Troy Nehls

Troy Edwin Nehls is a Republican politician and former law enforcement officer representing Texas' 22nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2020 and took office on January 3, 2021. Born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Nehls earned his bachelor's degree from Liberty University and later received a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown. His professional background is rooted in long-term service in both the military and law enforcement, having served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he retired with the rank of Major and received two Bronze Stars for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nehls’ law enforcement career in Texas spanned over two decades, beginning with the Fort Bend Independent School District Police Department and the Richmond Police Department. He served two terms as the elected Constable for Fort Bend County Precinct 4 before being elected as the Sheriff of Fort Bend County in 2012, a position he held until 2020. As Sheriff, he was noted for implementing recidivism reduction programs, such as vocational training for inmates, and for his leadership during the response to Hurricane Harvey. In Congress, he serves on the Committee on Judiciary and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he has chaired the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Nehls maintains a platform focused on border security, support for law enforcement, and the protection of the Texas energy industry. He is a strong advocate for strict immigration enforcement, having introduced legislation to limit asylum claims and expedite the removal of migrants. A fiscal conservative, he emphasizes reducing government spending and 'red tape' to support the economy, particularly advocating for the oil and gas sector. His foreign policy stance is characterized by a hardline approach toward China, including efforts to hold the country financially liable for the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Nehls has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, including voting against the certification of the 2020 presidential election results for certain states and opposing efforts to impeach the former president. On healthcare, he has focused significantly on improving mental and physical health services for veterans.