Dear Friends,

It’s been quite a busy week here in East Texas. As we gear up for next week’s election, let’s be sure we are encouraging our friends and family to exercise their right as American citizens to elect leaders who will best serve their interests on the local, state, and federal levels.

 Remember that voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility. In a republican form of government, the power rests with the people. That power is exercised primarily through voting. When we do not vote, we abdicate that power to those who do—and often to those who do not share our perspectives, beliefs, or values.

If you have not had the chance to read my column on the importance of “SALTY” elections—you can do so in the Texarkana Magazine here.

On Tuesday, I spoke with Jeff Beimfohr from KTBS in Shreveport about a range of topics, including last week’s Brookshire Grocery Company Heroes Flight, my predictions for the upcoming election, and several other key issues that I think you'll find interesting. We also discussed the crucial work I am doing that benefits not only the First District of Texas but the entire East Texas region, as well as Louisiana and Arkansas. For the full interview, click here.

Caddo Lake holds a unique place in Texas as its only natural lake. Known for its rich biodiversity, it is home to an exceptional range of fish, wildlife, and nearly 300 bird species, making it one of Texas’ most diverse ecosystems. Spanning a 30,000-acre lake, including an 8,000-acre national wildlife refuge and an 8,000-acre wildlife management area, Caddo Lake is a sight to behold. It has even been featured in publications like National Geographic and The Dallas Morning News as one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States.

Earlier this week, I joined members of the Caddo Lake Institute and the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge to tour various sites within Caddo Lake State Park and experience the impressive scale and natural beauty of this lake in East Texas. I’m pleased to report that Caddo State Park is in great condition, with abundant wildlife showcasing the dedicated efforts of the Caddo Lake Institute and the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, along with the many visitors who help keep it clean and safe for all to enjoy. Nature-based tourism is a huge part of the rural economy and an ever-growing segment of our state’s tourism industry. This tourism, alongside its value for local water resources and recreational activities like fishing and hunting, makes Caddo Lake vital to East Texas’s rural economy and way of life. Thank you to the Caddo Lake Institute and the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge for the outstanding tour of Caddo Lake. They are doing incredible work to preserve this piece of East Texas for all to enjoy!

Earlier this week, I led representatives from various East Texas Chambers of Commerce (including Longview, Marshall, Jefferson, and Carthage) across state lines to the Shreveport area for a roundtable discussion with regional economic development leaders from Shreveport, Bossier, and Natchitoches, to discuss collaborative opportunities between our communities. During our roundtable discussion, we talked about ways to strengthen economic opportunities between Louisiana and Texas. These economic opportunities will provide essential resources for businesses and cultivate relationships to develop, sustain, and enhance diverse and resilient local economies. Later, we toured the SWEPCO Training Center in Shreveport, LA, a state-of-the-art training facility that trains all the SWEPCO linemen in East Texas.

Moran in the Media