Michael Wheeler Outlines Congressional Priorities in New Texas Voter Education Series

The Building Texas Show has launched Vote Like A Texan, a YouTube series designed to help Texans better understand candidates and issues shaping the state's future. The inaugural episode features Michael Wheeler, a Republican candidate for Texas Congressional District 21, discussing fiscal challenges, national security, reshoring American manufacturing, and voter turnout with host Justin McKenzie.

Wheeler explained his decision to run stems from looming economic and national security concerns facing the country over the next decade. "There are some major issues facing our country that are coming to a head over the next five to ten years," Wheeler said. "Most of these issues are economic and fiscal in nature, and that's my background. I don't want to sit by and keep my mouth shut when I have ideas to solve these problems."

With 25 years in bond markets before entering public service, Wheeler's career shifted after becoming active in the Republican Party. He served as Kendall County GOP Chair and was elected to the State Republican Executive Committee. He also held a presidential appointment as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he worked on reshoring manufacturing including critical PPE and semiconductor production.

Wheeler highlighted that while District 21 is a strong conservative region spanning Bexar, Kendall, Comal, Kerr, and parts of the Hill Country, local issues often receive less attention at the federal level. Among these are the potential relocation of Army North and Army South missions from Fort Sam Houston, Hill Country concerns regarding water and energy infrastructure, the effects of federally subsidized renewable energy projects, and the need to defend local economies while boosting national supply-chain security.

"These issues impact daily lives," Wheeler noted. "People need someone in Washington who will fight for them—not just on immigration or the national debt, but on the local issues that shape our communities."

Host Justin McKenzie emphasized a core goal of Vote Like A Texan: increasing civic participation, especially in primaries where candidate selection is actually decided. "In many local elections, turnout can be as low as seven percent, yet the decisions made there can determine the direction of a district or a county for years," McKenzie said in the episode. "If voters don't show up in the primaries, they miss their opportunity to choose the candidate who represents them."

Wheeler shared that during his tenure as county chair, grassroots efforts such as volunteer mobilization, outreach, and education significantly improved voter turnout. "It really is a grassroots effort," he said. "It matters—every vote matters."

Vote Like A Texan is an educational media initiative from The Building Texas Show designed to bring clarity to Texas elections through meaningful dialogue with candidates, community leaders, and policy experts. Each episode examines ideas, strategies, and real-world impacts that voters should understand before heading to the polls. The premiere featuring Michael Wheeler is now available on YouTube.

The series launch comes as Texas faces significant decisions about its economic future, national security role, and local infrastructure needs. Wheeler's emphasis on fiscal responsibility and manufacturing reshoring reflects broader national conversations about economic resilience and supply chain security. His background in finance and federal appointment experience positions him as a candidate focused on practical solutions to complex economic challenges.

For District 21 voters, the discussion highlights how federal decisions about military base operations, energy policy, and economic development directly affect local communities. The conversation underscores the interconnected nature of local and national issues, particularly in a district that includes both urban and rural areas with diverse economic interests.

The Building Texas Show is a statewide digital media platform that tells the stories of Texas communities, leaders, and industries shaping the future of the Lone Star State. Through long-form interviews, documentaries, and special series like Vote Like A Texan, the show highlights issues that matter most to Texans including economic growth, rural development, civic participation, and the evolving identity of Texas.