Brian Babin, U.S. Congressman for Texas’s 36th district, used his social media platform on October 16 and 17, 2025, to criticize Democratic lawmakers over a government shutdown and its impact on scientific progress and innovation.
On October 16, Babin wrote: “The Democrat Shutdown is stalling science, grounding space progress, and crippling U.S. innovation. @HouseGOP did our job and kept America’s critical missions moving with a clean CR.” He followed up later that day by expressing agreement with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), stating: “I couldn’t agree more, AOC.”
Continuing his criticism the next day, Babin posted: “Day 17 of the Schumer Shutdown — Democrats are still throwing tantrums and sitting on their hands while Americans pay the price.” These statements highlight his stance that Democratic actions are responsible for delays in government operations affecting science and space initiatives.
Babin has consistently secured re-election in Texas’s 36th congressional district since first winning the seat in 2014. In recent election cycles he defeated Dayna Steele in both the 2018 and 2024 general elections by significant margins—securing approximately 73% of the vote in both years. His electoral history also includes victories over Jon Haire in 2022, Rashad Lewis in 2020, Michael Cole in 2014, and Hal Ridley Jr. in 2016.
