The civic interview series Vote Like A Texan featured Abhiram Garapati, a candidate for Texas Congressional District 31, in a conversation exploring his background and policy positions. Host Justin McKenzie conducted the interview as part of the series' mission to increase voter awareness through substantive dialogue with candidates ahead of primary elections.
Garapati detailed his personal journey of legally immigrating to the United States over 15 years before becoming a U.S. citizen, arriving with limited resources and eventually building successful businesses and agricultural operations across Central Texas. He credited the opportunity-driven nature of the country for his success and stated that experience shaped his desire to serve in Congress without accepting a salary or campaign donations.
The discussion addressed border security and immigration reform, with Garapati emphasizing respect for the rule of law while advocating for a more efficient and accessible legal immigration system. As a farmer and rancher raising cattle in Central Texas, he highlighted the importance of agriculture and rural communities, specifically mentioning challenges facing volunteer fire departments in fast-growing Hill Country counties.
Education and workforce readiness emerged as central themes, particularly the need for stronger STEM education and preparation for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Garapati argued that Texas' economic future depends on equipping students and workers for rapid technological change across industries—from engineering and space to agriculture and manufacturing.
The conversation also covered the role of a member of Congress as a bridge between federal resources and local needs, including public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The episode reinforced the importance of civic participation, especially during primary elections where voter turnout historically remains low.
This interview is part of Vote Like A Texan's broader effort to provide Texans with direct access to candidates through long-form conversations. The full episode is available for viewing on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@VoteLikeATexan where viewers can subscribe to the channel. The series represents a nonpartisan approach to voter education that allows candidates to share detailed perspectives on issues affecting Texas communities.
The implications of this interview extend beyond the specific congressional race, highlighting how civic engagement platforms can influence political discourse in Texas. By providing unfiltered access to candidate viewpoints on critical issues like immigration policy, rural infrastructure, and technological preparedness, such initiatives may impact voter decision-making and potentially increase participation in primary elections. For Texas residents, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Congressional District 31, these discussions offer insight into how candidates would address the intersection of federal policy with local agricultural, educational, and economic development needs.
For the business and agricultural communities in Central Texas, Garapati's emphasis on workforce development for emerging technologies suggests potential policy directions that could affect regional economic planning. His perspective as both an immigrant and business owner provides a unique lens on immigration reform debates, while his firsthand experience with rural challenges informs discussions about infrastructure and public safety resources. As Texas continues to experience population growth and technological transformation, such candidate dialogues contribute to understanding how political representation might shape the state's future development across urban and rural areas.
