Valentina Gomez Noriega

Valentina Gomez Noriega is a Colombian-born martial artist and political figure whose academic credentials reflect a deliberate investment in both business acumen and personal growth. She earned a bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University in 2019, then followed with a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business in 2020. This combination of undergraduate and graduate education built a professional foundation that runs parallel to her pursuits on the mats and in the political arena — establishing her as a multifaceted public figure who resists easy categorization.

Gomez Noriega trains under Gordon Ryan, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential no-gi grapplers in the world. That coach-student relationship has brought her a degree of visibility within the BJJ community that extends well beyond her political profile.

During a training session on or around December 20, 2025, Ryan recounted a memorable anecdote involving Gomez Noriega that captured attention across the grappling world. She presented an envelope labeled as a submission prediction — a playful but pointed gesture common in competitive training environments — and when Ryan opened it, he found not a technique name but a photo of a pistol. Ryan described the moment as "incredible," and the story quickly became emblematic of her bold, unconventional personality.

The anecdote speaks to the informal and sometimes colorful culture that defines elite grappling training environments. It also underscores the genuine working relationship between student and coach: Ryan continued training and coaching Gomez Noriega during a period when he faced public scrutiny entirely unrelated to her campaign — a detail that reflects the consistency and durability of their partnership.

Missouri: Building an Early Base

Gomez Noriega's political ambitions have taken her across state lines in pursuit of elected office. In the 2024 Missouri Secretary of State Republican primary, she received 48,003 votes — representing 7.5% of the total — finishing sixth out of eight candidates. While the result did not yield a victory, it demonstrated a measurable capacity to build grassroots support as a relatively new entrant to electoral politics.

Texas: Stepping Up to Congress

Following the Missouri campaign, she shifted her focus to Texas, entering the Republican primary for the 31st Congressional District. The primary took place on March 3, 2026, and featured ten candidates, including incumbent John Carter — who had long held the seat — alongside nine challengers. Gomez Noriega received 10.9% of the vote but did not advance past the primary stage.

The general election for the Texas 31st Congressional District seat was scheduled for November 3, 2026, with Green Party candidate Greg Stoker among those on the ballot. Gomez Noriega's fundraising for the Texas race reached approximately $112,522 — a substantially expanded financial operation compared to an earlier filing period showing $27,757 raised and $9,451 spent. The growth in fundraising reflects the increased scale and seriousness of her congressional bid relative to her earlier Missouri effort.