From The Texas Tribune · Gabby Birenbaum · · 3m
San Antonio U.S. House race puts Latino voters’ power on display
Latino voters decide Texas House race as two candidates battle over economic promises.
In brief
Latino voters decide Texas House race as two candidates battle over economic promises. Latino voters in San Antonio’s 35th Congressional District could flip the seat between Republican Carlos De La Cruz and Democrat Johnny Garcia, impacting the House majority. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
San Antonio canvassers gather
Carlos De La Cruz, a first-time Republican candidate, urged volunteers to knock on doors to maintain the House majority this year.
“God willing, we will maintain the House majority this year”
De La Cruz’s military background
De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran who served overseas and at San Antonio’s Lackland Air Force base, is the brother of Edinburg Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
Johnny Garcia’s economic message
Johnny Garcia, a Bexar County sheriff’s deputy and self-described 'old school Democrat,' shared his message about affording barbacoa and Big Red.
“we’re just trying to make it to Sunday to afford our barbacoa and Big Red”
Race defies partisan norms
The race between De La Cruz and Garcia, both Latino men with backgrounds in law enforcement and the military, challenges traditional partisan narratives.
Redistricting impact
Republicans redrew the 35th Congressional District to pick up seats, making it the third most likely to flip among five Democratic seats.
Key swing areas
The district includes San Antonio’s Southside, Bexar County’s northeast suburbs, and three rural counties east of the city, with 60% of 2024 votes coming from Bexar County.
Historical voting patterns
No statewide Democratic candidate has won the district in recent elections, though Sen. Ted Cruz carried it by 1 percentage point in 2018 and 4 points in 2024.
Hispanic voter turnout
The seat’s eligible voter population is 51.8% Hispanic, but Hispanic voters typically turn out at lower rates, with only 37% of voters with Spanish surnames casting ballots in 2024.
De La Cruz’s campaign strategy
De La Cruz focuses on economic issues, emphasizing his military service and small-business background as a veteran and small-business owner.
Garcia’s economic message
Garcia ties high everyday costs to Republican policies, arguing that Latinos need to afford their 'fancy troquita' with 30-inch tires and loud mufflers.
“Latinos, we just want our fancy troquita, our nice truck, that has 30-inch tires jacked up and our loud mufflers”
Campaign spending
Republicans spent $4.4 million on ads, with $4 million from No Going Back PAC, while Democrats spent $5.1 million, mostly from House Majority PAC.
Garcia’s border criticism
Garcia criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, citing dead migrants in a truck in 2022 and the fentanyl trade as failures.
“We know we got it wrong on the border here in Texas”
Garcia’s union support
Garcia has union backing, including the Communications Workers of America, which is gearing up for a major get-out-the-vote push.
Garcia’s local appeal
Garcia’s allies believe he has strong Democratic organizing on the Southside and is shrewd to lean on visiting churches.
De La Cruz’s Trump connection
De La Cruz defeated state Rep. John Lujan with Trump’s endorsement in the primary, dismissing concerns about keeping Trump at arm’s length.
Race outcome prediction
Political science professor Jon Taylor predicts Garcia will win if Bexar County sees high voter turnout in the 35th Congressional District race.
“I think this is going to come down to a two or three point race [on] either side”
The headline
Latino voters in San Antonio’s 35th Congressional District could flip the seat between Republican Carlos De La Cruz and Democrat Johnny Garcia, impacting the House majority.
