“Maduro Is a Criminal, Not a Leader”: TX-38 Candidate Larry Rubin Applauds U.S. Action in Venezuela, Links Regional Stability to Houston Energy Jobs

HOUSTON, TX — Following confirmed U.S. operations in Venezuela, Larry Rubin, candidate for Texas’ 38th Congressional District and President of the American Society of Mexico, issued a blistering statement today, framing the fall of the Maduro regime as a massive win for Houston’s energy sector and national and local public safety.

“Today’s confirmed action in Venezuela reflects decisive leadership at a moment when democracy, energy security, and public safety are inseparable,” Rubin said. “Nicolás Maduro is a criminal who lost the election, clung to power illegally, and transformed one of the world’s most energy-rich nations into a narco-state, destabilizing the region and adversely affecting global oil markets.”

Rubin emphasized that Venezuela’s collapse is not just an American foreign-policy issue, but one that directly affects Texas and Houston.

“For years, the Maduro regime weaponized oil, destroyed Venezuela’s energy sector, and aligned with hostile actors,” Rubin said. “That instability hit Houston directly through market volatility, lost opportunity, higher costs, and uncertainty for American energy workers.”

Houston, home to the world’s most sophisticated energy workforce and supply chain, has felt the impact of Venezuela’s mismanagement and corruption across oil, gas, shipping, and refining markets.

“When authoritarian regimes control energy, American workers pay the price,” Rubin added. “A lawless energy producer doesn’t just undermine democracy, it threatens jobs, investment, and long-term stability for the entire Western Hemisphere.”

Rubin also drew a direct line between Venezuela’s collapse, mass migration, and public safety concerns closer to home.

“The destruction of Venezuela’s economy and energy sector fueled a humanitarian catastrophe that displaced millions, many of whom now live in Houston,” he said.

“Additionally, the narco-government has been exporting drugs, dealing in human trafficking and spreading chaos for years, directly impacting our neighborhoods, schools, and churches.”

As President of The American Society abroad, Rubin has been a leading voice on Latin America, energy diplomacy, and the intersection of national security and economic growth. He has consistently warned that authoritarian regimes undermine legitimate democratic institutions, while destabilizing global energy markets.

“This moment sends a clear message,” Rubin said. “Energy-producing nations must be governed by the rule of law, transparency, and democratic accountability. A stable, democratic Western Hemisphere strengthens American energy leadership, protects American jobs, and makes our communities safer.”

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Larry Rubin is a conservative Republican running for Congress to bring real-world international experience and a pro-energy, pro-worker, America-first approach to Washington. His campaign is focused on strengthening U.S. energy dominance, defending democracy, securing the border, and protecting the quality of life for families across Houston’s West Side.