Born on June 7, 1964, in Dallas, Texas, this member of the U.S. Congress has a diverse background that combines military service, business acumen, and political experience. He graduated from Chester W. Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas, in 1982 and earned a degree from New Mexico State University in 1986. After completing college, he served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1987.

Following his military service, he established himself in the private sector as a financial advisor and a business owner. His entry into politics began when he served as the Mayor of Parker, Colorado, from 1992 to 1996. He then took on a significant role as the Colorado state director for the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2008 to 2014. His political ambitions included unsuccessful bids for the Governor of Colorado in both 2018 and 2022. He was elected to the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress by special election, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Representative Kenneth Robert Buck, and served from June 25, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Notably, he has not sought re-election for the subsequent Congress.

Throughout his political career, he has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills, with a focus on areas such as mining regulation, veteran affairs, and border security. Of particular significance is House Bill 209, titled the "Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023." This legislation aims to expedite the federal permitting process for mining operations on federal lands, making it favorable for mining companies by limiting judicial reviews and establishing deadlines for environmental assessments. The bill seeks to broaden the efficiency of mining regulations and has generated significant debate regarding its potential environmental impacts.

Additionally, he has been involved with various bills aimed at military and veterans’ issues, such as the "Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act," which seeks to ease access to housing assistance for disabled veterans by excluding certain benefits from income calculations. His legislative agenda has also touched on issues like immigration and national security with bills including the "Detain and Deport Gang Members Act of 2024" and has expressed a commitment to establishing a comprehensive approach to border security and immigration enforcement.

In terms of political leanings, his legislative initiatives reflect a pro-business stance, with a clear focus on easing regulations for industries such as mining and supporting veteran initiatives. His involvement in immigration and border security suggests a conservative approach to these issues, advocating for accountability and enforcement while addressing economic aspects through permitted practices.

As a member of Congress, he has also demonstrated a willingness to engage in discussions surrounding energy independence and environmental policy, shown through bills like the "Declaration of Energy Independence Act" and initiatives related to critical minerals.

With a solid foundation in both business and public service, he brings a practical perspective to legislative discussions, influenced by his experiences in the Air Force and local governance. His personal and professional background informs his approach to policy-making, particularly in sectors critical to both economic growth and social support for the underserved.