Former SEAL Congressional candidate running for Harvey relief

When you've run close to 80 miles in the space of a couple of days, it shows in your stride, even if just you happen to be a retired Navy SEAL.

"Legs are feeling a little heavy, knees a little sore, but this wasn't supposed to be easy. Public service is not supposed to be easy," said Dan Crenshaw, Republican candidate hoping to succeed retiring Congressman Ted Poe.

And "easy" has never been Crenshaw's destination.

The decorated veteran, who lost an eye serving in Afghanistan, figures running the ground he hopes to represent in Congress is a truly organic way to understand what's really going on.   

"It's a demonstration that I'm here with you. I'm one of you. I've got your back, no matter what and I'll never quit on you," said Crenshaw.

And from Katy to Kingwood, Crenshaw is finding plenty of folks in District 2 still hurting from Harvey six months after the storm.

Homes unrestored, neighborhoods devastated.

Sal Loya fears the community he cherished will never return.

"This was a beautiful place to live. People trusted each other and you can count on them for anything. And it's all gone," said Loya.

For the SEAL seeking a new way to serve, the debris piles and deserted houses represent a difficult mission, but one he's aching to tackle in Congress.

To get there, he'll have to get past millionaire opponent Kathaleen Wall who is plastering the airwaves with ads while purposely dodging reporters.

"I think her political consultants believe you can buy a race and if you pay actors to talk about you on the radio and TV that you can win the trust of the American people. I don't believe in that. I believe in actually earning your respect and earning your trust," said Crenshaw.

To do that, Dan Crenshaw says he'll just keep running toward the voters and never away.

There are nine candidates running in the March 6 Republican primary for Texas Congressional District 2.