By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
COLLIN COUNTY — U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R–TX-03) launched his 2026 re-election campaign Friday evening at a Collin County rally that blended prayer, pledges, patriotic songs, and a policy address focused on government spending, national security, and border enforcement.
The program opened with a prayer from Pastor Jeff Jenkins of Anchor Church, who thanked God for “good men like Keith Self who fought for our country” and asked for “favor upon these people tonight.” Children then led pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags, followed by the national anthem sung by Victoria Ball.
Collin County Judge Chris Hill welcomed attendees and introduced Bill Blakely, who in turn introduced the congressman. Blakely praised Self as “a brave paratrooper… a leader in our military, a lieutenant colonel, a former county judge, and a congressman,” calling him “one of our best local embodiments of what Reagan described as bold colors and not pale pastels.”
Self began by noting that his wife, Tracy, was in Sierra Leone on a mission trip and introduced several members of his congressional staff. He quickly turned to national politics, calling the 2026 midterms “the first day of the World Series” that would decide “the last two years of Donald J. Trump 47.” He urged supporters to “talk to friends anywhere across the United States,” calling the election “that important.”
Federal Spending and Shutdown
Much of Self’s speech centered on the ongoing federal funding impasse. He criticized proposed spending increases, calling the standoff “the largest blackmail operation in the history of mankind.” He predicted the shutdown could continue “another couple of weeks” unless senators reach a deal, warning that “the pain is just now starting.”
He said the Senate had rejected a measure to pay certain federal workers and warned that military personnel would be hit hardest. “Our junior enlisted live paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “Some of them are even on food stamps.”
Border and Economy
Reviewing policy developments since the last election, Self said that “the border is closed,” claiming crossings were decreasing. He added that Washington, D.C., feels safer following National Guard deployments.
Turning to the economy, he defended tariffs as part of what he called an “economic war” with China, Iran, and Russia, saying the goal is to rebuild U.S. manufacturing. “The ultimate goal of the tariffs is to bring the manufacturing back,” he said, while acknowledging short-term disruption.
Self said the United States must regain self-sufficiency in critical minerals. “China has 90 percent of the capability of processing critical minerals in the world,” he said. “We’ve got to process them here.”
Legislative Priorities
During a question-and-answer session, Self discussed several legislative issues. He called a potential central-bank digital currency “the last nail… for a surveillance state” and said he had worked to include a ban on such a system in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act.
He said Congress has delayed action on artificial-intelligence regulation after early proposals were seen as overly restrictive. On space policy, he said the United States risks losing “any chance we have of beating China to the moon with infrastructure” if Artemis program schedules slip.
Foreign Policy and Security Concerns
Addressing concerns about possible terrorist threats, Self said he had heard similar reports from former law enforcement contacts but added there was “no indication that it is imminent.” He said improved tracking of financial networks has strengthened prevention efforts.
Courts and Policy Disputes
Self criticized what he described as “activist judges” and said some House Republicans had signed onto impeachment resolutions, even if they lack votes to advance. He also said presidential appointees are being confirmed slowly, leaving “very few” of the administration’s positions filled.
Responding to a question about WIC and hospital care during the shutdown, he said federal law requires stabilization and delivery of patients and that there is “no appetite in Congress” to eliminate safety-net programs.
On concerns about “Sharia law,” Self said he supports two measures — a “No Sharia Act” and a “Sharia-Free America Act” — to bar U.S. courts from recognizing foreign religious law.
Closing Remarks
Self concluded by pledging to continue what he called “a stand for the things that have been America for decades.” He described Texas’ 3rd Congressional District as “a solid red district that’s formed the foundation” for the party’s agenda. “If we lose the midterms, we lose the House or we lose the Senate,” he said. “Donald Trump will be impeached every single week.”
Judge Hill returned to thank Self for his help on county issues and urged attendees to work for his re-election. The final speaker, Wiley Mayor Pro Tem Gino Mulliqi, closed by sharing his perspective as an Albanian American and former refugee. He said he was “alive today because of what the United States did at that time” during the Kosovo conflict and called the country “a place that gives people like me the opportunity to succeed.”
Editor’s note: TX3DNews covers campaign events, civic meetings, and community activities across Texas’ 3rd Congressional District. Coverage is provided for informational purposes and does not imply endorsement of any candidate or viewpoint.