August Pfluger
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August Lee Pfluger[1] (/ˈfluːɡər/ FLOO-gər; born December 28, 1977)[2] is an American politician and Air Force officer serving as the U.S. representative for Texas's 11th congressional district since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, his district includes much of West Texas.
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Pfluger's four-times-great-grandfather, German immigrant Henry Pfluger Sr. (1803–1867), founded Pflugerville, Texas.[3] His maternal grandfather, a member of the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, inspired Pfluger to become a pilot.[3]
Born in Harris County in 1977,[2] Pfluger attended Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, where he played quarterback for the school's football team.[4][5] He is an Eagle Scout.[6] He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the United States Air Force Academy.[7] Pfluger then earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical science from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in military and operations science from Air University, and a Master of Science in international business and policy from Georgetown University.[3]
Military service
[edit]Pfluger earned his commission to the United States Air Force in 2000.[3] He served in active duty for 20 years, flying the Northrop T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle and F-22A Raptor aircraft, He commanded 380th Expeditionary Operations Group in Al Dhafra Air Base He then deployed in Syria and Northern Iraq.[8] During his service Pfluger earned several medal and awards including Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He completed 2,000 hours including over 300 combat hours and was progressively promoted to the rank of colonel.[9]
Pfluger later briefly served on the United States National Security Council (NSC) during Donald Trump's first presidency.[10] He remained in the Air Force Reserve after leaving active duty.[11] He also appeared briefly in the Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag IMAX film in 2004.
U.S. House of Representatives
[edit]Elections
[edit]2020
[edit]Pfluger resigned from the NSC after three months to run for the United States House of Representatives for Texas's 11th congressional district.[12] Representative Mike Conaway, who had represented the district since its creation in 2005, was retiring after eight terms. Pfluger cleared 50% of the vote in a crowded 10-way Republican Party primary, enough to win the nomination in a single round.[13][14] He faced Democratic nominee Jon Mark Hogg and Libertarian Wacey Alpha Cody in the November general election. However, with Republicans having a nearly 10-to-1 registration advantage in the district, Pfluger was heavily favored to win in November.[3] Indeed, Hogg was only the fifth Democrat to run in the district since its creation in 2005.
As expected, Pfluger easily defeated Hogg in the general election.[15][16]
2022
[edit]Pfluger ran unopposed, winning a second term.[17]
2024
[edit]Pfluger ran unopposed again, winning a third term.[18]
2026
[edit]Tenure
[edit]Pfluger took office on January 3, 2021. On January 6, the day of the storming of the United States Capitol, he and 146 of his fellow congressional Republicans voted to block certification of President-elect Joe Biden's 2020 victory, as part of the Trump-led effort to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.[19] Specifically, he voted against certifying Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes.[20]
In August 2021, Business Insider reported that Pfluger had violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012, a federal transparency and conflict-of-interest law, by failing to properly disclose stock trades made by him or his wife worth between $10,007 and $150,000.[21]
On July 18, 2023, he proposed a congressional non-binding resolution which stated that “the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state", that Congress rejects "all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia" and that “the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel." It passed with support from 217 Republicans and 195 Democrats.[22]
In March 2024, Pfluger, Representative Don Davis, and a news reporter wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner. The piece criticized the push by many members of Congress to condition U.S. aid to Israel.[23]
Committee assignments
[edit]Caucus membership
[edit]Personal life
[edit]Pfluger and his wife Camille have three young daughters.[7][6] They live in San Angelo, Texas.[28] His brother Karl is the president of an oil and energy company in Midland, Texas, and an investor in Truth Social.[29]
References
[edit]- ^ "August Pfluger - R-Texas, 11th - Biography LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b "PFLUGER, August | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov.
- ^ a b c d e Campbell, Bob (April 21, 2020). "Pfluger poised for Congress: GOP nominee sketches grassroots action". Odessa American. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- ^ Anne, Sue (September 24, 1995). "Quarterback Change Puts Racial Issue Under West Texas Stadium Lights". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ "August Pfluger reflects on 1995 quarterback controversy in San Angelo". San Angelo Standard-Times. March 16, 2020. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ a b "Lt. Colonel August Pfluger In Coleman". Coleman Today. December 9, 2019 – via www.colemantoday.com.
- ^ a b Aguilera, Rosanna (September 26, 2019). "Republican for Congress, August Pfluger starts campaign tour of Texas". San Angelo Standard-Times. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ "Continued Service Series: Texas Congressman August Pfluger Shares His Story of Continued Service as a U.S. Air Force Veteran". The Texas General Land Office, Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Campbell, Bob (July 4, 2021). "Still on a mission". Odessa American. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Tufts, John (February 5, 2021). "Pfluger named ranking member on Homeland Security committee; what that means for TX-11". San Angelo Standard-Times. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
- ^ Aguilera, Rosanna (September 26, 2019). "August Pfluger kicks off campaign tour of Texas' 11th Congressional District in San Angelo". San Angelo Standard-Times.
- ^ Hyde, Joe (January 21, 2020). "Contrary to Rumors, August Pfluger Served Trump's NSC "With Distinction"". SanAngeloLive.com. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
- ^ "Pfluger is 'humbled' by local support". Midland Reporter-Telegram. January 15, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ May, David. "Pfluger overcomes 10-candidate GOP field to win Congressional primary race | News". Cleburne Times Review. Retrieved March 6, 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "District 11: August Pfluger projected to win U.S. House seat". EverythingLubbock.com. KLBK. November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ "Alert: Republican August Pfluger wins election to U.S. House in Texas' 11th Congressional District". Shelton Herald. November 4, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Texas 11th Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ "Texas House District 11 Election 2024 Live Results". www.nbcnews.com. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Yourish, Karen; Buchanan, Larry; Lu, Denise (January 7, 2021). "The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results". The New York Times. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ Swaby, Abby Livingston and Aliyya (January 6, 2021). "After a day of chaos at U.S. Capitol, Congress rejects Ted Cruz-led effort to dispute election results". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
- ^ Levinthal, Dave; Rojas, Warren (August 9, 2022). "Reps. Cheri Bustos, Steve Chabot, and August Pfluger have broken the law by failing to properly disclose their financial trades". Business Insider. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Wong, Scott; Kaplan, Rebecca; Stewart, Kyle (July 18, 2023). "House overwhelmingly passes resolution backing Israel after Rep. Jayapal calls it a 'racist state'". NBC News. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ Pfluger, August; Davis, Don; Makovsky, Michael (March 27, 2024). "Conditioning US aid to Israel would be a mistake". Washington Examiner. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ "Pfluger Named To Major National Security Committees | Representative August Pfluger". pfluger.house.gov. January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ^ "Members". Congressional Ukraine Caucus. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ "Pfluger, Republican Study Committee Unveil Plan to Save Our Democracy | Representative August Pfluger". pfluger.house.gov. January 15, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ^ "Caucus Memberships". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
- ^ "Air Force pilot wants Conaway seat: August Pfluger is a political newcomer". Odessa American. October 8, 2019.
- ^ Coster, Helen; Hu, Krystal (October 28, 2022). "Who funded Trump's Truth Social?". Reuters. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via www.reuters.com.
External links
[edit]- Representative August Pfluger official U.S. House website
- August Pfluger for Congress
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
August Pfluger
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Background
Childhood and Family Origins
August Pfluger was born on December 28, 1977, in Harris County, Texas.[1] He grew up in San Angelo, Texas, where he attended Central High School and graduated in 1996.[1][2] Public records provide limited details on his immediate family origins or siblings, with his upbringing centered in West Texas communities known for ranching and energy production.[2]Education and Formative Influences
Pfluger graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1996, where he grew up in San Angelo, Texas, as a seventh-generation Texan involved in local family ranch operations that instilled a strong work ethic and appreciation for rural Texas heritage.[1][4] These early experiences on the family ranch in Texas's 11th Congressional District emphasized self-reliance and traditional values, shaping his later commitment to agricultural and energy sectors.[2] He attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, earning a Bachelor of Science in political science in 2000, which provided foundational training in leadership, discipline, and national security principles that influenced his subsequent military career.[1][5] Pfluger's academy education, combined with ranch upbringing, fostered a pragmatic worldview prioritizing American defense and economic independence, evident in his focus on first-principles approaches to policy challenges.[6] Pfluger pursued advanced studies while serving in the Air Force, obtaining a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2007, enhancing his expertise in aviation operations and strategic planning.[1][7] Further graduate work included a Master of Science from Air University in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2012, and a Master of Arts from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 2018, refining his analytical skills in military strategy and international affairs.[1] These academic pursuits, grounded in empirical military applications rather than abstract theory, reinforced his causal understanding of global threats and domestic resilience.[8]Military Service
Enlistment and Training
Pfluger received a congressional nomination and was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after graduating from Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, in 1996.[1] He completed the academy's rigorous four-year program, which combines undergraduate education with military training, leadership development, and physical conditioning, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree.[2] [1] Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, marking the start of his officer career.[2] Following commissioning, Pfluger entered the Air Force's Undergraduate Pilot Training program, a selective 52-week course designed to qualify officers as military pilots through phases of academics, primary flight instruction, and advanced maneuvers in high-performance aircraft such as the T-6 Texan II and T-38 Talon.[2] Successful completion led to specialized fighter pilot training, where he qualified to fly advanced aircraft, eventually becoming a decorated F-22 Raptor pilot.[9] This initial training pipeline, spanning approximately 18-24 months post-commissioning, prepared him for operational roles in combat air forces.[2]Operational Roles and Achievements
Pfluger served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, primarily as a fighter pilot specializing in the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter.[2] He completed two deployments to Syria and northern Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting aerial combat missions against ISIS targets during these operations.[2] [10] In one documented instance in 2016, while flying an F-22 over Syria, Pfluger participated in mid-air refueling operations amid active threats, highlighting the high-risk environment of these missions.[11] During his second deployment, Pfluger commanded the 380th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, overseeing logistical and operational support for F-22 missions in the Central Command area of responsibility.[12] In this role, he managed mission planning, maintenance, and execution for stealth fighter sorties, ensuring operational readiness in contested airspace.[12] His leadership contributed to sustained air superiority efforts against terrorist threats in the region.[2] Pfluger is recognized as a decorated officer for his service, though specific awards remain unpublicized in available records.[2] He continues to serve as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, maintaining expertise in advanced aerial warfare tactics.[2]Post-Active Duty Contributions
Following the completion of his full-time active duty as a fighter pilot and squadron commander, August Pfluger transitioned to the U.S. Air Force Reserves while taking on a civilian role in national security policy.[2] He served as a senior advisor to the National Security Advisor on the White House National Security Council staff during President Donald Trump's administration from 2017 to 2021.[2][13] In this capacity, Pfluger contributed to advising on counterterrorism and related defense strategies, leveraging his operational experience from over 300 combat hours in Syria and northern Iraq.[14][2] Pfluger's NSC tenure focused on integrating military insights into executive-level decision-making amid ongoing threats from groups like ISIS, though specific policy outputs attributable to him remain classified or undocumented in public records.[14] This role marked a bridge between his military expertise and broader governmental service, emphasizing continuity in defending U.S. interests against foreign adversaries.[2] Concurrently, Pfluger maintained his reserve obligations, achieving the rank of colonel and participating in periodic activations, such as training exercises in 2024.[15][9] These duties included over 2,000 total flight hours accumulated across active and reserve service, underscoring his sustained commitment to air defense readiness.[16] No public records indicate involvement in private sector enterprises, such as energy or consulting, prior to his 2020 congressional campaign.[2]Path to Congress
Pre-Electoral Political Engagement
Prior to entering the congressional race, August Pfluger's political involvement centered on national security policy advising in the executive branch. In 2019, he served as a national security advisor on the White House National Security Council staff during President Donald Trump's administration, where he held top-secret clearance and contributed to assessments of foreign and domestic threats, drawing on his Air Force experience in combat operations against ISIS.[2][16] This role marked his transition from military service and private-sector energy positions—where he worked as vice president of operations at RKI Exploration & Production, an independent oil and gas firm—to federal policymaking, motivated in part by concerns over regulatory threats to the U.S. energy industry from Democratic-led initiatives. Pfluger had no prior elected offices, party leadership positions, or documented local political activism in Texas, positioning his 2020 candidacy as a direct entry into electoral politics following the retirement announcement of longtime Representative Mike Conaway.[2]Congressional Elections
2020 Campaign and Victory
Pfluger secured the Republican nomination for Texas's 11th congressional district in the primary election held on March 3, 2020, by receiving approximately 52 percent of the vote and avoiding a runoff against nine other candidates.[17] The district, a reliably Republican stronghold covering West Texas including the Permian Basin oil region, had been vacated by retiring incumbent Mike Conaway, prompting a competitive primary field that included local business figures and other conservatives. Pfluger's campaign emphasized his 20 years of Air Force service, positioning him as a proven leader on national security and veterans' issues, which resonated with primary voters in rural and energy-dependent counties.[16] In the general election on November 3, 2020, Pfluger defeated Democratic nominee Jon Mark Hogg and Libertarian Wacey Alpha Cody, capturing a substantial majority in the solidly conservative district.[18] Early voting results in Tom Green County, a key area within the district, showed overwhelming support for Pfluger, with Republican turnout significantly outpacing Democratic participation.[19] The campaign highlighted priorities such as energy independence through expanded domestic oil and gas production, robust border security to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and Second Amendment rights, earning endorsements from groups like the NRA.[20] Pfluger's platform critiqued federal overreach on energy markets, arguing against policies that could undermine U.S. production amid reliance on foreign suppliers.[21] Pfluger's victory margins reflected the district's partisan leanings, with preliminary county-level data indicating strong Republican dominance; for instance, in Ector County, he garnered over 73 percent in partial tallies. Fundraising efforts drew significant contributions from energy sector interests, including crop production and leadership PACs, totaling over $66,000 from agriculture-related donors alone.[22] This win propelled him to Congress in January 2021, succeeding Conaway in a seat that has remained under Republican control since its modern configuration.2022 Re-Election
Pfluger sought re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas's 11th congressional district in 2022 following redistricting after the 2020 census, which maintained the district's strongly Republican composition in west-central Texas, encompassing areas like Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo. In the Republican primary held on March 1, 2022, Pfluger faced no challengers and received 100% of the votes, totaling 61,479. The Democratic primary featured no candidates, resulting in no nominee advancing to the general election. Pfluger won the general election on November 8, 2022, unopposed, capturing 100% of the 151,066 votes cast.[23] The district's partisan lean, reflected in a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+23 and former President Trump's 69.5% vote share in the 2020 presidential election (post-redistricting analysis), underscored the absence of competitive opposition.2024 Re-Election and Third Term
Pfluger sought re-election to a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas's 11th congressional district in 2024, facing no opponent in the Republican primary on March 5. The general election on November 5 was uncontested, with Pfluger as the sole candidate listed on the ballot, reflecting the district's strong Republican lean and his established incumbency.[24] Official results certified by the Texas Secretary of State recorded Pfluger receiving 211,620 votes, securing victory without partisan competition.[25] The uncontested race underscored Pfluger's dominance in the district, which spans 20 counties in West Texas and includes major energy production areas, aligning with his legislative focus on energy independence.[2] Voter turnout and the absence of a Democratic challenger highlighted the district's conservative electorate, where Republicans have held the seat since 2005.[26] Pfluger was sworn into his third term on January 3, 2025, at the start of the 119th Congress, continuing representation of the district's interests in agriculture, defense, and border security.[27] In this term, he assumed the chairmanship of the Republican Study Committee, influencing conservative policy priorities within the House GOP.[28]Legislative Record
Committee Assignments and Roles
Pfluger serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Homeland Security during the 119th Congress (2025–2027).[29] On the Energy and Commerce Committee, he holds assignments to the Subcommittee on Energy, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Environment, positions announced by Chairman Brett Guthrie on January 14, 2025.[30] These roles align with his focus on energy policy, telecommunications, and environmental permitting reform, leveraging his district's prominence in oil and gas production.[31]| Committee | Subcommittee/Role |
|---|---|
| Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Energy (Member) |
| Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Communications and Technology (Member) |
| Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Environment (Member) |