Timothy McDonough, a Republican candidate for Texas House District 114, has signed the Texas First Pledge, formally committing to put Texas interests ahead of federal mandates if elected. McDonough, a Southern Methodist University professor and aerospace industry veteran, is challenging Democratic incumbent John Bryant in the 2026 election.
McDonough brings a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to the race. Born at Bethesda Naval Hospital to two US Marines, he has lived around the world and coast to coast. Both of his parents are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, with his father serving as a member of the legendary “Chosin Few.”
Since 2011, McDonough has served on the faculty of Southern Methodist University, first as an Adjunct Professor of Economics and since 2016 as a Clinical Professor of Information Technology and Operations Management at the Cox School of Business. In the 114-year history of SMU, McDonough is the first professor to seek public office.
His professional background spans multiple industries and decades of leadership. Before joining SMU, McDonough worked as a Google “MMM ad Scientist,” providing leadership in developing global client analytic strategies and overseeing statistical modeling across various industries. This role capped a commercial career spanning more than three decades.
Prior to joining Google, McDonough served as Chief Economist for Adometry, an ad-tech company in Austin, and previously was the founding partner and director of the marketing science practice at J. Walter Thompson in New York and Dallas. His career also included senior management positions at other WPP and Omnicom agencies, and he worked as a staff economist at American Airlines headquarters, specializing in capacity planning and network optimization.
McDonough’s engineering career spanned 15 years, culminating in his role as chief designer and project manager for the certification of the Traffic and Collision Avoidance System on American Airlines’ DC10, A300, B757, and B767 fleets. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hawaii, a Master of Science in Economics from the University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. in Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, McDonough holds a patent for a trading system in the futures industry and serves as an amicus curiae of the Supreme Court of the United States. As an FAA instrument-rated private pilot and aircraft owner, he volunteers with Angel Flight South Central based in Dallas, serving families in need throughout Texas and bordering states.
The District 114 Challenge
District 114, located in eastern Dallas, is currently represented by Democrat John Bryant, who has held the seat since 2023. Bryant, a former U.S. Representative who served in Congress from 1982 to 1997, returned to Texas politics after a 25-year hiatus. The district has seen competitive races in recent cycles, making it a key battleground for the Texas First movement’s electoral strategy.
McDonough’s campaign website emphasizes his commitment to serving Texas with integrity and vision, focusing on community, education, and economic growth. His academic background and business experience position him as a candidate who understands both the complexities of policy and the practical implementation challenges.
Texas First Pledge Commitment
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.
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.
Growing Movement
McDonough 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.
His signing adds another academic voice to the movement, demonstrating that support for Texas-first principles extends across professional backgrounds and educational institutions. McDonough’s combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and commitment to Texas sovereignty makes him a notable addition to the Texas First coalition.
Learn more about McDonough’s campaign at timforhouse.com. View his complete Texas First Pledge profile at taketexasback.com. Texans who believe in sovereignty and self-determination can support candidates like McDonough who are committed to putting Texas first in the 2026 legislative races.
