Eric Riddle, a Republican candidate and longtime member of the Texas Nationalist Movement, has signed the Texas First Pledge, formally committing to put Texas interests ahead of federal mandates if elected in 2026. Riddle, who lives in Perryton in the Texas Panhandle, brings decades of experience in both military service and railroad operations to his candidacy.
Railroad Veteran Turns to Public Service
Riddle’s connection to Texas runs deep, having lived in the state off and on since 1973. His professional background spans 35 years with the Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked across major Texas cities including Fort Worth, Houston, Laredo, and San Antonio. This extensive experience across different regions of Texas gave him firsthand knowledge of the state’s diverse communities and economic foundations.
Before his railroad career, Riddle served in the U.S. Air Force at Big Spring, adding military service to his background. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Riddle jokes that he “got here as soon as I could” when describing his long relationship with Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bellevue University in Nebraska.
His bilingual abilities in Spanish have served him well throughout his career, particularly during his time living in the Texas Panhandle where such skills prove valuable in serving diverse communities. This practical experience working with Texans from different backgrounds positions him to understand the challenges facing families across the state.
From Railroad Yards to Political Advocacy
Riddle’s motivation for entering public service stems from his belief that “it is necessary to help Texas become a better place to live.” His decades of work across different Texas cities gave him perspective on both the state’s strengths and the areas where improvement is needed. This grassroots understanding of Texas communities drives his commitment to public service.
As an active member of the Texas Nationalist Movement, Riddle has demonstrated his commitment to Texas sovereignty principles long before announcing his candidacy. His involvement with TNM reflects his belief that Texas should control its own destiny rather than submit to federal overreach. This background positions him as a candidate who understands both the practical challenges of governance and the philosophical importance of Texas independence.
Building Texas First Leadership
Riddle’s pledge signing adds another committed voice to the growing movement of candidates who prioritize Texas sovereignty over party politics or federal pressure. His background working across multiple Texas regions gives him practical insight into how federal mandates affect different communities throughout the state.
The Texas First Pledge represents more than campaign promises—it’s a formal commitment to defending Texas’s right to self-determination. Candidates who sign this pledge commit to opposing unconstitutional federal overreach and supporting legislation that advances Texas independence.
Understanding the Texas First Pledge
The Texas First Pledge represents a formal commitment by candidates to prioritize Texas sovereignty and the interests of Texans over federal mandates. By signing this pledge, candidates commit to defending Texas’s right to self-determination and opposing unconstitutional federal overreach that undermines state authority.
Signers of the Texas First Pledge commit to putting Texas interests ahead of party politics or federal pressure, defending the Texas Constitution and state sovereignty, supporting legislation that advances Texas independence, voting against federal mandates that violate the 10th Amendment, and standing with Texans who believe in self-determination. These commitments create accountability between candidates and voters who prioritize Texas sovereignty.
Growing Electoral Movement
Riddle joins a growing number of Texas First Pledge signers across the state who are running for office in 2026. The Texas Nationalist Movement’s electoral strategy focuses on building a legislative caucus committed to advancing Texas sovereignty and eventually securing a vote on Texas independence. Each new pledge signer represents progress toward that goal.
His candidacy reflects the broader TNM strategy of engaging in electoral politics to advance Texas independence through legitimate political channels. Rather than relying solely on advocacy, the movement is fielding candidates who will work within the system to advance Texas sovereignty from positions of elected authority.
Supporting Texas First Candidates
Texans who believe in sovereignty and self-determination can support Riddle’s campaign by visiting his complete Texas First Pledge profile at taketexasback.com. His signing demonstrates the commitment needed to challenge federal overreach and defend Texas interests in elected office.
The 2026 elections represent a crucial opportunity for Texans to elect candidates who will prioritize state sovereignty over federal mandates. Riddle’s pledge signing shows that experienced, qualified candidates are stepping forward to carry the Texas First banner into these important races. His combination of military service, business experience, and Texas Nationalist Movement involvement positions him as a candidate ready to defend Texas sovereignty from day one.
