Guide Note

Chris Peden is a Republican politician from Texas who campaigned against Ron Paul to represent the state's 14th Congressional District in 2008. Peden lost to Paul in the March 4, 2008 primary election.

Fast Facts

1. Born: 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
2. Lives in: Friendswood Texas
3. Party: Republican
4. Current office: Friendswood City Councilman
5. Previous office: Friendswood Mayor Pro Tem
6. Wife: Jackie Peden
7. Campaigned to represent Texas' 14th Congressional District
8. Competed against Ron Paul
9. Raised more money than Paul within the district
10. Endorsed by two local newspapers
11. Lost the primary election on March 4, 2008

Peden began his political career on the city council for Friendswood, Texas. He was elected by more than 67% of the vote, and was elected Mayor Pro Tem one year after joining the council.

Since there was no Democratic candidate campaigning in Texas' 14th Congressional District, whoever won the primary election would essentially earn the seat. Peden ran a campaign against incumbent Congressman, Ron Paul.

Peden won much local support, raising more funds within the district than Ron Paul. Peden also received endorsements by two local newspapers, the Victoria Advocate and the Galveston Daily News. Despite the support, Peden still lost to Paul in the March 4, 2008 Republican Primary.