Terry Virts

Terry Virts was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from Oakland Mills High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, Virts became a Space Shuttle pilot for NASA and later commanded the International Space Station. His extensive experience includes managing institutional risk in high-finance and leading a lunar initiative. Virts's accolades include the fastest circumnavigation of Earth via both geographic poles by airplane.

Terry Virts juxtaposes a staunch stance against illegal immigration with a forward-thinking advocacy for space exploration. He frames his economic policies around a narrative of integrity and a break from the past, promising to prioritize ordinary Texans over corporate interests. Virts's commitment to space exploration, paired with his military accolades and record-setting aviation achievements, suggests a unique blend of futuristic vision and traditional values. This combination invites questions about how he reconciles these seemingly disparate priorities in his policymaking.