The Building Texas Show has launched Vote Like A Texan, a new YouTube series designed to help Texans better understand the candidates, issues, and decisions 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 the importance of voter turnout. Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the series aims to inform and empower citizens through clear, accessible interviews with candidates across Texas.
Wheeler explained that 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." Wheeler spent 25 years in the bond markets before entering public service, later serving as Kendall County GOP Chair and on 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.
For District 21, which spans Bexar, Kendall, Comal, Kerr, and parts of the Hill Country, Wheeler highlighted local issues that often receive less attention at the federal level. These include the potential relocation of Army North and Army South missions from Fort Sam Houston, Hill Country concerns regarding water and energy infrastructure, and the effects of federally subsidized renewable energy projects. "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."
A core goal of Vote Like A Texan is increasing civic participation, especially in primaries where candidate selection is 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."
The premiere episode featuring Michael Wheeler is now available on YouTube. 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 the ideas, strategies, and real-world impacts that voters should understand before heading to the polls.
