"We recommend Barrios, 45, a Richardson City Council member who is running a campaign centered on kitchen-table issues, such as the rising cost of living, housing affordability and opportunities for small businesses.

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U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, a Democrat, currently represents the district, but it now leans Republican after recent gerrymandering. Johnson is now running for the 33rd Congressional District.

 

If Democrats want to make inroads in this newly redrawn district, kitchen-table issues are the right approach. In our interview, Barrios understood that the needs of a city like Richardson are going to be very different from those of Pittsburg, in Camp County. He showed concern for health care and broadband access in rural counties and the need to bring some federal funding to these areas.
Barrios said he would work to represent both residents in rural areas and urban centers. As a local elected official, Barrios already has experience engaging with his constituents, and he said building personal connections is a proven strategy.

As a council member, Barrios started an initiative called Breakfast with Barrios, where, once a month, he cooks breakfast tacos for Richardson residents.
 

“It’s neat, because I am just making breakfast tacos on a flat top grill, but when someone approaches me, they get 90 seconds with their councilman,” he told us.

His experience in local government has already taught him some realities about politics. He said officials have to make decisions based on the best information they can get, looking to have the most positive impact.

Barrios expressed concern about the erosion of trust in institutions and was forceful on the importance of strengthening transparency, accountability and oversight at all levels of government.
 

Primary voters should choose Barrios."