Jodey Arrington

Jodey Cook Arrington is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who has served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 19th congressional district since January 2017. Born and raised in Plainview, Texas, Arrington attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Public Administration. He later received a certificate in international business from Georgetown University. His early career included roles in the administration of Governor George W. Bush in Texas before he followed Bush to the White House to serve as a special assistant to the President and associate director of presidential personnel. Arrington also served as chief of staff for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and as a deputy federal coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. After his time in Washington, Arrington returned to West Texas to serve as Vice Chancellor for Research, Commercialization, and Federal Relations for the Texas Tech University System and as the president of a healthcare innovation company. In 2016, he was first elected to Congress to represent a district that includes Lubbock and Abilene. In the House of Representatives, Arrington has held influential roles, including serving as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee for the 118th Congress. He has also been a member of the Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Economic Committee, focusing on issues such as tax reform, trade, and rural healthcare.

Arrington maintains a conservative platform focused on fiscal responsibility, national security, and support for rural economies. As Chairman of the House Budget Committee, he advocates for reining in federal spending, balancing the national budget, and promoting pro-growth economic policies. He is a staunch supporter of the agriculture and energy sectors, which are central to his district, frequently defending crop insurance programs and advocating for American energy independence through increased domestic oil and gas production. On immigration, Arrington supports strict border security measures, including the completion of the southern border wall and increased resources for enforcement to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking. In terms of social policy, Arrington is pro-life and has consistently supported legislation to restrict abortion access. He is a vocal defender of Second Amendment rights and opposes federal measures that he considers infringements on the right to bear arms. On healthcare, he has advocated for the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act in favor of market-based reforms and expanded access for rural communities. His foreign policy views generally align with a 'peace through strength' approach, supporting a well-funded military and strong national defense while remaining critical of international agreements that he believes compromise U.S. sovereignty or economic interests.