Who's running for Texas' new 35th Congressional District
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More than a dozen candidates are running to represent the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District, which still includes parts of Bexar County but is now largely rural.
Why it matters: Texas Republicans altered the district from an urban, progressive stronghold into a pickup opportunity for the GOP.
Catch up quick: The current 35th District is represented by U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, but he will vacate the seat to run in an Austin-based district under Texas' new congressional map. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett will retire rather than run a primary campaign against Casar.
- The new 35th District encompasses southern Bexar County as well as Guadalupe, Wilson and Karnes counties.
The latest: 9 Republicans and 4 Democrats filed for a place on the ballot by Monday's deadline, according to state and federal filing records posted online as of Monday night.
Republican candidates with the strongest fundraising and name recognition include:
- John Lujan, a state representative who flipped a previously Democratic district in South San Antonio in 2021.
- Josh Cortez, who is from Guadalupe County and has worked for U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Edinburg).
- Jay Furman, who previously ran to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in South Texas.
- Carlos De La Cruz, brother of Monica De La Cruz.
Democratic candidates include:
- John Lira, a retired Marine and former Democratic congressional candidate.
- Johnny Garcia, Bexar County sheriff's deputy.
Reality check: Republicans' bet on the new 35th District leans in part on their newfound strength with Hispanic voters — momentum that is showing signs of slowing.
- Democrats have signaled that they think the district could be winnable in future years.
What's next: The primary election is March 3. Runoffs are scheduled for late May.