Research Profile
Greg Casar, born on May 4, 1989, in Houston, Texas, is a prominent progressive politician and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas District 37 for the 2026 election. As the son of Mexican immigrants, Casar's background has significantly shaped his advocacy for social justice, immigrant rights, and economic equity. He graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston and began his political career as a member of the Austin City Council, representing the 4th district from 2015 to 2022. During his tenure on the City Council, Casar was known for championing labor rights, paid sick leave, affordable housing, and social justice issues. In 2023, he was elected as a U.S. Representative for Texas's 35th district, where he continued to promote progressive causes, including climate justice, immigration reform, and workers’ rights. He is now seeking re-election in the newly redrawn 37th district, following the redistricting that reshaped the electoral landscape in Texas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Casar; http://casar.house.gov/about; https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C001131.
His campaign platform for 2026 is rooted in progressive policies. Casar advocates for expanding democracy and voting rights, supporting legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and opposes corporate influence in politics https://www.casarforcongress.com/issues. He champions reproductive rights, endorsing the Women’s Health Protection Act and the EACH Act to safeguard abortion access. Casar also emphasizes criminal justice reform, supporting the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, abolishing the federal death penalty, and promoting fair chance hiring practices. His stance on immigration includes backing the New Way Forward Act and the American Dream and Promise Act, aiming to protect immigrant families and provide pathways to citizenship https://www.casarforcongress.com. Environmental sustainability is another core issue; Casar advocates for aggressive climate action, renewable energy development, and resource conservation. Additionally, he supports measures to end discrimination, including the Equality Act, and is a member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus https://www.casarforcongress.com/issues.
Casar’s voting record as an incumbent aligns with his stated positions, supporting legislation that advances healthcare access, economic justice, environmental protection, and social equity. His legislative activities reflect his commitment to systemic reforms and progressive values, making him a leading figure within the Democratic Party’s progressive wing https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/161953/greg-casar.
In terms of background and career, Casar’s early life was marked by his upbringing in Houston as the son of Mexican immigrants. His education at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory laid the foundation for his activism. His political career began with his election to the Austin City Council, where he gained recognition for his advocacy on labor rights, affordable housing, and social justice issues. His election to Congress in 2023 marked a significant step in his political trajectory, positioning him as a national leader advocating for progressive reforms in Texas and beyond https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Council/Casar/Council_Member_Casar.pdf; https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/418214/Gregorio_Eduardo_Casar.html.
Recent news coverage from 2025 and 2026 highlights Casar’s campaign launch following Lloyd Doggett’s decision to step aside due to redistricting. Articles from KUT, the Texas Tribune, and Ballotpedia detail his strategic positioning in the newly drawn district, emphasizing his strong progressive credentials and campaign efforts. Coverage also notes Casar’s role as chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and his active engagement in media and public forums to promote his policy agenda https://www.kut.org/politics/2025-08-25/austin-tx-congressman-greg-casar-campaign-u-s-house-of-representatives-district-37-lloyd-doggett-redistricting-map; https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/14/texas-lloyd-doggett-greg-casar-democratic-primary-austin; https://ballotpedia.org/Texas%27_37th_Congressional_District_election,_2026.