On September 18, 2025, Nick Tran, a combat veteran and America First conservative, announced his candidacy for Texas's 8th Congressional District. A Vietnam War refugee and former U.S. Army officer, Tran brings military and energy industry experience to the race.
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Nick Tran, a combat veteran and staunch America First conservative, formally declared his candidacy for Congress in Texas’s 8th District on September 18, 2025.
The district, which includes The Woodlands, Conroe, and Magnolia, is known for its strong conservative values and has been without a representative since Rep. Morgan Luttrell's retirement on September 11.
Tran, who fled Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon in 1975, offers a unique perspective as both a refugee and a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Army. His military service spans operations in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq, providing him with a wealth of experience in national defense and leadership.
Beyond his military background, Tran spent over a decade in the oil and gas sector, including a key role in Schlumberger's veteran initiative, which earned the company a Military Friendly Employer title in 2024.
“I’m answering the call,” Tran said during his campaign announcement. “I fought 13 years in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq, repaying the nation that saved my family. We’re at war with the radical left, bureaucrats, and global terrorists. I’ll fight for full funding for ICE and CBP to stop fentanyl and human trafficking at our borders. It’s time to secure our borders, defend the Second Amendment, support veterans, fight woke policies, and champion energy independence.”
Tran’s candidacy has quickly gained traction among veterans, conservatives, and energy leaders in the district.
With more than a quarter of the district's workforce in the energy sector and a significant veteran population, Tran’s experience positions him as a strong contender to represent these interests. His platform largely mirrors that of Luttrell’s, emphasizing border security, veteran support, and alignment with President Donald Trump’s policies.
Jameson Ellis, who previously ran for the district and shares Tran's America First views, will lead the campaign. Ellis brings a profound understanding of the district’s values and political climate.
Tran's platform calls for enhanced border security, including increased financial support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He also advocates for protecting the Second Amendment and promoting energy independence by supporting jobs in the oil and gas sector.
“I’ve witnessed the strength of American liberty up close, and I’m committed to defending it,” Tran stated. “The extreme left aims to tear apart all that we cherish—from our borders to our way of living. I will remain resolute in opposing their plans.”
Tran’s campaign promises to uphold the conservative ideals championed by Luttrell, aiming to secure a future for Texas’s 8th District built on liberty, security, and energy independence.
For more information on Nick Tran’s campaign, visit nicktranfortexas.com or follow him on Twitter at @RealNickTran.
