About Rick von Pfeil

"The roots and connectivity to my Texas roots are hard to appreciate when you are 16 or 17 years old," he said. "When you get older, especially after experiencing the values learned at Baylor University, you begin to understand what that means. My office is in the building my dad owned, which also belonged to my grandfather. That post office across the street was his post office. As you age, everything starts to gel together, including the importance of civil liberties and family legacy. You just can’t appreciate that until later in life."

His family had strong Texas roots in both retail and real estate, and they were also known for their barbecue, which is something Taylor is famous for. 

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before transferring to Taylor High School, where he graduated. Taylor then pursued a major in economics at Baylor University, earning both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's. After completing his education, he remained at Baylor University for several years as a teacher, where he became a respected figure, particularly in discussions about civil liberties. He later transitioned into a successful career in private industry, primarily focusing on health care, technology, and foreign trade. 

Notably, he and his best friend attempted to earn spots on the Baylor football team and successfully walked on for one season. He was recognized as one of the most popular and effective professors on the Baylor campus.

Before returning to Taylor to care for his elderly parents, Pfeil, who has strong Texas roots, spent time in the Philippines working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Filipino Chamber to improve and extend trade relations. It was during this time that he met his wife, Pam, while also reflecting on his education at Baylor University. After a three-year courtship, they moved to Taylor.

I grew up in a conservative household in Texas, studied religion at Baylor University, and worked in the corporate world for years,” he said. “I understand what it’s like to be the only Democrat in the room. That experience, along with my commitment to civil liberties, puts me in an excellent place to help restore a sense of community, not only to Congress but to our district.