Whitlow focuses on affordability in US House 31 Democratic primary

Stuart Whitlow's track record of building practical solutions to affordability challenges makes him the stronger choice in the Democratic primary, the Editorial Board writes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Statesman's Editorial Board is recommending Stuart Whitlow in the Democratic primary for Texas's 31st Congressional District, citing his record of achieving results on affordability issues. Whitlow previously worked to expand a nonprofit that helps lower-income Texans get degrees for in-demand jobs, and he has called for charging wealthier Americans a more proportional tax rate.

Why it matters

Tackling the cost-of-living pressures facing Texans today will require coalition building and practical dealmaking, according to the Editorial Board. As a Democrat running in a solidly Republican district, Whitlow faces an uphill battle, but his focus on affordability challenges makes him the stronger choice in the primary.

The details

Whitlow persuaded the Travis County Commissioners Court in the late 1990s to fund an expansion of Capital IDEA, a nonprofit that covers tuition and provides childcare assistance so lower income Texans can get their degree for an in-demand job. He worked with local employers to learn the kind of skills they looked for and tailored the program to fit those needs. Whitlow has also called for easing the tax burden on working families by charging the wealthiest Americans a more proportional rate.

  • Whitlow is running in the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for Texas's 31st Congressional District.
  • Whitlow previously ran for the same seat in 2024, finishing with 35% of the vote.

The players

Stuart Whitlow

A Round Rock attorney who is running in the Democratic primary for Texas's 31st Congressional District.

John Carter

The longtime GOP incumbent in Texas's 31st Congressional District.

Justin Early

Whitlow's primary opponent, an Army veteran and cybersecurity expert.

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What they’re saying

“We're not trying to soak the rich or the big corporations, but we want them to pay their fair share.”

— Stuart Whitlow (Statesman)

The takeaway

Whitlow's focus on affordability challenges and his track record of building practical solutions make him the stronger choice in the Democratic primary, according to the Statesman's Editorial Board. However, he faces an uphill battle in the solidly Republican district.