Big news from Texas politics! State Rep. John Lujan is officially in the race for the redrawn 35th Congressional District. This move could reshape the political landscape with new district lines favoring Republicans. What will this mean for the upcoming elections and who else is stepping into the ring?
Texas politics is buzzing with recent developments as State Representative John Lujan, a Republican from San Antonio, has officially declared his candidacy for the newly redrawn 35th Congressional District. This strategic move signals the beginning of a competitive race, as the GOP’s recently approved electoral maps aim to shift the balance of power in the state’s congressional delegation, particularly targeting seats that were previously considered strongholds for Democratic representation.
The redrawing of the 35th Congressional District is a pivotal outcome of the legislature’s recent efforts, specifically designed to dismantle five traditionally Democratic-leaning seats. This legislative maneuver reflects a broader Republican strategy to enhance their presence in the U.S. Congress from Texas. The new district boundaries have significantly altered the demographic and political landscape of the area, paving the way for more Republican victories in future elections.
Under the new configuration, the 35th District will no longer include its portion of Austin, instead encompassing parts of San Antonio and extending into the heavily Republican rural areas of Bexar, Guadalupe, Wilson, and Karnes counties. This geographical shift is crucial, as projections indicate that had this district existed in 2024, it would have favored former President Donald Trump by a substantial 10-point margin, illustrating the significant partisan advantage created by the new map.
John Lujan’s background positions him as a strong contender in this evolving political climate. His current state House district, which covers southern and eastern parts of Bexar County, significantly overlaps with the boundaries of the new congressional seat. As a small business owner and retired firefighter, Lujan has a proven track record of securing victories in challenging electoral environments, including flipping a traditionally Democratic state House seat in a 2021 special election.
Lujan’s political resilience was further demonstrated when he won a full term the following year, even as Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke carried his district against Republican Governor. His ability to connect with voters across different political spectrums was evident in his narrow but decisive 3.4-point victory over Democratic organizer Kristian Carranza last year, underscoring his appeal in a diverse electorate now affected by the redistricting Texas efforts.
The race for the 35th Congressional District is attracting other notable Republican figures. Christopher Schuchardt, who previously ran for Bexar County Commissioners Court, has also filed paperwork to enter the contest. Additionally, San Antonio City Council member Marc Whyte, whose North Side district falls within the new 35th District, is actively exploring a bid. Kristin Tips, a prominent San Antonio funeral director and head of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, is another potential candidate, according to The Texas Tribune.
As the 2026 elections approach, the competition in the redrawn 35th Congressional District promises to be intense and closely watched. The strategic realignment of district boundaries, combined with a strong field of Republican candidates, highlights the ongoing political realignments in Texas. Voters in Bexar County politics and the surrounding areas will play a crucial role in determining the future representation in the U.S. Congress, making this one of the key battles in the upcoming electoral cycle.
