Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. John Biggan.
Dr. Biggan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Aiming to become the first neuroscientist in Congressional history, I am ready and eager to tackle the issues facing you and the constituents of TX-24. Born in San Antonio and raised in El Paso where my experience as an Eagle Scout instilled in me a lifelong dedication to service, I have spent decades fighting for our values, improving our communities, and bettering the lives of those around me. Whether working to slow the effects of aging in older adults or improving techniques to better match foster children with prospective families, my work as a cognitive neuroscientist has focused on finding fact-based solutions to real-world problems. As a peer-reviewed author, I have been an advocate for social change and stronger legislation. Legislation that is built on the bedrock of scientific fact. As a teacher and mentor, I work to inspire the next generation to carry on with a passion for learning and a continued search for truth and understanding.
I fell in love with the Mid-Cities while an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Arlington, where I went on to earn my Master’s and Doctoral degrees. I fell in love with my wife Lauren while sharing the stage with her at a local community theatre in Euless. Since 2006, we have made the Mid-Cities our home, currently residing in Hurst, where we are active in our community and Lauren is a teacher in the H.E.B. Independent School District.
I believe in facts and have spent my life as a follower of the scientific method. Identifying problems, critically testing hypotheses, and offering real-world solutions based on an unbiased interpretation of the evidence. If you believe that this kind of experience is exactly what we need to address the issues facing us as a society; to achieve universal health care; address climate change and fix our crumbling infrastructure; if you want to help us elect the first neuroscientist in U.S. Congressional history, join us and help bring scientifically-sound, evidence-based policy making back to the U.S. Congress and to the people of TX-24.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a scientist, I was constantly frustrated by the bad science policies coming out of Washington, DC. I looked into the background of those who represent us and found out why. There is ONE PhD-level research scientist in all of Congress. I knew that if I wanted to see different results, there was only one way: I would have to leave the lab and run for Congress.
Leaving the career that I had trained for and studied for over a decade, was extremely difficult, but I knew it was the right thing. When I launched my campaign in October 2017, no one believed that this district was winnable. I fought hard and outworked the competition, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough.
The November 2018 election came and went and still, no good science policy was coming from D.C. I knew that that needed to change so, like any good researcher, I looked at what had worked and what hadn’t worked in the last campaign. I made changes, and now I am more ready than ever to win in November and bring sound, evidence-based policy to D.C.
Please tell us about your work.
In this crowded primary, I am the only teacher, the only scientist, and the only candidate with a healthcare background. Because of these backgrounds, I am the most qualified person to represent the people of TX-24.
I base my policies on evidence, not ideology, and focus on the issues that matter to most people. I also distinguish myself by thinking outside the box when it comes to how to tackle the problems most Americans face.
For example, I don’t just say we need to make college more affordable. I address many factors. We must lower the cost of textbooks, offer more Pell Grants, expand funding our Medical Residency programs, and we need on-campus childcare at all community colleges.
When it comes to gun violence reduction, not only do we need to fix the NICS system and have mandatory background checks on all gun sales, we need to have background checks on ammunition as well. By looking at the issues from multiple angles, I would be able to accomplish something my competitors cannot.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
When in Congress, my biggest priorities will be ensuring that all community colleges have universal on-campus childcare, providing every person with the healthcare that they need, and combating the climate crisis.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigganforcongress.com/
- Phone: 940-859-0038
- Email: Info@BigganForCongress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Biggan4Congress/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Biggan4Congress/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Biggan4Congress
Image Credit:
Jared Rey, first image only.
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