Masika Akilah Ray
for
U.S. Congress
Texas District 1
Teacher. Author. Advocate. Mother. Voice for the People.
I am not a politician, I am a servant-leader running for U.S. Congress in Texas District 1.
As a mom of an adult child with autism, I know firsthand what families need. We cannot afford cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or veterans' care.
I’ll fight for:
✅ Working families
✅ People with disabilities
✅ Our veterans
✅ Healthcare & jobs
I’m not a politician, I’m a fighter with heart. Let’s Love Thy Neighbor and build a better East Texas—together.
Masika stands firmly for:
•Economic security through job growth and support for small businesses and family farms.
•Quality, affordable healthcare for all, especially in under served rural communities.
•Public education that prepares our children for the future, not just tests.
•Support for veterans, seniors, and vulnerable populations with integrity and compassion.
•Unity across cultural, racial, and political lines, believing in the biblical command to “love thy neighbor.”
With strong Christian values, striving to walk in the Fruit of the Spirit, and grassroots vision, I am ready to represent every voice in East Texas. Let’s rebuild, restore, and rise together.
Vote Masika Akilah Ray for U.S. Congress – TX District 1.
Why Do I Want This Job?
"I've always believed in fighting for what's right. It's not a political stance; it's who I am. Growing up in Texas, I learned the value of community, of neighbors helping neighbors. We need to bring that back. I'm inspired by leaders like Ann Richards, who showed us what true advocacy looks like. That's the kind of Congresswoman I'll be. I'm running to ensure every Texan, every American, gets a fair shot at a good life. It's time for action, and I'm ready to lead."
Running for Congress Announcement
I give thanks to God for sustaining me through trials that could have broken me.
In 2022, I survived a traumatic encounter with the Longview Police Department. During a mental health crisis, I was beaten, falsely accused, and unjustly separated from my children. I was held in the Gregg County Jail for 10 days, denied bail twice, until a compassionate nurse stepped in and helped secure my release.
Shockingly, police asked my then-10-year-old daughter for the passcode to my phone in an apparent effort to access my Ring camera footage, evidence that may have exposed their misconduct. I believe this is why I was detained without due process.
But by faith, I rose from that fire. As Psalm 34:19 reminds us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
Now, I’m running for Congress in Texas District 1 to ensure no one else is denied justice because of who they are or what they’ve endured. My lived experience, documented in my memoir, I Am Summoned to Testify, has equipped me to fight for policies that protect the vulnerable and restore fairness.
I believe in law enforcement with integrity. I support good police officers who serve with courage, compassion, and accountability. In a just system, every department should reflect the values of mutual respect and protection for all, like the spirit portrayed in In the Heat of the Night. With the right leadership, that vision is possible.
Together, united in faith, justice, and love for our neighbors, we can build a better East Texas for everyone.
Policies to Improve Your Quality of Life
Food Security: Teaching a Man to Fish
"Families across our district are feeling the pinch of rising prices, and we need proactive solutions. I'm proposing a practical approach to strengthen our local food systems and empower families: an annual $1,000 investment in self-reliance, distributed in the spring.
This will enable families to grow their own food, engage in sustainable fishing and hunting, and build the skills needed to feed their families. By supporting these activities, we're not just addressing immediate needs; we're fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and ensuring our community's long-term food security."
Furthermore, I urge all East Texas churches and wealthy individuals to create a community garden for their members and the communities that need support. I believe a famine is approaching.
Healthcare and Education
"I believe healthcare is a fundamental human right. That's why I'm committed to Medicare for All, ensuring everyone has access to affordable essential tests, treatments, and medications. No one should face the impossible choice between rent and healthcare.
As a former teacher, I understand the challenges educators face.
School Vouchers
I oppose school vouchers because they divert public funds from our already underfunded public schools, undermining equal opportunity for all students. Instead, we must invest in strengthening our public education system—raising teacher pay, improving school facilities, and ensuring every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality education.
"
Why I Support Compassionate Immigration Reform
Just like I advocate for due process and justice in family systems, I believe the same should apply to immigration.
Immigrants are not criminals by default. Many are good people, abiding by the law, helping build our communities, and seeking a better life, just like the rest of us.
We must uphold the law, but we must not eliminate due process.We must secure borders, but we must also secure justice.
I stand for solutions that help immigrants become legal, not just for their benefit, but for the benefit of our nation as well. As Scripture says, “Love thy neighbor.”
Whether you're born here or came seeking freedom, your dignity matters.
Caring for Our Veterans
They served us. Now it’s our turn.
As your future Congresswoman for Texas District 1, I will fight for:
•Timely VA healthcare access•Local mental health support
•Job placement programs
•Stable housing for every veteran.
No veteran should be left behind.
Masika Akilah Ray -- Standing with our heroes.
“My East Texas roots run deep, and so does my respect for our veterans. If you wore the uniform, you deserve more than praise; you deserve action. I’m fighting for healthcare access, mental health support, jobs, and housing for every veteran in our community.””
Abortion is God's Battle
"Our rights, including the right to bodily autonomy, are under constant scrutiny. While my personal faith informs my views on abortion, I recognize that this is a complex and deeply personal issue.
I believe in the importance of religious freedom and the right of individuals to make their own choices based on their conscience. Imposing one religious perspective on all citizens violates the principle of God's giving free will and risks fostering division. I believe that these decisions are best left to the individual, their faith, and their healthcare providers, without government interference."
Sex in Schools - NOPE!!
If the modern-day Pharisees, yes, I mean some of the new Republicans, want to play “holier than thou,” they must come correct. Let Jesus be Lord over every part of their lives, not just the parts that fit their political agenda.
📖 A Warning Against Hypocrisy“Then Jesus said… ‘Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.’” —Matthew 23:1–3
Let’s be clear: my stance on sexual content in schools is simple and consistent—remove all sexually explicit books, regardless of the orientation they portray. Schools are not the place for graphic material. Children need to be taught character: love, peace, kindness, goodness, self-control, not confusion.We must confront sin at its root: pride. Pointing fingers based on privilege or power is not righteousness—it’s hypocrisy. None of us are perfect. We all need grace. So, stop the political games with our kids.
I’m fighting for our children’s holistic future, not because it sounds good, but because it is good. Let’s build them up with truth, dignity, and wisdom.
✅ Teach age-appropriate sex education.
🚫 Eliminate inappropriate content—across the board.Stop pointing fingers; let us ALL protect our children.
Can we at least agree on that?
Combating Corruption That Threatens Families
"Corruption erodes the very foundation of our communities, directly harming families. That's why I'm committed to reforming the institutions meant to protect us: police departments, sheriff's offices, and Child Protective Services. Too many families have been devastated by unjust practices within these systems.
My personal experiences, detailed at www.MyChildrenAreNotYourToys.com, have fueled my determination to ensure accountability and restore trust.
While corruption takes many forms, protecting our families is paramount. When we safeguard families, ensure food access, and guarantee healthcare, we build a resilient society capable of overcoming any challenge."
WW
“The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion.”
― Alexander Hamilton
Learn from the Past
Conservative Democrat
In 2017, as a Realtor, I became the first in Northeast Texas to offer educational classes on homeownership. I still firmly believe that affordable housing should be within reach for everyone—because every family deserves a safe and stable place to call home.
As your future Congresswoman for Texas District 1, I will advocate for:
🏡 Steps Toward Affordable Housing in East Texas:
1. Expand Federal Housing Assistance Push for increased funding to HUD programs, including Section 8 and first-time homebuyer assistance.
2. Support Local Development Incentives Create tax incentives for developers to build affordable, mixed-income housing in rural and underserved areas.
3. Invest in Homeownership Education Launch and fund regional programs to teach financial literacy, home maintenance, and credit restoration to help families qualify for home loans.
4. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships Work with nonprofits, churches, and local businesses to develop and renovate affordable homes.
5. Protect Tenants & First-Time Buyers Support legislation that limits predatory lending, increases tenant protections, and prioritizes first-time homebuyers for grants and funding.
6. Preserve and Repair Rural Housing Stock
Invest in federal programs that help seniors, veterans, and low-income families repair and stay in their homes.
OUR CAMPAIGN IS POWERED BY CONTRIBUTIONS
FROM SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU
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Let's Work Together, Neighbors.
My life experiences—both struggles and victories—have prepared me to serve as your Congressional representative. I believe in defending families, advocating for justice, protecting our rights, and uplifting everyone who calls Texas and the U.S. home. I hope that you’ll join me in creating a future where we stand together in faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to each other’s well-being. Thank you for your time and consideration. May God bless you and your family.