Business and politics have always been intertwined, but for today’s corporate executives, understanding and leveraging this intersection is more critical than ever. My experience as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, combined with my career as an investment banker, has offered unique insights into how business leaders can strategically engage in the political sphere to drive pro-growth initiatives and foster a business-friendly environment. The future of our economy depends on leaders who can influence both markets and legislation effectively.
Politics and business may seem worlds apart, but they converge in more ways than one might expect. Executives have both the opportunity and responsibility to promote pro-growth initiatives by leveraging their leadership roles for political advocacy. Today’s business environment is marked by increasing regulation, heightened public scrutiny, and shifting political winds that can create opportunities for those who are actively involved. But how can executives navigate this dynamic? More importantly, how can they champion policies that drive economic growth and create a business-friendly climate?
In my experience, the answer lies in a proactive, strategic approach to civic engagement.
Business as a Civic Duty
Executives are often advised to stay clear of politics, but I argue that doing so leaves significant opportunities on the table. Civic engagement is a responsibility of every citizen, but for business leaders, it goes beyond simply voting or contributing to a campaign. Businesspeople are well-positioned to shape the debate on issues ranging from tax policy to infrastructure development to labor laws. Their firsthand experience with market dynamics provides a unique vantage point when advocating for policies that drive growth.
For instance, my run for Congress underscored how much political advocacy can influence economic priorities. One key issue I advocated for was creating a favorable tax environment for businesses, echoing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which slashed the corporate tax rate and was widely credited with boosting business investment. However, beyond just pushing for lower taxes, I argued for streamlining regulatory requirements that unnecessarily burden businesses. A low-tax environment without cumbersome regulations can act as a catalyst for businesses to invest in innovation, job creation, and growth.
Executives can make this case better than anyone else, speaking from a place of authority on how excessive regulation can impede growth and stifle entrepreneurial activity. One of the clearest examples of this advocacy’s power is the energy sector, which continues to fight against restrictive climate-related policies that threaten to curb investment and job creation. In Texas, where the oil and gas industry remains a key economic driver, policy debates around energy regulation frequently underscore how businesses can engage with government to protect their interests and foster growth. The energy industry’s advocacy led to recent legislative victories that balance environmental concerns with economic priorities, preserving jobs and investment in oil and gas while allowing for the exploration of cleaner technologies.
Fostering a Pro-Growth Agenda
Pro-growth initiatives are at the core of long-term business success. Companies thrive when the regulatory environment encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and competitiveness. Civic engagement plays a critical role in shaping this environment, as executives can advocate for policies that lower the tax burden, minimize regulatory red tape, and stimulate economic activity.
Consider the tech industry: companies like Microsoft and Intel have long engaged in lobbying efforts to ensure policies favor their industry. Microsoft, for example, has been instrumental in shaping tech-related legislation such as the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which aims to enhance America’s competitive position globally by investing in tech infrastructure. Through this kind of advocacy, executives ensure that their industries remain at the forefront of innovation, while reducing regulatory hurdles.
In the construction sector, heavyweights such as Caterpillar and Fluor Corporation have played vital roles in advocating for streamlined regulations in infrastructure development. Fluor, in particular, has been actively involved in promoting pro-growth infrastructure initiatives. Through trade associations and direct political engagement, these firms have pushed for policies that promote the construction of new infrastructure projects with fewer delays due to complex environmental regulations.
Case Study: Automotive and Financial Sectors’ Political Advocacy
The automotive industry provides a compelling example of how political advocacy can drive growth. Tesla, long a trailblazer in electric vehicles, has lobbied for cleaner energy policies that foster growth while retaining freedom from excessive regulatory burdens. Tesla’s collaboration with lawmakers on electric vehicle infrastructure—particularly through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—has enabled it to drive massive investments in EV charging stations, which benefits not just Tesla, but the industry at large.
Similarly, Ford, with its investments in autonomous driving technologies, has worked alongside regulators to shape policies ensuring safety while allowing enough flexibility for innovation. The outcome of these efforts is a regulatory environment that encourages growth in emerging automotive technologies.
In the financial sector, JPMorgan Chase has been particularly active in shaping financial regulations. The company has advocated for reforms to Dodd-Frank provisions, arguing for a balance between regulatory oversight and capital flexibility. Their lobbying efforts aim to reduce capital constraints, increase liquidity, and spur more financial activity, particularly in middle-market investments.
These examples highlight how active engagement in the legislative process creates not only opportunity but also safeguards industries from regulatory overreach.
Cross-Industry Expertise and the Role of Executive Leadership
Business leaders can also learn from cross-industry collaborations. Consider the collaboration between the energy and technology sectors, where oil majors like ExxonMobil are engaging with tech companies to integrate data analytics and AI into energy exploration and production. ExxonMobil has also influenced energy policy on Capitol Hill to ensure the regulatory landscape allows for the seamless integration of these technologies. By doing so, they position themselves as leaders not only in traditional energy markets but also in the future of tech-driven energy solutions.
Executives should use their cross-industry expertise to advocate for policies that spur innovation across sectors. Whether through partnerships or lobbying efforts, they must focus on building a regulatory environment that encourages new ideas, fosters growth, and facilitates job creation.
Another crucial element of political engagement is collaboration with industry groups and associations. The American Petroleum Institute, of which I serve as Houston Chapter chair, has long championed the interests of oil and gas companies, working closely with both lawmakers and regulators. Through collective action, industries can amplify their voices and gain a seat at the table where policy decisions are made.
Lessons for Future Business Leaders
For business leaders seeking to make a meaningful impact in the public sphere, the takeaway is clear: civic engagement should be viewed as an extension of business strategy. By actively participating in the political process, executives can ensure that their industries thrive in a supportive legislative environment. Whether advocating for lower corporate taxes, fighting for fewer barriers to market entry, or promoting workforce development initiatives, the involvement of industry leaders is essential.
Recent developments in Texas, for example, showcase how companies can help shape state policy. In 2024, Texas passed a bill to support infrastructure development in the Permian Basin, which resulted from a concerted effort by energy executives and lobbyists to secure the future of energy exploration in the state. Through such efforts, industry leaders shape the business climate that will drive future prosperity.
At the intersection of business and politics lies an opportunity for business leaders to leave a lasting legacy. Civic engagement allows executives to not only steer the direction of their industries but also promote a more dynamic and competitive economy.
In an era where business is more interconnected with politics than ever, those who take on the role of advocate and leader can drive meaningful, lasting change.
