SAN ANTONIO – On November 3, Texas voters will make a significant decision regarding their representation in Congress by choosing a new U.S. representative for the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District. The candidates on the ballot are Republican Carlos De La Cruz and Democrat Johnny Garcia, both of whom are political newcomers.
As the campaigns heat up, political advertisements for both candidates have inundated local television screens, highlighting their respective platforms and backgrounds. Johnny Garcia, a former Bexar County sheriff’s deputy, brings over two decades of law enforcement experience to his candidacy. He served as the agency’s spokesperson prior to launching his campaign for Congress. Garcia’s educational background includes graduating from Memorial High School and attending St. Philip’s College, followed by a career at the sheriff’s office that has seen him fulfill various roles.
Garcia is expected to receive support from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is scheduled to visit Texas in the days leading up to the election.
On the other hand, Carlos De La Cruz is a retired Air Force veteran with 20 years of service. He is also a business owner based in San Antonio. Notably, he is the brother of U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who currently represents Texas’ 15th Congressional District. The two districts have overlapping histories, as Monica previously represented areas that are now part of the new 35th District.
De La Cruz gained notable momentum in his campaign with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who visited San Antonio earlier this month to rally support for him and other Texas Republican candidates.
In the March primary, neither candidate secured a majority, leading them both to advance to runoffs in May. De La Cruz faced off against longtime state Rep. John Lujan, who had the backing of Governor Greg Abbott. Despite Lujan receiving more votes during the primary, De La Cruz triumphed in the runoff. For the Democrats, Garcia came in second to Maureen Galindo in the primary but successfully won the party’s nomination in the subsequent runoff.
BACKGROUND
The redrawing of the 35th District boundaries last year was a strategic move by Texas Republicans aimed at flipping a historically Democratic seat. Governor Abbott signed the new district map into law, which now excludes Austin and encompasses southern, eastern, and northeastern Bexar County, as well as parts of Guadalupe, Karnes, and Wilson counties.
Previously, the district included diverse areas of San Antonio alongside parts of Caldwell, Comal, Hays, and Travis counties, with Democrat Greg Casar holding the seat. However, with the new boundaries, Casar no longer resides in the district, and he subsequently announced his candidacy for the newly created 37th District centered around Austin.
With no incumbent to defend the seat, the redrawn 35th District attracted an impressive field of candidates, resulting in a March primary ballot that featured 15 names—11 Republicans and four Democrats.
WHEN TO VOTE
Early voting is currently underway and will continue through October 30. Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 3. For more information on registration and voting, Texas residents can visit VoteTexas.gov.
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