Best primary picks in Districts 21, 23

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy is one of the most conservative members of Congress and someone with whom we have many policy disagreements. The two-term representative of Congressional District 21 can be divisive and polarizing. We think Roy takes the wrong side on many votes.

But to his credit, Roy voted to certify Joe Biden’s presidential election, and he has also called on indicted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to resign. While Roy did not respond to our request for an Editorial Board meeting, we did meet with two of his primary opponents, who told us the election was stolen and expressed concern Roy had voted to certify. In this light, Chip Roy gets our recommendation in the Republican primary for District 21, which extends from Austin to San Antonio, and across a vast stretch of the Hill Country.

The Democratic race brings a diverse field of candidates. We recommend Ricardo Villarreal.

A native Texan, Army veteran and physician, Villarreal offers an even-keeled candor and willingness to work with people on both sides of the aisle. He knows the issues and has the potential to be a fine representative.

In U.S. House District 23, we recommend U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a retired Navy master chief petty officer who won the seat in 2020 and has landed a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Gonzales knows the issues and has the potential to be a leading voice on immigration, border security, and military and veterans affairs. He faces two challengers, one of whom, Alma Arredondo-Lynch participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection. No thanks.

It’s an easy choice on the Democratic side. We recommend John Lira.

Lira, a San Antonio native and Marine veteran, brings impressive experience with his work in Washington, D.C., as a legislative fellow and with AmeriCorps, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service.

Lira faces Priscilla Golden, who did not respond to our interview requests.

A Lira and Gonzales race would rivet.