U.S. House race · November 3, 2026
U.S. Representative, Texas District 35
Represents the district in the U.S. House of Representatives, which writes federal laws, approves the federal budget and taxes, and oversees the executive branch.
2-year term. Open seat: no incumbent is running. Under the 2026 map (enacted in 2025), the district covers much of south and northeast San Antonio and suburbs such as Live Oak, Converse and Elmendorf in Bexar County, plus Guadalupe County (including Seguin and Schertz), Wilson County and Karnes County. It is an open seat because the current representative, Democrat Greg Casar, is running in the redrawn 37th District. Two candidates are on the general-election ballot: Republican Carlos De La Cruz and Democrat Johnny Garcia.
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by last name.
Carlos De La Cruz
Air Force veteran and small-business ownerCarlos De La Cruz is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran who, with his wife, opened a kickboxing gym in San Antonio after retiring from the military; he is the brother of U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz. His campaign focuses on border security, the economy, veterans' care and support for President Trump's agenda.
Johnny Garcia
Bexar County Sheriff's Deputy and public information officerJohnny Garcia is a Bexar County sheriff's deputy of nearly two decades, a SWAT hostage negotiator and the sheriff's office spokesman, making his first run for Congress. His campaign centers on lowering everyday costs, affordable health care, border security with immigration reform, and ending stock trading by members of Congress.
Compare on the issues
Summaries of each candidate's stated positions. See each profile for sources and details.
| Issue | Carlos De La Cruz Republican | Johnny Garcia Democratic |
|---|---|---|
| Elections & Democracy | Would ban members of Congress from trading stocks and says he owes nothing to lobbyists or party bosses. | Says members of Congress should stop personally profiting from buying and selling stocks, and says he "won't trade stocks" if elected. |
| Immigration | Wants more tools, manpower and support for Border Patrol agents while welcoming legal immigration and keeping out criminals. | Supports funding Border Patrol, focusing ICE on criminals with police-style accountability, and comprehensive reform that includes border security, pathways to citizenship and work visas. |
| Social Security & Medicare | Says he will defend Social Security and Medicare as earned benefits and make that a top priority. | Opposes cuts to SNAP, Social Security and Medicare and opposes privatizing Social Security; wants Medicare to cover dental, vision and hearing care. |
| Economy & Jobs | No public position found yet | Would end tariffs he says raised prices, seek an end to the war in Iran to lower gas prices, and stop data centers from raising utility bills. |
| Energy & Environment | Supports expanding Texas energy production, energy independence and rolling back what he calls "radical green regulations." | No public position found yet |
| Health Care | No public position found yet | Would reverse cuts to Affordable Care Act tax credits, invest in rural hospitals and crack down on drug companies that raise prices. |
| Veterans | Wants faster VA care with less bureaucracy. | No public position found yet |