Marc Veasey

Marc A. Veasey is an American politician currently serving as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Texas's 33rd congressional district. He has held this position since 2013, following his election to the newly established district that emerged from the 2010 census. Veasey has a background in state politics, having previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013. Throughout his political career, he has focused on various issues, including civil rights, energy policy, and healthcare.

Early life and career

Marc A. Veasey was born on January 3, 1971, to Connie and Joseph Veasey in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up in a family that experienced significant changes, including his parents' divorce when he was ten years old. Following the divorce, Veasey, along with his brother Ryan and their mother, moved in with their maternal grandmother in the Como neighborhood of Fort Worth. This upbringing in a diverse and economically challenged area influenced his later political perspectives and commitments.

Veasey attended Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, where he began to develop an interest in communications and public service. He pursued higher education at Texas Wesleyan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications. His early career included roles as a substitute teacher and sportswriter, as well as working in advertising, where he wrote scripts for an agency. A pivotal moment in his early career came when he volunteered for U.S. Representative Martin Frost, which led to a position as a field representative. Veasey worked with Frost for five years, gaining valuable experience in legislative processes and constituent relations.

House tenure

Veasey transitioned to state politics in 2005 when he was elected to represent Texas's 95th House district in the Texas House of Representatives. His election followed a significant redistricting process that reshaped the political landscape in Texas. In the Democratic primary, he defeated incumbent State Representative Glenn Lewis, securing 54% of the vote. Veasey won the general election unopposed, marking the beginning of his legislative career in the state.

During his time in the Texas House, Veasey was actively involved in various legislative initiatives. He served as the chair pro tempore of the House Democratic Caucus, a leadership role that allowed him to influence party strategy and legislative priorities. His legislative efforts included sponsoring measures aimed at enhancing career and technology training in high schools, reflecting his commitment to education and workforce development. Notably, he authored legislation to honor Tim Cole, a Texas Tech University student who was wrongfully convicted of a crime, and he also worked on initiatives to improve the enforcement of hate crime laws in Texas.

Veasey's tenure in the Texas House lasted until 2013, when he successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. His experience at the state level provided him with a solid foundation for his subsequent congressional career.

In 2012, Veasey announced his candidacy for Texas's 33rd congressional district, a newly created district that was designed to be heavily Democratic and diverse. The district encompasses parts of Tarrant and Dallas counties, with a significant Hispanic and African American population. In the Democratic primary, Veasey emerged as the leading candidate, securing 37% of the vote, which led to a runoff election against State Representative Domingo García. Veasey won the runoff and subsequently defeated his Republican opponent in the general election, making history as the first African American U.S. Representative elected from Tarrant County.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in the U.S. House of Representatives, Veasey has focused on a range of issues, including civil rights, energy policy, and healthcare. His voting record indicates strong alignment with the Democratic Party, as he consistently supported President Joe Biden's initiatives during the 117th Congress. Veasey's political positions reflect a commitment to progressive values, particularly in areas concerning social justice and equality.

Veasey is a proponent of abortion rights and has actively supported legislation aimed at protecting women's rights, including the Violence Against Women Act. His advocacy for civil rights is further demonstrated through his co-sponsorship of the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which seeks to protect students from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In the realm of energy policy, Veasey has taken a nuanced approach. He has expressed support for Texas's oil and gas industry while also engaging in discussions about environmental regulations. His stance on energy issues includes a defense of Texas's interests in response to federal actions, such as the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and moratoriums on new oil and gas leases.

Veasey serves on several important committees in the House, including the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he is involved in discussions related to energy, health, and commerce. His committee assignments also include subcommittees focused on energy, health, and manufacturing, allowing him to influence key legislative areas that impact his constituents and the broader Texas economy.

In addition to his committee work, Veasey is a member of various caucuses that reflect his legislative priorities and interests. These include the Congressional Black Caucus, the LGBT Equality Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition, among others. His participation in these groups underscores his commitment to addressing issues that affect diverse communities and promoting progressive policies.

As of January 3, 2027, Veasey is expected to conclude his current term in the U.S. House of Representatives. In December 2025, he announced his intention to run for Tarrant County judge, although he later suspended his campaign shortly thereafter. Throughout his career, Veasey has demonstrated a dedication to public service and advocacy for the constituents of Texas's 33rd congressional district.