Chris is a Native Texan and lifelong Tarrant County resident. He and his wife, Amy, were college sweethearts and TCU alums who recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.
Chris’ father was a partner in a prominent Fort Worth insurance company for thirty years and long-time member of the Fort Worth Optimist Club. His mom was a celebrated public-school teacher in Arlington ISD.
Amy is also a former public-school teacher and has a master’s in counseling from UNT. The Putnam’s have 3 sons, including a recent TCU graduate, a current TCU junior who is a Neeley Fellow and serves as the student body Treasurer, and a freshman of Fort Worth Christian.
Professionally, Chris spent 30 years in the tech industry at companies like IBM where he was honored with the prestigious Global Golden Circle award. He also spent five years at Perot Systems where he had the opportunity to work with both Ross Perot Sr. and Ross Perot Jr. He eventually joined a start-up tech company as a member of the senior management team and took that company public in 2006. He successfully retired in 2018.
Chris got involved in local politics simply because he was exasperated with his local government. Rather than just complain he set out to reform City Hall. He ran for city council against a multi-term incumbent and won overwhelmingly. He made such a refreshing impact that, just two years later, he was recognized by the Fort Worth Star Telegram readers as “Best Local Public Official” and voted Mayor Pro Tem by his peers.
Chris cut property taxes, reduced debt, and even passed term limits on himself. After doing all that, he chose not to run for re-election because he accomplished his reform mission. He believes in “citizen-servant” government and that public service should not be a career occupation that enriches politicians or their children.
Described by WBAP and Newsmax political pundit Chris Salcedo as a “fearless conservative reformer”, Chris is running on a platform to “Save America” from radical, progressive socialism and “getting big government off the backs of the American people” by fighting to control government growth, reduce spending and our almost $30 trillion national debt. He’s also a strong supporter of repatriating Chinese manufacturing jobs to the United States, repealing Obamacare and reforming healthcare to make it more affordable and accessible.
Uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of the Texas 12th Congressional District, Chris is a Pro-Business champion who is excited to carry on the proud tradition of supporting our local defense community, and to create jobs for the district just as he did for decades as a technology executive. Chris is a dedicated social conservative that will defend capitalism, conservative values, stand up for our public safety community and protect life.