OJB’s First 2026 Endorsement: Mark Newgent in TX-3

This is intended not only for my local audience, but also for the Democratic residents of Texas’s third Congressional District, a mere 1449 or so miles from me. (21 hours and 38 minutes, though I could save 7 minutes through a toll road.) If you think you know anyone in this district — I believe that Plano, Allen, and McKinney are the largest cities — then please send this to them or someone who knows them so that they will see it before they vote in-person tomorrow.

1. The Best Little Primary in Texas

The Texas primary takes place tomorrow, March 3. The big headline will be whether Jasmine Crockett or James Talerico will will the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. But I’ve been thinking much more about a Republican primary for U.S. House, in TX-3. Democrats are, as I understand it, welcome to vote in this primary; this district is drawn to be blood red, so that no Democrat will possibly win the general election. If even one person votes in the Democratic primary, which will of course happen, someone will make the runoff — but it doesn’t really matter who it is, because they will end up as roadkill in the general election.

The rest of Democratic votes in TX-3 will have wasted. I want to suggest that they can be put to a much better use. The incumbent in TX-3 — Rep. Keith Self — is a MAGA horror show. His opponent, Mark Newgent, who among other things has passionate support from the district’s sizeable Muslim community, is running on the following platform:

• Pro 1st Amendment
• Religious Freedom [which takes on a more serious meeting given what I wrote just above!]
• NO AIPAC/Israel [which I believe means “no money received from”]
• NO Foreign Wars
• No Epstein Evil

That sounds sort of like a contemporary progressive anti-MAGA agenda — competing in the quite competitive Republican primary! One in which — wait for it — Democrats can vote!

So: do you know what might make a really big impression on Donald Trump?

If one of his most slavering slavish MAGA supporters in Congress LOSES to someone with THAT PLATFORM!

A Mark Newgent win over Keith Self — whom I’ll describe in painful detail below — would potentially be a world changing event.

It would be a rejection of Trump’s betrayal of the Constitution, international law, and the public interest right in the wake of his illegally starting what may become another “forever war.”

So, TX-3 Democrats: I don’t care what you think about Newgent’s being a Republican! You can vote against him in the general election, though either Republican will win. It’s time to put your country first, resist MAGA fealty to a foreign power, and vote for Newgent — and for peace and dignity — on Tuesday!

2. Newgent and Me

I think that Newgent and I would agree that we had have an odd friendship even from before the days when he was residing in OC and active in city of Irvine and county politics. He’s way more conservative that I am, but he’s also extremely ethical. And he also had a cause that I appreciated.

I think that I became aware of him when he filed a defamation complaint against an anti-leftist competitor of mine in the county’s small blogging world, who I’ll call “Dan C” Dan C falsely accused him of something like stolen valor — and Newgent crushed him in court. He received a substantial damages award, which (as I recall) Dan C, who is a bit stubborn, pledged not to pay. At some point, an award signed by Dan C’s attorney ended up in Newgent’s hands — but Dan C continued to say that he had not provided the money. Charming, huh? I think that I contacted Newgent to congratulate him for standing up to thuggery — and that was just about it for a while.

One day, Newgent contacted me; he had adopted a cause and was looking for someone with Democratic contacts. I wondered why. He told me a story he had heard from his military contacts. (He had served for 20 years in the armed forces, and over that time and bright and affable person makes a lot of contacts.) The story came from Afghanistan veterans — and it was about … translators. This was a topic I knew little about, and he quickly educated me– and leaving me shocked. What was so critical about translators?

The U.S. military used translators who could speak both English and at least one Afghan language, mostly Dari and Pashto. To understand their importance, let’s briefly go ahead to the collapse of the war effort, which came swiftly, less then seven months after Biden took office. For context, Trump had negotiated directly with the Taliban as part of his Presidential campaign and agreed to pull out U.S. troops on a date certain if they would abide by promises for good treatment of Afghan civilians, including those who had collaborated with the U.S. The Taliban agreed and then — as even a moron like Trump should have seen coming (and maybe did) — they didn’t honor it. They contacted village elders and got them to divulge (under threats) who the collaborators were and where their families lived. The elders (who had managed to live long by not being stupid or too sentimental) gave up the information. And the resistance to the Taliban collapsed, threatened mostly by other (arguably worse) military groups.

Trump’s gullibility (or maybe flat-out sociopathy) left the former military translators in the lurch. They had been promised by the U.S. that they and their families would receive visas and travel to the U.S. But: who knew exactly whom had received such promises? If Biden was too liberal in honoring supposed pledges, the Taliban could have used this as a way to get their agents into the U.S., where they could commit acts of terrorism. How could he tell apart the ones who were deserving from the Taliban-backed threats? It was a haunting problem.

Newgent stressed to me what he understood the role of these translators. They truly held the lives of American (and allied) troops in their hands. Not just treachery could kill them, but simply poor craft could endanger them and their families. As I recall, Newgent considered them as heroic as anyone else involved in the war, because they kept troops safe often using amazing intelligence and cunning; with terrible consequences if caught.

They were promised that they would ultimately be rewarded with U.S. visas for themselves and their families. They just had to be flown out of the country from their encampments (which I recall being in or near Pakistan) to the U.S. The failure to honor such promises, if widely known, would come back to bite the U.S. in future conflicts, where the people who would be willing to work if given protection would no longer trust us, and the people who did step forward would be more likely to be double agents, leading to fatal intelligence failure. (We may reap this whirlwind in our occupation of Iran.)

If I recall correctly, Newgent (like most Republicans) blamed Biden for this; I argued that Biden was essentially forced into an accelerated schedule because Trump had (gullibly) cut a deal with the Taliban that we would wind down by a certain date so long as they kept certain promises of how they would treat people afterwards — which (of course) they did not do. Newgent’s casting blame was not simply partisan, though: he had a point. He said that no matter what Trump had agreed to, Biden was the Commander-in-Chief now and he had the right and obligation NOT to be bound by a stupid deal until evacuation of friendlies could be secured. Reasonable people could disagree about this, and I respected the obvious respect and indebtedness he felt for these brave and skilled translators.

I don’t recall whether Newgent brought up the possibility I will present: I have few if any records of our conversations — but I think he did. The people who could most readily identify the people who had made these promises were the troops who had made these offers! Despite the sloppy system over the 20 years of war, veterans themselves could fill in at least some of the information gaps; every person promised asylum (in the broader sense) who had someone to vouch for them meant saving lives and preserving honor.

Knowing my political background, Newgent had hoped that I could use whatever contacts I had within the Democratic Party to aid his cause. I had by then been kicked out of Democratic politics, ostensibly for being willing to work with decent Republicans, as I’m doing here — but I did have continuing contracts with Democratic Party colleagues — but I don’t know whether anything useful came of them. Some did not like the idea of working with an anti-Biden Republican, even if it served mutual interests.

In summary, Newgent was a political opponent, but nothing like an enemy. He’s the best representative that we can expect from a blood-red district like this — not because he’s a pushover, but because he’s intelligent, decent, ethical, and dogged. He reminds me of Thomas Massie — one of the current heroes among anti-MAGA Republicans — and any Democrat who would not want another few Thomas Massie types within the Republican party right now is too foolish and myopic to be in politics.

But the party is often stupid, so I am going over its head to the Democratic Party voters in TX-3: you should want this guy representing you rather than the incumbent, because when you can make a good case for something he may go along with you. (This used to happen a lot in politics, on both sides.) Democrats can vote for Newgent in the primary and then vote for the Democrat in the general election! (It would be easier to run against a non-incumbent, right?) But for now, choose the much more decent of your options.

This is a critical election because just like Self will likely be in this seat for the next ten years, if Newgent is the incumbent, he may stay in Congress for 20 years or so, especially as the name “Trump” becomes a curse word for the vast majority of Americans. (Or maybe he will someday lose to a Democrat. I won’t wait up for it~)

3. So what’s so bad about Keith Self?

He’s a cowardly liar, for one thing. From his campaign site:

During my 25-year military career, I never backed down from a fight. As West
Point cadets our training started early and ended late. The work ethic and
warrior ethos – engrained in me during my military career – remains as I
represent your voice and your vote in Congress.

Last fall marked the dawning of a new day in America with President Trump’s
dramatic victory, but the days are fleeting. We are already on the verge of the
mid-term elections, and despite all of our conservative wins, there is still much
work to be done, which is why I am announcing my re-election campaign now.

From spending late nights scrapping to enhance Republican pieces of
legislation, to waging full frontal assaults on the radical left’s woke agenda and
DEI policies, I have been fighting to advance President Trump’s America First
agenda [emphasis added]. We have needed, and continue to need, every single one of you
engaged in the process to achieve these victories. There remains an urgency
to preserve our Constitutional Republic [emphasis added]. Let’s keep up the fight!

So: Self says that he’s fighting DEI — and I suppose he’s right about that claim (and thereby wrong about the merits). He also claims to be pushing for “America First” and maintaining the Constitutional Republic. Pushing for America First is being exposed as lie right now. “Maintaining the constitutional order” has been a lie since Trump was inaugurated. Let’s take these in turn.

A) DEI

Yes, he emphasizes DEI a whole lot and Newgent doesn’t seem too worried about it — perhaps because he’s seen a military where DEI has worked well for a long time after Self was gone. So if this is what determines your vote — well, (1) you’re probably a Republican, so I’m not really talking to you, and (2) you’re probably interested in tearing down others so you can feel better, rather than one interested in peace, justice, and prosperity. But sure, let’s look at Self’s stuff.

One of Self’s big issues was the “proliferation of drag queen shows that target children”; he noted that he had returned a PAC check to a business that sponsored one. Conservatives have been attending and disrupting events like “Drag Queen Story Hours” and doxing participants and attendees, leaving them vulnerable to violence, which may be what he wants. If that’s your front-burner issue, he’s your guy.

And here’s more red meat from Self, via Wikipedia:

“During a March 2025 hearing, Self misgendered Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, repeatedly identifying her as “Mr. McBride”.^[34] McBride responded by misgendering Self saying, “Thank you, Madam Chair”. Bill Keating, interrupting McBride, criticized Self, saying, “Have you no decency?” and told Self he would not continue the hearing unless he would refer to McBride by her preferred title.^[34] Self subsequently adjourned the hearing.^[35]“

This may establish that Self is an unserious asshole, but it’s really just putting on a show. Does Self know any queer Republicans? Has he denounced the ones who are useful to him? I doubt it. Has he denounced pederasty? Judging by his endorsement from Jim Jordan, no.

B) “America First”

To the extent that this phrase means anything, it should mean not being led into war by another country that may have its own interests that don’t match ours — which is exactly what had happened in Iran. Israel actually has a vested interest in U.S. troops getting killed by Iranians, or at least apparently by Iranians, because that would strengthen America’s will to fight for revenge! Newgent could not be more different: He will not take money — or orders — from pro-Israel interests.

C. Constitutional Democracy

Trump, with the help of a Congressional majority and a supine Supreme Court, has been violating original Constitutional provisions, such as the emoluement clause (against substantial gifts) and Congressional roles, as well as most of the Bill of Rights, and recently the Poll Tax Amendment), and countless other sources of legitimate law — including regarding the Epstein files. Self just sits by like a bloated pussycat. Newgent, as a more serious candidate would stand in the way of this and protect our political order — including regarding Epstein tapes.

4. Newgent’s Story

This is straight from his campaign website. I’ve included his factual statements and his pledges, leaving out any of his direct appeals for votes:

Mark Newgent is a retired U.S. Army Captain, lifelong servant leader, and Republican candidate for Congress in Texas’s 3rd District.

Mark did not grow up with privilege. He grew up in deep poverty in Northern California, where his family often went without electricity, food, transportation, and other basic necessities. By the age of 16, Mark was homeless. Those early years shaped his understanding of what it means to fall through the cracks and why leadership must always put working families first.

At just 17 years old, Mark enlisted in the United States Army. He served America for 20 years in uniform. Over that time, he rose from an enlisted infantryman to an Army Captain, serving in elite units including the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed multiple times across the Pacific region and served as a Company Commander, Anti Terrorism Officer, and Security Advisor. Mark advised U.S. Army Generals on force protection and was personally recognized for stopping a terrorist plot that saved lives. He also earned distinction for creating gold standard security plans for U.S. Army Pacific.

After retiring from the Army, Mark continued serving his community as a city and county commissioner. In those roles, he oversaw multimillion dollar budgets and protected taxpayer resources, understanding firsthand that government waste is paid for by families who are already stretched thin.

Mark lives in McKinney, Texas with his wife Tanya and their two children. His wife went through the legal immigration process, giving Mark a personal understanding of both the sacrifices immigrants make and the need for a lawful, fair, and secure immigration system. He believes law abiding immigrants make our nation stronger while also supporting strong borders and effective enforcement.

Mark is running for Congress because families are working harder than ever and still falling behind while Washington insiders remain out of touch and unaccountable.

He is fighting for secure borders and strong law enforcement, fiscal responsibility and lower taxes, affordable energy and lower costs for families, unwavering support for veterans, and the full protection of our constitutional freedoms. He believes in an America First agenda that puts Texas families before endless foreign wars and reckless spending overseas.

Mark was just 21 years old when he first deployed into combat, willing to risk his life for people he had never met. That same sense of duty and service drives him today.

I am absolutely sure that Newgent and I would disagree about many of his positions. But comparing Newgent to Self, two things come through clearly.

1: Newgent talks about real serious issues, rather than mostly red meat for voters who hate sexual and racial minorities.

• He has a sensitive and nuanced position about immigrants: he encourages immigration, but wants it to be lawful and wants to protect the borders. We’d disagree about part of this, but I do not get the idea that he wants people to suffer — and I can’t say that of Self.
• He favors fiscal responsibility and lower taxes. To me, at least raises the possibility that he would have had the strength of character to oppose the One Big Beautiful Bill, which has exploded the deficit and ultimately will raise taxes for people down the line. I don’t know how he feels about increasing the progressivity of tax brackets — but at least I can imagine his thinking about it seriously.
• He wants affordable energy. Well, Texas is a huge wind power state, and that puts him at odds with Trump. (Would Self stand up for wind power’s savings for consumers?) He wants “unwavering” support for veterans; I generally agree, but can imagine myself wavering on some points. “Full protection of our constitutional freedoms.” I think Democrats can work with that.
• He supports an “America First” agenda — and that rankles me because “America First” has a history of meaning “and everyone else can screw themselves” — as well as eschewing cooperation on climate change, ocean preservation, etc. But that’s not what I get from him. He dislikes is endless foreign wars and reckless spending overseas. (Maybe he doesn’t favor lean and effective foreign aid either; if so, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t negotiate over it. I don’t know that he’s given any public statements about the Israel-prompted war in Iran — but I feel confident that he’s not happy about the prospect of a long and violent occupation.
• As for “reckless foreign spending” — that could mean that he’s against foreign aid, but I suspect that he could join Democrats (if we’re being enlightened ourselves, which is not a given) in agreeing to figure out how separate the good spending from the bad. I could be wrong, but he seems like a person who, among other things, would help keep Democrats fiscally honest.

2: I wish that there was another way to say this without the last word, but nothing does the job: unlike Self, Newgent is not an asshole.

• Maybe Newgent is actually as prejudiced as Self — but I doubt it; I don’t think that 20 years as an officer getting to know all sorts of people, men and women, makes that likely. We can safely say that, unlike Self, he doesn’t make bashing the vulnerable a big part of his platform. His pitch to voters is a serious one about good governance — one amenable to compromise — rather than promising to stand with people who like to put gays and lesbians and drag queens through hell, because “that’s good politics.” What it is, is disgusting and juvenile. It’s Trumpian, certainly — although Pedo Trump seems to be a pretty big sexual minority himself — but it’s mean and punching down. It’s hard to compromise with some sneering and pandering bigot like Self.
• Finally, look back at what I wrote about what I remember of how we became friends. He cared deeply about people whom a lesser person wouldn’t have even tried to save. That, to me, was a sign of good character. He seems to have become friends with me because he though I might try to help others — and he convinced me to try. That’s the opposite of the lack of character I see in Keith Self.

In many ways, the trail that Trump has left on the country — from the child rapes in Epstein files (and the voyeurism at teen beauty pageants before them) to his business ethics and self-serving hoovering money into his own accounts — is one of INDECENCY. We need Republicans, where they are clearly going to get elected, who will stand against that. Texas voters, especially Democrats — please do the right thing for the country, vote in the Republican primary tomorrow, and case a vote for DECENCY. It truly will matter.

Democratic readers — if you can’t see differences between Newgent and Self sufficient for you to prefer the former, then you are being politically blind. You should absolutely vote for the Democrat in the general election, at least to “show the flag,” but give the choice of an actual representative of your district who will work to make things better as opposed to pandering to make things worse, you should know that the former matters. Choose wisely and patriotically!

“Mark was just 21 years old when he first deployed into combat, willing to risk his life for people he had never met. That same sense of duty and service drives him today.”