Democrats Say the Map Weakens Representation

All four Democratic candidates running in the March primary argue that the new lines dilute the political power of communities that once defined TX-35.

“I believe it weakens representation,” said John Lira, a Marine veteran and former Biden administration appointee. “Black and brown political power is being diluted by design. Communities that have worked for generations to build political voice are now being offset by entire red counties.”

Lira says lawmakers drew the district assuming Latino voters were trending toward Republicans, an assumption he says is increasingly outdated. “These districts were drawn with Latinos for Trump in mind,” he said. “But poll after poll shows Latino support for Trump in Texas has deteriorated. That tells me this district is still in play.”

John Lira: Federal Experience and a Turnout Strategy

John Lira’s campaign centers on his background in military service and federal policymaking. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17, deployed twice to Iraq, and later earned degrees in political science and public policy.

Lira previously ran for Congress in Texas’ 23rd District, stating that experience makes him “battle tested” and better prepared for another high-stakes federal race. 

He has worked at AmeriCorps during the Biden-Harris administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and on Capitol Hill managing veterans, defense, and international affairs portfolios. “I have been on the front lines of military service and the front lines of policy,” Lira said. “People want someone who knows how government works and knows how to deliver.”

Lira’s top priorities include permanently extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, increasing affordable housing supply, raising the minimum wage, and creating government-backed loans for small businesses.

He believes Democrats can win by maximizing turnout in Bexar County, which he estimates will account for roughly 70% of Democratic votes in the district.

“This is going to be a turnout game,” Lira said. “We have to excite the electorate.”