Decorated military officer announces candidacy against Joe Barton in TX-6

Submitted photo.

Decorated combat veteran Steven Fowler announced his candidacy against Joe Barton in the 6th U.S. Congressional District of Texas.

ELLIS COUNTY — Steven Fowler, a decorated combat veteran, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 6th District of Texas against long-time incumbent Joe Barton.

"I'm excited to announce my candidacy as a Republican in the 6th U.S. Congressional District of Texas. I am running for Congress because this district needs a proven leader. This district needs a Congressman that will fight to lower taxes, remove unnecessary regulations, create jobs, build a strong national defense, stop the wasteful spending and fight the government overreach into our personal lives. You need a Congressman that will fight for you and your family, not for the special interest groups and the Washington D.C. status quo. I will be that Congressman," Fowler said.

For the past 11 years, Fowler served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard. While on active duty, he was a Navigator, flying the most capable bomber aircraft in the world, the B-1B Lancer. Major Fowler deployed twice to the Middle East where he flew 73 combat missions and 891 combat hours over Afghanistan. He was the mission commander on 23 of these missions, leading a crew of four and making strategic decisions on behalf of the United States in a complex wartime environment.

Major Fowler joined the Air Force because of the devastating attacks on our nation on 9/11.

"I was angry that terrorists were able to attack us on our own soil and I wanted payback for our nation. Even though joining the military initially wasn't my plan after college, I answered my nation's call and fought for our freedom overseas. Now, even though heading to Congress was never in my plans, I know I need to answer my nation's call again, and fight for our eroding freedoms in Washington D.C. I refuse to sit on the sidelines, watching the out of control spending, the rampant corruption, and the do-nothing career politicians who care more about pleasing the special interest groups and keeping their job than they do about service to this nation," Fowler said.

Major Fowler is running because he believes Joe Barton has not accomplished enough, and because Barton's interests lie in supporting the special interest groups, not regular Americans.

Fowler states, "We have given Joe Barton over 30 years to make a difference, to make America better. What has he accomplished? The facts are he hasn't accomplished much. He has sponsored eight bills that became law. Eight laws in over 30 years! He has not passed a single law since January 2007. Almost nine years and not one bill turned into a law. This district deserves better."

Fowler believes American's are tired of career politicians and the D.C. status quo and want a new generation of leaders to be elected.

"Enough is enough! Mr. Barton has had his chance. It's time to elect a proven leader that is willing to standup to the Washington D.C. machine and fight for real conservative values. It's time to elect a leader that will attack the difficult problems and provide bold solutions. The time for rhetoric has passed, America needs results," Fowler said.

About Steven

Steven graduated with a B.S. in Economics from Texas A&M University, and an M.B.A from the University of Texas-Austin.

Steven currently serves as a Major in the Air National Guard.

Steven's military decorations include: the Air Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Steven is married to the former Cara Graham of Abilene, TX. They have two children, MaKenna, and Alexandra.

More information about Steven and his campaign can be found on his website, www.stevenfowler.org