Texas’ mid‑cycle redistricting has dramatically altered San Antonio’s representation in Congress. The city will go from five members to four, and 43% of Bexar County voters now find themselves in a different district. Voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to choose at least three new representatives.
20th District – Castro vs. Baez
Democratic incumbent Rep. Joaquin Castro (D‑San Antonio) is seeking an eighth term in a district that has shifted from a West‑side‑focused map to one that now covers most of the urban core. The new boundaries make the district even more reliably Democratic. Castro, who is battling cancer, has highlighted his work exposing conditions in ICE detention centers and is positioning himself for potential leadership roles if Democrats regain control of the House.
His Republican challenger, Edgardo Baez, is a first‑time candidate and former combat medic. Baez says he is running to stop what he calls socialism from spreading in the United States.
21st District – Teixeira vs. Hook
Longtime Republican Rep. Chip Roy (R‑Dripping Springs) is not seeking reelection, opting instead for an unsuccessful run for Attorney General. The open seat attracted former Major League Baseball player Mark Teixeira, who won a crowded Republican primary. Teixeira says his experience on the baseball field gave him an “ear” for politics and expects to become a prominent voice for the new delegation.
Democrat Kristin Hook, a former NIH biological scientist, will challenge Teixeira. Hook moved back to Texas during a federal government shutdown and gained attention after a social‑media post went viral. She says her scientific background informs her approach to policy.
23rd District – Herrera, Padilla Stout, Mendoza
The 23rd District, which stretches from San Antonio to El Paso, has been without an incumbent since Republican Tony Gonzales resigned after an affair scandal. After Gonzales withdrew, social‑media personality Brandon Herrera became the Republican nominee. Herrera, who also runs a small firearms manufacturing company, has never served in the military but says his online presence resonates with veterans.
Democratic candidates include former kindergarten teacher Katy Padilla Stout, who says she is fighting back against criticism from the “manosphere” with the support of many mothers, and professional mediator Ben Mendoza of El Paso, who has previously run for city council and mayor.
35th District – New GOP‑friendly seat
The newly created 35th District was drawn by Republicans to be favorable to their party. It pulls the San Antonio portion of former Rep. Greg Casar’s (D‑Austin) deep‑blue district into a larger, more rural district that includes Karnes, Wilson and Guadalupe counties. Under the new map, the district would have voted for President Donald Trump by more than 10 points.
There is no incumbent; Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R‑Edinburg) gave up part of her own district to help shape the map. Republicans are now backing her brother Carlos De La Cruz for the seat, hoping to create the first brother‑sister duo in Congress.
Democrats have fielded Johnny Garcia, a former hostage negotiator hand‑picked by Sheriff Javier Salazar, as their candidate. Garcia argues his negotiation experience translates well to representing a district with diverse needs.
What voters need to know
All eight major‑party candidates have been profiled by the San Antonio Report. Some declined interviews, but the publication compiled information from public statements, campaign Q&As and interviews with friends and allies. Voters can download a sample ballot from the Report’s website to see where they land on each race.
Redistricting has reshaped the political landscape, turning one formerly competitive district into a solid Democratic seat while creating a new Republican‑leaning district that both parties view as a top battleground. San Antonio voters should review the candidates’ backgrounds and positions before heading to the polls.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
