Congressman John R. Carter was first elected in 2002 to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and re-elected by large margins in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

During his first term, Congressman Carter was named one of the "Top Five Freshman" in Congress by Capitol Hill's leading newspaper. At the beginning of the 109th Congress, Congressman Carter was elected to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Carter also continues to serve on the House Republican Steering Committee. He was elected by his peers to serve as the House Republican Conference Secretary for the 110th and 111th Congress.

Congressman Carter bears the nickname of "Judge" on Capitol Hill and at home for serving over 20 years on the bench. In 1981, Congressman Carter was appointed the judge of the 277th District Court of Williamson County and was elected District Judge in 1982. Before becoming a Judge, Congressman Carter had a successful private law practice and continued to practice law while serving as the Municipal Judge in Round Rock.