August Pfluger

August Pfluger
Born	August Lee Pfluger 12/28/1977
Birthplace	Harris County, Texas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician Military officer
Title	Chair of the Republican Study Committee
Known for	U.S. Representative for Texas's 11th congressional district
Education	United States Air Force Academy (BS)
Spouse(s)	Camille Cole
Children	3
Awards	Air Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters)
Website	pfluger.house.gov

August Lee Pfluger (/ˈfluːɡər/; born December 28, 1977) is an American politician and United States Air Force officer serving as U.S. representative for Texas's 11th congressional district since January 2021. A Republican, he represents a vast swath of West Texas, succeeding longtime congressman Mike Conaway. Before entering politics, Pfluger spent two decades as an Air Force fighter pilot, reaching the rank of colonel with extensive combat experience in the Middle East. He worked on the National Security Council during the Trump administration, an experience that shaped his move into public service. In the 118th Congress and continuing into the 119th Congress, Pfluger serves on the Committee on Homeland Security, focusing on border security, energy policy, and critical infrastructure protection. In January 2025, Pfluger became Chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early Life

August Lee Pfluger was born on December 28, 1977, in Harris County, Texas. Growing up in San Angelo, a mid-sized West Texas city that would later anchor his congressional district, he attended San Angelo Central High School. He played quarterback on the school's football team and was a prominent student-athlete.

His high school years saw a significant community controversy that attracted national attention. In 1995, a quarterback controversy at San Angelo Central brought race relations in West Texas into sharp focus. The Washington Post covered the story, examining how the quarterback change "puts racial issue under West Texas stadium lights." Years later, during his 2020 congressional campaign, Pfluger discussed the experience publicly with local San Angelo media.

His West Texas roots stayed with him. Throughout his military career and into politics, those connections remained central to who he was. When he eventually ran for Congress, he emphasized his upbringing in campaign appearances, and his family's long ties to the region informed his decision to seek the seat.

Education

After graduating from San Angelo Central High School, Pfluger attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he earned his bachelor's degree. The Academy set the trajectory for his entire military career. His education prepared him for service as a fighter pilot and laid the groundwork for his rise through the Air Force officer ranks.

Career

Military Service

Pfluger was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 2000 and served on active duty for twenty years through 2020. He flew fighter missions in the Middle East and accumulated substantial combat experience. The Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, among other military awards, recognized his service.

He rose to the rank of colonel. His assignments included command of the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group, a unit within the Air Force's expeditionary force structure responsible for air operations in the Central Command area of responsibility.

A pivotal point came when he was assigned to the White House to work on the National Security Council during President Donald Trump's administration. There he worked on national security policy, gaining experience at the intersection of military affairs and civilian governance. Multiple sources confirmed during his 2020 campaign that he'd served "with distinction" on the council.

After transitioning off active duty in 2020, Pfluger continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve, maintaining his military affiliation while pursuing his political career.

Entry into Politics

In September 2019, Pfluger announced his candidacy for Texas's 11th congressional district. Republican Mike Conaway, who'd held the seat since 2005, announced he wouldn't seek re-election, creating an open race in the heavily Republican district. Pfluger toured West Texas emphasizing his military background, his regional roots, and his connection to the Trump White House through his NSC work.

The 2020 Republican primary drew a crowded field of candidates. Pfluger distinguished himself, drawing on military credentials and White House connections. He won the Republican primary, securing the nomination in what amounted to the decisive contest in the district.

In the November 2020 general election, he won the seat in the 11th District, encompassing much of the Permian Basin oil-producing region and other West Texas communities. On January 3, 2021, he took office, succeeding Conaway as representative for Texas's 11th congressional district.

Congressional Tenure

Committee Assignments and Early Work

Upon taking office in January 2021, Pfluger joined the House Committee on Homeland Security, a post that aligned with his national security background and NSC experience. The assignment positioned him to work on border security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism issues he'd campaigned on.

Three days after being sworn in, January 6, 2021 unfolded. His early tenure coincided with the certification debate over 2020 presidential election results. Texas's congressional delegation drew close scrutiny. Senator Ted Cruz and other members challenged the Electoral College results.

Legislative Priorities

Energy policy, border security, and infrastructure protection have been Pfluger's core legislative focuses. His district is home to the Permian Basin, one of the nation's most productive oil and gas regions, making energy policy central to his work.

In December 2025, Pfluger introduced legislation to protect critical American infrastructure, enhancing security of vital national assets and reflecting his ongoing Homeland Security Committee work.

Securing federal funding for district projects has been another focus. In February 2026, his office announced he'd secured over $20 million for Texas's 11th District through Community Funding Projects, directing federal resources to local priorities across West Texas.

At the close of 2025, Pfluger released a comprehensive annual report describing "a record-breaking year" of accomplishments for the 11th District, summarizing legislative work and constituent services.

Chair of the Republican Study Committee

In January 2025, Pfluger assumed the chairmanship of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest conservative caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding Representative Kevin Hern of Oklahoma. The RSC chairmanship is a significant leadership position within the House Republican Conference. The caucus serves as the policy arm of House conservatives and has historically been a stepping stone to higher leadership roles. Under Pfluger's leadership, the RSC continues developing and promoting conservative policy proposals across a range of issues.

Constituent Engagement

Pfluger maintains an active schedule across his geographically large district. In early 2026, he hosted community town halls in cities such as Ballinger, Texas, meeting with constituents to discuss federal issues and hear local concerns. He's also been active in sharing Air Force experiences with constituents and local media as part of his broader public engagement.

Air Force Academy Board of Visitors

Pfluger also serves on the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, reflecting his continued connection to his alma mater and the military. In February 2026, the Board released a comprehensive report, which Pfluger highlighted publicly.

Policy Positions

In February 2026, Pfluger authored an opinion piece in USA Today supporting "Trump Accounts," a proposal to invest $1,000 in the stock market for every child born in the United States. He argued the program would give the next generation "a stake in this booming economy."

He's also highlighted tax legislation provisions, releasing information for constituents about benefits available under the "Working Families Tax Cuts" during the 2026 tax filing season.

Personal Life

August Pfluger is married to Camille Cole. They have three children. The family maintains ties to San Angelo, the central hub of his congressional district.

Pfluger continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve as a colonel. His dual role as a congressman and Reserve officer follows a pattern seen among several members of Congress who maintain military reserve or National Guard service while holding elected office.

Recognition

Military Honors

During his twenty years of active-duty service and subsequent Reserve service, Pfluger received multiple military decorations. The Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters stands out most, recognizing meritorious achievement during aerial flight in combat operations. Multiple oak leaf clusters indicate repeated recognition for aerial combat service.

Political Leadership

His election as Chair of the Republican Study Committee in 2025 represented significant recognition within the House Republican Conference. The RSC chairmanship places him among House Republican leadership, and the position has historically been held by rising figures within the party.

Congressional Accomplishments

In his 2025 annual report, Pfluger highlighted what he characterized as a record year of legislative accomplishments and constituent services for the 11th District, including securing significant federal funding for community projects.