"Carmen Maria Montiel represents the very best of America First values. Veterans for America First proudly stands with Carmen because she has the courage, conviction, and proven resilience to defend our families, our faith, and our future in Washington.” – said Kim Moyers, VFAF Texas State Chapter Vice President.
Carmen Maria Montiel is a proud naturalized American and a passionate advocate for faith, family, and freedom in Texas’s 18th Congressional District. Born in Venezuela, she came to the United States in 1988 as a student pursuing liberty, opportunity, and the American Dream. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.carmen4congress.com
For over two decades, Carmen and her family have built a family-owned medical practice in Houston, where she has raised her three children. Her upbringing and personal journey reflect her steadfast values: faith, family, and hard work.
Carmen’s profound commitment to these values was shaped by her firsthand experience of the decline of her native Venezuela—a once thriving nation brought low by socialism, corruption, and authoritarianism. That experience fuels her dedication to preserving the core principles that make America exceptional, and motivates her to safeguard our freedoms.
Before entering politics, Carmen enjoyed a multifaceted career. She earned titles of Miss Venezuela and Miss South America, and was the Second Runner-Up in the 1984 Miss Universe pageant. From there, she transitioned into journalism — notably serving as a television news anchor in Houston’s Hispanic media market, where she gave voice to underserved communities and championed common-sense conservative values.
Her advocacy extends beyond media. Carmen is a survivor who bravely overcame a difficult and abusive marriage, withstanding false and public accusations. She fought to clear her name—and through that ordeal, her commitment to constitutional rights and personal freedoms was only strengthened.
A devoted advocate for women’s empowerment, Carmen has hosted workshops offering self-defense training, crisis support, and resources for those escaping domestic violence. She has also testified before the Texas Legislature, helping shape laws protecting survivors and combatting human trafficking—issues she believes are exacerbated by the open-border crisis.
Carmen holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from East Tennessee State University and has received multiple awards recognizing her media and community service. Beyond her public service, she is a committed mother, devoted churchgoer, and active volunteer—investing her time and energy into grassroots solutions that strengthen families and communities
