Texas Legislature on Your Ballot — 2026
Bexar County · November 3, 2026
The Texas Legislature on your ballot
This is your voice in Austin. You vote for one state senator and one state representative — the ones for the districts where you live. Find yours below.
You vote in one Senate district and one House district. Bexar County covers Texas Senate districts 19, 21, and 26, and Texas House districts 116–125. Your ballot shows only the districts that match your address. Not sure which? Use the state’s Who Represents Me? tool ↗
New to some of these names? Get to know the parties first:
How to read each race
Every race below is explained the same five ways. Each has its own color and icon, repeated on every contest, so once you learn them you can skim fast.
The Office
What the job actually is.
The Process
The term, the pay, how it’s elected.
Why It Matters
How it touches your life.
Common Mix-up
What this office does not decide.
Who’s Running
Every candidate, alphabetical, with their current role.
State Senator, District 19
District 19 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate — the upper chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws, approve the state budget, and confirm many of the governor’s appointments.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one Senate district to a four-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers Senate districts 19, 21, and 26 — you vote in just one.
31senators in Texas
4 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
State senators decide funding for your schools, roads, water, and health care, and set many of the rules that shape daily life in Texas.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Senator works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Senator in Washington). Same word, very different job.
Austin, not Washington. Your Texas State Senator votes on how Texas funds its public schools; a U.S. Senator votes on national law and confirms federal judges.
Who’s Running
Marcus Cardenas
Republican
Current: small-business owner
More about Marcus Cardenas
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from marcusfortexas.com)
- “Creating jobs, growing businesses,” and reducing regulation.
- Public safety — “backing the blue.”
- Increase school funding and teacher pay.
Roland Gutierrez
Democratic
Current: State Senator, District 19 (incumbent since 2021)
More about Roland Gutierrez
Record
Sitting state senator since 2021; earlier served in the Texas House.
In their own words (from rolandfortexas.com)
- Fighting for working families.
- Gun-violence prevention.
- Education and health care.
State Senator, District 21
District 21 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate — the upper chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws, approve the state budget, and confirm many of the governor’s appointments.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one Senate district to a four-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers Senate districts 19, 21, and 26 — you vote in just one.
31senators in Texas
4 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
State senators decide funding for your schools, roads, water, and health care, and set many of the rules that shape daily life in Texas.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Senator works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Senator in Washington). Same word, very different job.
Austin, not Washington. Your Texas State Senator votes on how Texas funds its public schools; a U.S. Senator votes on national law and confirms federal judges.
Who’s Running
Julie Dahlberg
Republican
Current: business owner and U.S. Army veteran
More about Julie Dahlberg
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from juliedahlberg.com/texas-senate-campaign)
- Term limits and citizen-led governance.
- Cut wasteful spending; move to abolish property taxes.
- Election integrity (paper ballots, photo ID).
Judith Zaffirini
Democratic
Current: State Senator, District 21 (incumbent since 1987)
More about Judith Zaffirini
Record
Sitting state senator since 1987; the Senate’s most senior member.
In their own words (from judithzaffirini.com)
- “Health care is a right, not a privilege” — including Medicaid expansion.
- Economic growth with environmental protection.
- Education access, affordability, and transparency.
State Senator, District 26
District 26 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate — the upper chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws, approve the state budget, and confirm many of the governor’s appointments.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one Senate district to a four-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers Senate districts 19, 21, and 26 — you vote in just one.
31senators in Texas
4 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
State senators decide funding for your schools, roads, water, and health care, and set many of the rules that shape daily life in Texas.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Senator works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Senator in Washington). Same word, very different job.
Austin, not Washington. Your Texas State Senator votes on how Texas funds its public schools; a U.S. Senator votes on national law and confirms federal judges.
Who’s Running
Jose Menendez
Democratic
Current: State Senator, District 26 (incumbent since 2015)
More about Jose Menendez
Record
Sitting state senator since 2015; earlier served in the Texas House and on San Antonio City Council.
In their own words (from josemenendez.net)
- A “commonsense problem solver” who has “passed hundreds of bills that benefit children, seniors, veterans, and San Antonio families.”
Julián Villarreal
Green
Current: materials engineer
More about Julián Villarreal
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from julianfortxsenate.org)
- “People, the Planet, and Peace above corrupt moneyed interests.”
- Environmental sustainability and climate action.
- Economic democracy and social justice.
State Representative, District 116
District 116 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Trey Martinez Fischer
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 116 (incumbent)
More about Trey Martinez Fischer
Record
Longtime state representative; chairs the House Democratic Caucus.
In their own words (from treymartinezfischer.com)
- Raise the minimum wage.
- Fund public schools.
- Expand access to health care (Medicaid).
Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Republican
Current: works in security
More about Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In his own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
State Representative, District 117
District 117 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Philip Cortez
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 117 (incumbent)
More about Philip Cortez
Record
Sitting state representative; Air Force veteran and former San Antonio City Council member.
In their own words (from philipcortez.com)
- Public education.
- Public health and public safety.
- Support for military members and senior citizens.
Ben Mostyn
Republican
Current: realtor and U.S. Army veteran
More about Ben Mostyn
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from mostynfortexas.com)
- School choice and “empowering parents’ full control” of their children’s education.
- Move “toward the values of our Constitutional Republic.”
- Describes himself as “a problem solver.”
State Representative, District 118
District 118 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Jorge Borrego
Republican
Current: realtor; former education-policy director
More about Jorge Borrego
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from jorgefortexas.com)
- Expand education options: strong public schools, charters, skilled trades, and Education Savings Accounts.
- Lower property taxes and reduce regulation to expand housing.
- Public safety and government accountability.
Kristian Carranza
Democratic
Current: political strategist and community organizer
More about Kristian Carranza
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from kristianfortexas.com)
- Protect health care and lower the cost of childcare.
- Make housing affordable for working families.
- More support for public schools and teachers, plus job training.
State Representative, District 119
District 119 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Elizabeth “Liz” Campos
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 119 (incumbent since 2021)
More about Elizabeth “Liz” Campos
Record
Sitting state representative since 2021; former legislative staffer.
In their own words (from lizcampos.com)
- Fully fund public education.
- Affordable health care for working families.
- Lower property taxes for all homeowners.
Melva Perez
Republican
Current: retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel
More about Melva Perez
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from melvafortexas.com)
- “Safer streets, stronger communities, and a prosperous future for every family.”
- Campaign theme: “Service. Leadership. Texas Values.”
State Representative, District 120
Running unopposed
Uncontested. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins is the only candidate on the ballot for this seat, so there is no choice to make here — but the office still matters.
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Who’s Running
Barbara Gervin-Hawkins
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 120 (incumbent since 2017)
More about Barbara Gervin-Hawkins
Record
Sitting state representative since 2017; co-founder of the George Gervin Youth Center.
In their own words (from barbaragervin.com)
- Public education, with appropriate funding for public schools.
- Public health — “a right, not a privilege.”
- Public safety focused on rehabilitation, not just punishment.
State Representative, District 121
District 121 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Zack Dunn
Democratic
Current: assistant district attorney (Bexar County)
More about Zack Dunn
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from zackdunn.com)
- Improve physical and mental health care for veterans.
- Attract high-paying jobs and invest in vocational careers.
- Reduce sexual assault and domestic violence.
Marc LaHood
Republican
Current: State Representative, District 121 (incumbent since 2025)
More about Marc LaHood
Record
Sitting state representative since 2025 (first session 2025).
In their own words (from marclahood.com)
- Buy down local school property taxes and reform appraisals.
- Increase criminal penalties for fentanyl trafficking.
- No parole for those who engage in human trafficking.
State Representative, District 122
District 122 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Mark Dorazio
Republican
Current: State Representative, District 122 (incumbent since 2023)
More about Mark Dorazio
Record
Sitting state representative since 2023.
In their own words (from markdorazio.com)
- “I view every tax dollar as a sacred trust from hardworking families.”
- Permanent property-tax relief.
- Parental rights in education.
Shelly Nickels
Democratic
Current: physician (internal medicine)
More about Shelly Nickels
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from shellynickels.com)
- Health care and reproductive freedom: “protect private medical decisions, expand access, and lower costs.”
- “Keep public dollars in public schools.”
- Make high-demand industries accountable on water and energy.
State Representative, District 123
Running unopposed
Uncontested. Diego Bernal is the only candidate on the ballot for this seat, so there is no choice to make here — but the office still matters.
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Who’s Running
Diego Bernal
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 123 (incumbent since 2015)
More about Diego Bernal
Record
Sitting state representative since 2015; former San Antonio City Council member.
In his own words
No campaign website was found, so no candidate quotes are listed.
State Representative, District 124
District 124 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Josey Garcia
Democratic
Current: State Representative, District 124 (incumbent since 2023)
More about Josey Garcia
Record
Sitting state representative since 2023; U.S. Air Force veteran.
In their own words (from joseygarcia.com)
- Fighting for “justice, support for our veterans, working families, and every Texan who’s been overlooked.”
- Securing vital resources for communities.
- Defending fundamental rights.
Sylvia Soto
Republican
Current: teacher and small-business owner
More about Sylvia Soto
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from sylviasoto.com)
- “Affordability, education, public safety, and opportunity.”
- Eliminate property taxes for seniors age 62 and over.
- Fully fund public schools and expand career/technical pathways.
State Representative, District 125
District 125 voters only
The Office
A Texas State Representative is one of 150 members of the Texas House — the larger chamber of the state Legislature in Austin. They write and pass state laws and, together with the Senate, set the state budget.
The Process
Elected by the voters of one House district to a two-year term. The Legislature meets in Austin in a regular session every two years (odd-numbered years). Bexar County covers House districts 116–125 — you vote in just one.
150members in the House
2 yearslength of a term
Every 2 yrsLegislature meets
Why It Matters
Your state representative is your closest voice in Austin — voting on school funding, property taxes, health care, and roads for your part of the county.
Common Mix-up
A Texas State Representative works on Texas state law in Austin — not national law (that’s a U.S. Representative in Washington), and not city or county matters.
State, not federal or local. Your Texas State Representative votes on state property-tax rules; your U.S. Representative votes on federal law in Washington.
Who’s Running
Ricardo ‘Rick’ Martinez
Republican
Current: business owner and real-estate investor
More about Ricardo ‘Rick’ Martinez
Record
No prior public voting record (has not held elected office).
In their own words (from voterickfortexas.com)
- Public safety: “backing law enforcement” and holding criminals accountable.
- Property-tax relief, “working toward… eliminating homestead property taxes.”
- “Accessible, affordable healthcare for all Texans.”
Adrian Reyna
Democratic
Current: public-school teacher and labor leader
More about Adrian Reyna
Record
No prior state voting record; has served on the VIA Metropolitan Transit board.
In their own words (from voteadrianreyna.com)
- Fully fund public schools; “I oppose vouchers and ESAs.”
- “Healthcare is a human right” — expand Medicaid.
- Cost of living: higher wages, affordable housing and childcare.