August Pfluger II

August Pfluger is an American politician and retired Air Force officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 11th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since January 3, 2021, after winning a competitive primary and subsequent general election. Pfluger represents a district that encompasses a significant portion of West Texas and has been re-elected twice since his initial term began. His military background and educational achievements contribute to his profile as a public servant.

Early life and career

August Pfluger was born on December 28, 1977, in Harris County, Texas. He has deep roots in the state, with his family history tracing back to his four-times-great-grandfather, Henry Pfluger Sr., a German immigrant who founded Pflugerville, Texas. This familial connection to Texas history has shaped Pfluger’s identity and commitment to public service. His maternal grandfather served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, which inspired Pfluger to pursue a career in aviation.

Pfluger attended Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, where he excelled as a student-athlete, notably playing quarterback for the school's football team. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, reflecting his dedication to leadership and community service from a young age. Following high school, Pfluger pursued higher education at the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. His academic journey continued with multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in military and operations science from Air University, and a Master of Science in international business and policy from Georgetown University.

Pfluger was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 2000, embarking on a distinguished military career that spanned two decades. He flew various aircraft, including the Northrop T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle, and F-22A Raptor. His leadership capabilities were recognized when he commanded the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group at Al Dhafra Air Base, where he was involved in operations in Syria and Northern Iraq. Throughout his service, Pfluger accumulated over 2,000 flight hours, including more than 300 combat hours, and earned numerous awards, such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal. He achieved the rank of colonel before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve.

In addition to his military service, Pfluger briefly served on the National Security Council during the administration of President Donald Trump. His time on the NSC was short-lived, as he resigned after three months to pursue a political career. Pfluger also made a brief appearance in the IMAX film "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," which showcased the training and experiences of fighter pilots.

House tenure

Pfluger entered the political arena by running for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, seeking to represent Texas's 11th congressional district. He announced his candidacy after the incumbent, Representative Mike Conaway, announced his retirement after eight terms in office. In a competitive Republican primary, Pfluger secured the nomination by obtaining over 50% of the vote, a significant achievement in a crowded field. He faced Democratic nominee Jon Mark Hogg and Libertarian candidate Wacey Alpha Cody in the general election. Given the Republican Party's strong registration advantage in the district, Pfluger was favored to win. He successfully defeated Hogg in the November election, marking the beginning of his congressional career.

Pfluger was sworn into office on January 3, 2021. Shortly after taking office, he participated in a controversial vote on January 6, 2021, where he and many of his Republican colleagues voted against certifying the electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden, aligning with efforts to contest the 2020 presidential election results. This action was part of a broader movement among certain congressional Republicans during that period.

In August 2021, Pfluger faced scrutiny for allegedly violating the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which mandates transparency regarding stock trades by members of Congress. Reports indicated that he failed to disclose stock trades made by himself or his wife, which raised concerns about compliance with federal law.

Pfluger has been re-elected twice, winning his second term in 2022 without opposition and again securing a third term in 2024, also unopposed. His tenure has been marked by active participation in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Pfluger has focused on several key issues and has been involved in various legislative efforts. He serves on multiple committees, including the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. These assignments reflect his interests in national security, international relations, and energy policy, which are significant areas of concern for Texas and the nation.

Pfluger has also been an active member of several caucuses, including the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, the Republican Study Committee, and the Congressional Western Caucus. His involvement in these groups indicates a commitment to addressing both domestic and international issues, particularly those affecting Texas and its constituents.

One notable legislative action taken by Pfluger occurred on July 18, 2023, when he proposed a non-binding resolution affirming that "the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state." This resolution garnered bipartisan support, passing with votes from both Republicans and Democrats. This initiative reflects Pfluger’s engagement with foreign policy matters, particularly those related to U.S.-Israel relations.

In March 2024, Pfluger co-authored an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner, which criticized proposals by some members of Congress to condition U.S. aid to Israel. This stance highlights his advocacy for strong U.S. support for Israel and his position on foreign aid.

Overall, August Pfluger’s legislative focus and committee work demonstrate his commitment to addressing a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in Texas's 11th congressional district, as well as broader national and international concerns. His military background and educational qualifications inform his approach to governance and public service.