Moran looks ahead after being sworn in as new congressman

WASHINGTON, D.C – With Kevin McCarthy finally confirmed as U.S. House speaker, former Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran officially joins Congress. During a visit with KTBB, Moran expressed his gratitude to predecessor Louie Gohmert “for his nearly two decades of service.” Moran added that he’s “extremely grateful for the assistance he’s given me during the transition.” The new congressman noted that a lot of Gohmert’s staff will stay on board with their new boss. As to what lies ahead, Moran tolod us, “There’s this grassroots desire to see change in Washington, D.C. We’ve been developing new rules that are gonna govern how our conference and Congress runs itself…It really restores transparency and trust.”

Minutes after being sworn in, Moran said, “I took a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution and I pledge to fight for the conservative values that East Texans hold dear.” According to our news partner KETK, local Republican leaders say they are anticipating what committees he will participate in. “I know he’d like to be on the House Ways and Means Committee but who wouldn’t want to be on the House Ways and Means Committee,” said Smith County Republican Party chair, David Stein.

Both party leaders say Moran is a fighter and strategic, but could struggle learning his role on capitol hill. “One of his weaknesses will be in fact going bipartisan and saying do I have an open mind enough to where I can listen to both sides of the aisle?” said Smith County Democratic Party chair, Hector Garza. Democrats say they hope Moran can address concerning humanitarian issues East Texans face on a daily basis. “We are hoping we can draw his attention and say, hey guy now that you can represent us a little further than commissioners court. Will you listen to us? Will you take some of these issues and help us with them?” said Garza.