Biography
Keith Alan Self, born on March 20, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a Republican politician representing Texas's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 3, 2023. Raised in Texas, he graduated from Tascosa High School in Amarillo in 1971. Self dedicated 25 years to the U.S. Army, serving in various capacities, including Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader, Airborne Infantry Company Commander, and Special Forces Company Commander. His military service took him to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pentagon, where he worked on sensitive military programs. He participated in operations in Grenada, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, earning distinctions such as the Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, and Joint Staff Badge. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1999, Self served as the County Judge of Collin County, Texas, from 2007 to 2018. He resides in McKinney, Texas, with his wife, Tracy, and is active in their local church and community.
Education
- Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, 1975
- Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California, 1981
Political Experience
- County Judge, Collin County, Texas
- U.S. Representative for Texas's 3rd Congressional District
Notable Achievements and Positions
- Served on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, with assignments to the Subcommittee on Europe and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.
- Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, participating in the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.
- Introduced the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz's Maintaining Academy Culture and Assuring Retention of Tradition, Honor, and Unity of the Republican Act in January 2025, aiming to reaffirm the principles defining West Point.
- Advocated for fiscal responsibility, expressing concerns over national debt and voting against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
- Emphasized border security and reducing government overreach, aligning with conservative values.
Self's extensive military background and commitment to conservative principles have shaped his legislative priorities and service in Congress.
