San Antonio voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to elect a new U.S. Representative for Texas’ newly redrawn 35th Congressional District. The race pits Republican businessman and Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz against Democrat Johnny Garcia, a former Bexar County sheriff’s deputy and longtime public servant.
Candidate backgrounds
De La Cruz, a retired Air Force member who served 20 years, runs a local business in San Antonio. He is the brother of Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who currently represents Texas’ 15th District. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed De La Cruz before the March primary and visited San Antonio earlier this month to rally support for him and other Texas Republican candidates.
Garcia spent more than two decades with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the role of agency spokesperson before announcing his congressional bid. His campaign website notes that he graduated from Memorial High School, attended St. Philip’s College, and has served the community in a variety of law‑enforcement capacities.
Primary and runoff results
Neither candidate secured a majority in the March primary, sending both to a May runoff. On the Republican side, De La Cruz defeated longtime state Rep. John Lujan, who had the endorsement of Gov. Greg Abbott and was known for flipping the historically Democratic House District 118 in a 2021 special election. Lujan led the primary vote, but De La Cruz prevailed in the runoff.
On the Democratic side, Garcia trailed Maureen Galindo in the primary but won the runoff to become the party’s nominee.
Redistricting context
Last year, the Texas Legislature redrew the 35th District in an effort to turn a longtime Democratic seat Republican. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the new map into law. The revised district now covers south, east and northeast Bexar County, as well as Guadalupe, Karnes and Wilson counties. It no longer includes any part of Austin, which was removed from the district and placed in the newly drawn 37th District.
Former Democratic incumbent Rep. Greg Casar, who represented the old 35th District, was drawn out of the district and announced his candidacy for the new 37th District, centered on Austin and Travis County, after Rep. Lloyd Doggett announced his retirement.
Election logistics
Early voting runs through Oct. 30, and Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3. KSAT’s Pachatta Pope will cover the race on Election Day. Voters can find registration and voting information at VoteTexas.gov.
What’s at stake
The 35th District race reflects the broader battle for control of the U.S. House in a year when both parties are eager to shape the nation’s legislative agenda. With President Trump’s endorsement and a strong Republican push in the state, De La Cruz’s campaign emphasizes national security, border enforcement and economic growth rooted in family values. Garcia’s platform highlights public safety, community investment and support for working families.
Local residents, especially those in Bexar County’s growing suburbs, will decide which vision guides their representation in Washington. The outcome will also signal how effective the recent redistricting effort has been in reshaping Texas’ congressional map.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
