Republican · Texas's 3rd District · 2026
Keith Self
Self was born in a military hospital while his father served in the Army, then grew up in Texas.
Biography
Keith Self was born in a military hospital during his father's Army service and grew up in Texas, graduating from high school in Amarillo.1 He and his wife, Tracy, have been married since his West Point graduation, and live in McKinney.1 He graduated from the academy in 1975.2 His campaign also describes hunting in the Texas Panhandle as a boy, and he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.3
His Army career included infantry and Special Forces command assignments, with service in Europe, the Middle East and the Pentagon.1 He retired as a lieutenant colonel after earning the Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.1
Self was elected Collin County judge in 2006 and served three consecutive terms before retiring from that office in 2018.1 He is now in his second congressional term and chairs the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee.45 In May 2026, he led a hearing on NATO's eastern frontier and security in the Baltic region.5
His platform favors completing border barriers, lowering taxes, reducing federal spending and expanding domestic energy production.3 He also supports voter identification requirements and paper trails for voting machines.3 He supports Operation Lone Star and federal reimbursement for Texas border security costs.3 Self faces Democrat Evan Hunt.6
Record and controversies
McBride introduction and hearing adjournment
In March 2025, Self introduced Representative Sarah McBride, a transgender woman, as “Mr. McBride” at a Europe Subcommittee hearing and repeated the introduction after Representative Bill Keating objected.7 Self adjourned the hearing during the dispute.7 He subsequently defended his position by invoking the administration's policy recognizing two sexes; McBride said she was disappointed the hearing ended and wanted to focus on costs and public safety.7