Independent Candidate George Foreman IV says he’s ready to ‘bridge the divide’ for the 18th Congressional District

Sixteen people are vying to fill Houston’s 18th Congressional District seat, a position left vacant after the passing of Sylvester Turner in March.

All this week, KPRC 2 is introducing you to the top candidates hoping to serve out the remainder of Turner’s term.

George Foreman IV is hoping to stand out not just because of his famous last name, but because of his independent approach to leadership.

“Whatever we’ve seen in the past…it’s time to do better for the people,” Foreman said.

Foreman said people can drive through the 18th and see where some neighborhoods thrive while others have been left behind those forgotten parts are where he says his family comes from.

“That just so happened to be where my grandmother was from, that side of the 18th. That just so happen to be where my dad wanted to service his church and used to preach street corners, that part of the 18th‚” Foreman said. “So, I get to see it from top to bottom, but it’s my duty if I know how to do something better to step up and provide.”

Running as an independent, Foreman says he’s not loyal to either political party only to the people of the district. Foreman says he wants to bring more cooperation to Washington and focus on efficient, people-first government.

“I have no party loyalties based on extreme donors or extremists in the party,” he said. “My loyalty is first and foremost to the American people. If I were in Congress, I don’t think there would be shutdowns because I’d be a voice of logic not of hate from one side or the other.”

Top Issues: Infrastructure, Education, and Workforce Training

Foreman says the issues most affecting residents of the 18th District are infrastructure, education, and workforce development. Foreman points to Houston’s frequent storms and fragile power grid as urgent concerns.

“People constantly worry the next storm will destroy everything they’ve built,” he said. “They just want to know the government, especially the federal government, is doing what’s needed so they can live and thrive here.”

A former Houston ISD educator, Foreman says the district’s largest employer needs more support to ensure students are safe and prepared for the future. He says his background in education and with the National Job Corps Association, he’s seen firsthand the need for more workforce training.

Foreman says his first bill, if elected, would focus on workforce readiness and early education interventions to help children identify and overcome learning challenges.

“There is a workforce crisis, not just in America, but in our district,” he said. “A lot of people who are retiring, leaving the workforce, but no one is stepping up to fill their gap. So that creates a wage gap. As well as the skills gap.”