Prediction Edge
Republican
Josh Cortez

Overview

Current roleRepublican congressional staffer

PartyRepublican

Political ideologyConservative Republican

GenderMale

LocationTexas

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BackgroundRepublican congressional staffer

EducationHarvard Kennedy School (fellow)

Notable personal detailsJoshua Cortez is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House in Texas’ 35th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. He has worked as a Republican congressional staffer, including as a senior adviser and deputy chief of staff, and previously served as a veterans liaison for U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. He has also worked in marketing and as an entrepreneur and college professor, and has been described as a Harvard Kennedy School fellow and a Cicero Institute fellow in Austin.

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Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

Supports making the Trump tax cuts permanent for working and middle-class families, immediate expensing for small businesses, and tax/market measures to spur growth. Advocates cutting wasteful federal spending, moving toward a balanced budget, expanding Health Savings Accounts and portable tax credits, and repealing Affordable Care Act mandates that increase premiums. Emphasizes reducing regulation and unleashing energy production to lower costs for families and businesses.

Immigration & Border

Supports stronger border security and permanently securing the border, emphasizes stopping fentanyl and protecting communities, and aligns with President Trump on border enforcement priorities.

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Abortion & Reproductive Rights

Opposes abortion and supports laws that protect the unborn, opposes taxpayer funding for abortion, and emphasizes life-saving care for mothers and babies. Positions are presented as a pro-life commitment supporting strong laws to defend unborn life.

Climate & Energy

Supports Texas energy independence and local energy production, including defending oil and gas and resisting federal regulatory overreach; prioritizes protecting regional energy and agricultural interests while promoting job opportunities in the energy sector.

Public Safety & Guns

The candidate pledges to defend Second Amendment rights and is listed by a pro-gun organization as a pro-gun, no-compromise candidate; his campaign emphasizes support for first responders and law enforcement funding rather than new firearm restrictions.

News

AINews Summary
Last updatedApr 3, 2026

Josh Cortez is not directly mentioned in the provided news summaries. The coverage focuses on a record number of Republicans leaving the U.S. House, with 35 members retiring or seeking higher office, raising concerns about the party’s ability to maintain its margins. One cited example is Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern planning to run for the U.S. Senate.

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Endorsements

TX-35 Republican nominee?

Endorsers of Josh Cortez for TX-35 Republican nominee?

State Republican Executive Committee member(s)

Political organization

Susan Narvaiz endorsed Josh Cortez for Congress.

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Deborah James

Public figure

Deborah James endorsed Josh Cortez for Congress.

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Jeff Schlichting

Public figure

Jeff Schlichting endorsed Josh Cortez for Congress.

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Susan Narvaiz

Public figure

Susan Narvaiz endorsed Josh Cortez for Congress.

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Fundraising

Latest report: Cycle 2026
Total raisedCash on hand
$265.5K
$199.1K
$132.7K
$66.4K
$0

2026

Latest
Year
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate

Cycle 2026

$265.5K
$5.3K
$260.2K
$17.3K

Source: FEC

New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

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