BEAUMONT, Texas — 12News is taking a look at the race for U.S. House District 36.
Republican congressman Dr. Brian Babin is looking to serve his sixth term as District 36 representative. But the first lady of rock radio, democrat Dayna Steele, is confident her second run against Babin will have far more impact than the first.
"I thought it's the ultimate way to give back for the success I've had in Southeast Texas as a rock and roll dj, as a radio personality and then a businesswoman," Steele said.
Steele hopes to move from the airwaves to the U.S. capital. She's run a campaign without requesting a single dollar in donations. For her reproductive rights are a top priority.
"I miscarried three times and under current Texas law, I could either have died or have been jailed for all three of those miscarriages," said Steele.
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Steele accuses her opponent, incumbent Babin, of having a hand in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
"He sent a text to Martin Mattos that said, 'fight like hell to keep the election from being certified'. And he sent another one that said we have to make Mike Pence do the right thing. And I find that frightening," Steele said.
Babin denies Steele's claims.
"Absolute 'poppycock', I was sitting right there. The events on January 6 have been overblown like I have never ever seen. She's a woke, hard left democrat. I don't think she has a place in in East Texas with that philosophy," Babin said.
Babin is confident voters will send him back to Washington for a sixth term. He vows to continue his fight to secure the border.
"The number one issue in our district is the open border, millions and millions of people who have just walked in. We're going to secure this border, we're going to build that wall. we're going to start doing things that are going to be favorable to the American citizen," Babin said.
While their views on how to improve the district may differ, their message to voters remains the same.
"Please get out and vote. Your voice, democrat or republican or independent, being able to vote is an unbelievable privilege," said Steele.
"[This is] the most important election of our lifetimes, because it's going to be freedom or tyranny, one or the other," Babin said.
The district extends through Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Hardin and Chambers Counties and it includes parts of Jefferson County.