Craig Goldman

Craig Goldman, a fifth-generation Texan with deep Jewish roots, was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 1968. His family has been actively involved in the Fort Worth and Tarrant County communities for over a century, and this legacy of service greatly influenced his values and career path. Goldman attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1991, which sparked his early interest in public service​.

After college, Goldman entered the world of politics, serving as a staffer for influential figures like Senator Phil Gramm and Congressman Jeb Hensarling. This experience gave Goldman a close-up view of the political process and an understanding of conservative principles. Later, he served as Executive Director for the political group Straight Talk America, where he further developed his political network and leadership skills. Before running for office himself, Goldman also contributed to the family business, working alongside his father at Ronnie’s Fine Wines and Specialty Foods, a gourmet store in Fort Worth. This period solidified his ties to the local community and gave him practical experience in business management​.

Goldman’s political career began in earnest in 2012 when he was elected to represent District 97 in the Texas House of Representatives. During his tenure, he built a reputation as a committed conservative leader, consistently advocating for policies on border security, tax reduction, and Second Amendment rights. His legislative achievements included helping to pass the most significant property tax cut in Texas history and supporting efforts to enhance Texas border security. His work on “Molly Jane’s Law,” named after a young woman who was tragically murdered, is particularly meaningful to him. The law improved communication among law enforcement agencies to track better and apprehend violent criminals, aiming to create safer communities across Texas​.

As his career progressed, his peers chose Goldman to serve as Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus, and by 2023, he had risen to the role of Majority Leader in the Texas House. Additionally, he chaired the House Energy Resources Committee, where he was a strong advocate for Texas’s oil and gas industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy. His work in this role focused on sustaining energy independence and protecting a vital sector of Texas’s workforce​.

In November 2024, Goldman transitioned to national politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas’s 12th District, succeeding longtime Representative Kay Granger. A proud member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Goldman has also distinguished himself as a proponent of continued U.S. support for Israel and other key allies, such as Ukraine, setting him apart from the isolationist views gaining traction within the party.

Goldman’s combination of community engagement, policy priorities, and focus on U.S.-Israel relations positions him as a notable figure among Jewish Republicans in Congress, reflecting his family’s legacy and his dedication to public service.

Sources: “About Craig Goldman,” craiggoldman.org.
“Craig Goldman’s Biography,” VoteSmart. 
Ron Kampeas, “Craig Goldman wins Texas race, becoming 3rd Jewish Republican in US Congress,” Times of Israel, (November 6, 2024). 

Photo: “About Craig Goldman,” craiggoldman.org.