Wilson County News, October 14, 2025

John Lira is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for U.S. Congress, in Texas’ 35th District.

“I am running for the U.S. Congress in Texas’ 35th Congressional District because I have dedicated my life to serving our country, I am culturally rooted in the heart of the district, and I am committed to running a campaign that engages and supports all Texans. From busboy, to the battlefield, to the halls of government, I’ve dedicated my life to service.

“As we have seen this year, our democracy is under constant attack from the Republican Party who have willingly surrendered our liberties and have trounced the U.S. Constitution which I, as a Marine, have sworn to protect and uphold,” Lira said. “Today in Texas and across the nation, working families are being economically squeezed, and too many leaders are looking the other way. I’m running for Congress because this district deserves a Representative who will step toward the fight — not away from it.”

Born and raised in San Antonio and a graduate of East Central High School, Lira holds an associate’s degree from San Antonio College, a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master’s in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University.

He is married to Michelle Espino, Ph.D., and has one daughter, Rozlyn Lira, in college.

He served 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and has been a legislative fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.; a management and program analyst at the Small Business Administration and AmeriCorps; and a policy research manager for the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service.

https://www.wilsoncountynews.com/articles/john-lira-announces-bid-for-u-s-house-district-35/