President Donald J. Trump announced his endorsement of Alex Mealer in the Republican primary for Texas’ 9th Congressional District, calling her an “America First Patriot” with the experience to advance his policy agenda in Congress.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump pointed to Mealer’s background as a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at United States Military Academy and a combat-decorated Army bomb squad officer. He also cited her degrees from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, along with her private-sector experience, as qualifications he said align with efforts to strengthen border security, support military families, expand domestic energy production, reduce regulations, and protect Second Amendment rights.

Trump urged voters to participate during the early voting period and on Election Day, framing the race as critical to advancing an America First platform in Washington.

The endorsement places Mealer in direct competition with state Rep. Briscoe Cain, who previously secured backing from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The contest is unfolding in a redrawn district that stretches from eastern Houston across parts of Harris County and into Liberty County.

Polling released by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston shows Mealer leading among likely Republican primary voters, with Cain trailing and a significant share of voters still undecided. Analysts have suggested the crowded field makes a runoff likely if no candidate surpasses 50 percent of the vote.

The district was reshaped during the latest round of congressional redistricting by the Texas Legislature. The changes moved longtime Democratic Rep. Al Green into another district and combined portions of previously Democratic-leaning territory with areas represented by Republican Rep. Brian Babin.

Mealer, who previously ran for Harris County judge, has emphasized infrastructure, energy development, and border enforcement as key issues. During a recent candidate forum in Liberty County, she highlighted her military service in Afghanistan and her experience in the oil and gas sector, arguing that economic competitiveness and public safety should be central priorities for federal lawmakers.

With early voting underway, Trump’s endorsement is expected to energize Republican primary voters and could prove decisive in determining which candidate advances in the competitive race.