Tyler Reporter

Lance Gooden, a representative serving Texas’ 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2019, has recently sent out tweets addressing a variety of pressing issues. Gooden, who previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019, shared his thoughts on higher education funding, gang violence, and national border security. Now 40, Gooden was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and lives in Terrell. He holds both a BA and a BBA from the University of Texas, Austin.

On April 21, 2025, Gooden tweeted an "Important reminder" regarding Harvard University's ranking in protecting free speech. "Harvard was ranked dead last out of 254 colleges and universities when it came to protecting free speech. Yet, they still want taxpayers to give them $2.2 billion."

Later that day, Gooden addressed the issue of violence associated with MS-13 gang members. "MS-13 gang members have murdered, raped, trafficked, and tortured American citizens. Remember this when Democrats say Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case isn't about whether he's part of MS-13."

The following day, on April 22, 2025, Gooden commented on the financial aid provided to Ukraine when comparing it to national border security concerns. "Democrats sent tens of billions of dollars to defend Ukraine's border without batting an eye. It's about time we defended and secured our own borders!"

Gooden graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a BA in 2001 and a BBA in 2004.