U.S. Representative District 13
A representative, also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.
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Mark Nair
(Dem)
What education, experience, and background qualify you for this position?
In your own words, explain the goals, responsibilities, and limitations of this role.
Name the top three issues that you believe should be addressed by this office? How would you address them?
What is your vision for economic development and governance, and how would you work to achieve it?
Campaign Phone
806-220-4660
I have both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas A&M University. Most of my professional work experience has been in innovation and entrepreneurship. I’m a mentor for the National Science Foundation, a member of the National Academy of Inventors, and a mentor for the Texas Tech Innovation Hub. I have several patents. I’ve taught Economics and technology at the college level. I’ve started and restructured companies, taking one to the US Supreme Court. I’ve worked with international companies and have travelled extensively around the world building new products with new ideas. I’ve been an elected council member on the Amarillo City Council. I’ve lived in Amarillo for the past 30 years and have been married for 32 years.
Although we have three co-equal branches of federal government, I do think Congress is the primary and most important branch. The founders established Congress in the very first article of the Constitution, and the House of Representatives particularly is the most responsive to the people. That’s why we hold House elections every two years. Your House representative controls the federal money and makes rules around how the government spends it. The role’s job is to be responsive to the people, listen, and be available. The job is public service, not personal service. The limitations are quite a few. This is one person of 435 others, so the limitations are of compromise and collaboration with the goal to do the people’s work.
First, bring back economic stability and growth by returning the Constitutional tariff power to Congress. Tariffs have been one of the largest tax increases on Americans in our history, and they’ve been devastating to small businesses and farmers. We need to build economic prosperity for Americans, not strangle it by subsidizing other countries. Second, work to remove the obscene effect of money in our elections. Candidates should make their case to voters and not rely on massive dark money committees to manipulate and lie to people. Third, hold every single person accountable. This is the best defense of our democracy. Return to the rule of law and root out corruption wherever it is. Public corruption steals from you and your future.
Economic development comes from opportunity, and it’s just too expensive for people to take advantage of that today. We need a national health care program that benefits people instead of insurance companies. When people feel unshackled from their health “benefits” at their companies, they can take risks on their own businesses, and companies likewise won’t feel the pressure to provide these benefits. I will work on a national job program so people can learn new skills that can help the country rebuild its infrastructure while they build their own future. Finding the money isn’t the issue. Political will is. Building up economies is all about local development. But your representative has to show up, listen, and then act effectively.
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