Troy Nehls

Troy E. Nehls is an American politician and former law enforcement officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 22nd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Nehls has held this position since January 3, 2021. Prior to his election to Congress, he served as the sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, from 2013 to 2021. Nehls's district encompasses much of the southwestern portion of the Houston Metropolitan Area, including parts of cities such as Sugar Land, Needville, and Rosenberg, as well as a portion of the Greater Katy area.

Early life and career

Troy E. Nehls was born on April 7, 1968, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He comes from a family with a history of public service; his father, Edwin Nehls, served in the Korean War and later held the position of sheriff in Dodge County, Wisconsin. This background likely influenced Nehls's own career path in law enforcement and public service. In 1988, Nehls enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, where he would serve for over two decades, including tours in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His military service earned him two Bronze Stars, recognizing his contributions and bravery during these deployments.

Nehls pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from Liberty University and a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Houston–Downtown. His academic background laid a foundation for his future roles in law enforcement and politics.

After moving to Fort Bend County, Texas, in 1994, Nehls began his career in law enforcement with the Richmond Police Department. However, his tenure there was cut short when he was terminated for reasons that included the destruction of evidence. Despite this setback, Nehls continued his career in law enforcement and was elected as constable for Fort Bend County in 2004 while still serving as a reservist in Iraq. His law enforcement career culminated in his election as sheriff of Fort Bend County in 2012, a position he held until he announced he would not seek reelection in 2020.

Nehls's military accolades include the Combat Infantryman Badge, which was later rescinded, leading to controversy regarding his military service. He continued to assert his commitment to public service, stating that the revocation of the badge was an attempt to discredit his contributions.

House tenure

Nehls's political career took a significant turn when he decided to run for Congress. He initially formed an exploratory committee for Texas's 22nd congressional district in 2018 but opted not to run at that time. However, in July 2019, he reignited his political ambitions by creating a website to gauge interest among Fort Bend County residents regarding a congressional run. Following the announcement by incumbent Republican Pete Olson that he would not seek reelection in 2020, Nehls formally declared his candidacy in December 2019.

In the March 2020 Republican primary, Nehls emerged as the frontrunner, securing approximately 40.5% of the vote. He subsequently won the July runoff election decisively, receiving around 70% of the votes cast. In the general election held in November 2020, Nehls faced Democratic nominee Sri Preston Kulkarni and won with a margin of 52% to 45%. He officially took office on January 3, 2021.

During his first week in Congress, Nehls was involved in responding to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, assisting U.S. Capitol Police in barricading the House chamber from rioters. His actions during this tumultuous event marked a significant moment in his early congressional tenure. Shortly thereafter, he joined a group of Republican colleagues in objecting to the counting of certain electoral votes from the 2020 presidential election and voted against the second impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Nehls has actively sought to engage with the Biden administration on issues of mutual interest, notably approaching President Biden after a joint session of Congress to discuss criminal justice reform. He collaborated with Representative Val Demings to introduce legislation aimed at providing career-training programs for nonviolent incarcerated individuals, reflecting his interest in addressing recidivism.

In addition to his legislative efforts, Nehls has been vocal in his support for Donald Trump and has expressed strong opinions on various political matters, including the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. He authored a book that critiques the Democratic Party's narrative surrounding the election and the events of January 6, 2021.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nehls has focused on several key areas, including veterans' health care, criminal justice reform, and energy policy, particularly concerning the oil and gas industry in Texas. His background in law enforcement and military service informs his legislative priorities, as he advocates for improved mental and physical health care for veterans and seeks to create job opportunities within the energy sector.

Nehls has been active in introducing and supporting legislation that aligns with his political beliefs and the interests of his constituents. His collaboration with colleagues across party lines on issues such as criminal justice reform indicates a willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts when it aligns with his objectives.

Throughout his tenure, Nehls has maintained a strong alignment with the Republican Party and has been an outspoken supporter of its leadership and policies. His actions and statements reflect a commitment to the party's platform, particularly in relation to issues of national security, law enforcement, and economic development.

As of January 3, 2027, Nehls's current term in the U.S. House of Representatives is set to conclude. He has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, citing a desire to focus on family. This decision marks a significant transition in his political career as he prepares for the next chapter of his life outside of public office.