# 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.
- Title: San Antonio U.S. House race puts Latino voters’ power on…
- Summary: Latino voters decide Texas House race as two candidates battle over economic promises. Latino voters in San Antonio’s 35th Congressional District could flip…
- Keywords: san antonio, 35th congressional district, latino voters, carlos de la cruz, johnny garcia, u.s. house, redistricting, elections, bexar county, mexican american, working class, economy
- Source: The Texas Tribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17490299/texas-35th-congressional-district-san-antonio-redistricting-elections
- Author: Gabby Birenbaum
- Published: 2026-10-06T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: san antonio, 35th congressional district, latino voters, carlos de la cruz, johnny garcia, u.s. house, redistricting, elections, bexar county, mexican american, working class, economy
## 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
## Key takeaway

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.