Lance Gooden, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Texas’ 5th district, has recently shared his views on social media regarding the actions and policies of California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. Gooden, who succeeded Jeb Hensarling in 2019 and previously served in the Texas House of Representatives, expressed his opinions through a series of tweets.
On June 9, 2025, Gooden criticized Governor Newsom’s decision-making regarding the deployment of the National Guard. He tweeted: “Deploy the National Guard for COVID tests? Yes. Deploy the National Guard to stop riots? No. That’s the logic of the failed Governor Gavin Newsom.”
The following day, June 10, he emphasized law enforcement in Texas by stating: “Don’t California my Texas. If you riot, you will be arrested.” This statement reflects his stance on maintaining order and preventing unrest within his state.
Later that same day, Gooden referenced past actions taken by California during the pandemic while criticizing current events. He wrote: “In 2020, California filled skateparks with sand in the name of ‘science’ to prevent law-abiding residents from using them. Today, California allows rioters to destroy Waymos, assault law enforcement, and set the city ablaze with no repercussions.” This tweet underscores his disapproval of what he perceives as inconsistent policy decisions.
Gooden was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1982 and currently resides in Terrell. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in 2001 and a BBA in 2004.
