Meet Scott Mandel
Scott Mandel is a lifelong South Texan, a proven leader, and a dedicated public servant committed to delivering real results for our communities. Raised in the La Armada Housing Project in Corpus Christi, Scott grew up understanding the challenges of hard work, resilience, and family. As a teen, he collected aluminum cans to earn money, stood in line for government food support, and helped care for his disabled veteran father, who suffered from Agent Orange exposure. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for perseverance, community, and opportunity.
Determined to succeed, Scott put himself through college at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and earned a Master’s in Public Administration. He dedicated ten years of service to his community as a law enforcement leader, founding and commanding the South Texas Narcotics Task Force to combat drug cartels and protect local families. His leadership, innovation, and commitment to justice have earned him recognition as a trusted authority on public safety and human and drug trafficking prevention.
Scott is also a self-made entrepreneur. From nothing, he built businesses employing over 1,000 people, earned recognition as a top 100 Hispanic business owner and Fortune 500 honoree, and successfully managed federal contracts in security and detention from Washington, DC, to South Texas for over 2 decades. Through it all, he has remained committed to the people and economy of South Texas, investing in his community and creating opportunities for others.
A devoted husband and father, Scott has been married to his high school sweetheart, Thelma Garza-Mandel, for 41 years. Family, faith, and community remain at the center of his life. He is deeply proud of his heritage as the grandson of first-generation Mexican immigrants, and he brings the values she taught him of integrity, service, and perseverance to everything he does.
Now, Scott is focused full-time on representing South Texas in Congress. He is committed to using his experience, leadership, and proven track record to fight for border security, economic growth, and the well-being of our families. In the spirit of giving back, Scott will donate his congressional salary to nonprofits in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend. He is not a career politician- he is a businessman, a law enforcement leader, and a South Texan who knows the district because he is from here and has dedicated his life to serving it.
“Leadership is not about titles or paychecks. It’s about standing up for your community, delivering results, and leaving a better future for the next generation. That’s the work I’m committed to every day for South Texas.”
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Faith
Scott is a lifelong practicing Catholic and is guided by faith, dedicated to family, and committed to serving our country with integrity. His faith has called him into a role of servant leadership, as he seeks public office.
Education
Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, as well as a Master's of Science in Public Administration from Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi
Border Expert
Scott has over 25 years of hands-on experience in border security operations & strategy implementation.
He managed multiple Federal Detention Facilities for over 20 years and developed his border strategy- "ABICUS" to implement to secure our Texas borders.
Family Man
Scott and Thelma Mandel have been married for 41 years, both were born and raised in Corpus Christi, and together they have three children and four grandchildren which are the light of their lives.
Law Enforcement
Scott has 10 years of Law Enforcement experience as a Sheriff's Deputy, and Detective, and held an Advanced Educator License, and provided training for officers through the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement.
Missing & Exploited Children
Scott conducted complex investigations involving missing and exploited children across U.S. and international jurisdictions. Delivered training sessions to law enforcement personnel on effective response strategies, and serving as a
White House Secret Service liaison
Texas Grit
Scott proud of his humble roots., and self-made success.. He was raised in government housing, and food assistance. Scott learned the value of hard work and gratitude at a young age.
Drug Interdiction
As a Commander of the Specialized Crime & Narcotics Task Force, Scott directed and trained undercover narcotics agents and executed high level narcotics investigations under crisis conditions..
Successful Businessman
A self made entrepenuer who grew up in government houseing- Scott scaled his business to over 1200 employees and oversaw an annual budget of 1.4 Billion dollars. His work has been highly celebrated, and his revenues exceed 1.2 Billion in 25 years.