-demand careers, creating prosperity that stays right here in South Texas.

My Plan to Cultivate a South Texas Tech Corridor:

1. Aggressive Recruitment and Incentives

To compete with Austin or Dallas, we need to offer strong incentives to attract tech giants and innovative startups alike.

I will champion federal tax incentives, infrastructure grants, and public-private partnerships specifically targeted at tech companies willing to establish operations, data centers, and engineering offices in District 28.

My office will serve as a dedicated liaison, cutting red tape and ensuring a smooth transition for businesses looking to invest in our community.

2. A Direct Pipeline: From High School to Software Engineer

The biggest obstacle for tech companies is a shortage of skilled workers, particularly software engineers. We can solve their problem while solving ours.

I will secure federal funding to launch a revolutionary “Code South Texas” initiative, working directly with local high schools to develop specialized computer science and software engineering curriculums.

We will collaborate with universities and private tech firms to ensure these curriculums teach the precise skills companies desperately need, allowing students to graduate with certifications or college credits that make them job-ready immediately.

3. Investing in Our Local Talent Pool

We already have brilliant minds here. We just need to give them the tools to succeed.

I will support coding boot camps and technical training programs for adults seeking career changes or skill upgrades, ensuring that everyone in District 28 has an opportunity to enter the tech sector.

By matching our local talent with the specific needs of incoming tech companies, we create a resilient, future-proof economy.

4. Securing High-Paying Jobs for the Next Generation

This initiative isn’t just about bringing in companies; it’s about raising the standard of living for everyone in South Texas. By creating high-paying tech jobs, we boost wages across all sectors and invest in a sustainable economic future.