Will a massive fundraising disadvantage prevent a former hostage negotiator from securing victory in a newly redrawn district?

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A large fundraising gap makes Johnny Garcia’s path harder, but it is not likely to be decisive on its own. Texas’ redrawn 35th District was built to be more favorable to Carlos De La Cruz, and the money reflects that. Recent filings show De La Cruz with roughly $1.0 million to $1.89 million raised, compared with about $932,000 for Garcia, while outside groups have also spent heavily. In a race where paid media and turnout operations matter, that gives Garcia a real disadvantage. But the district is still competitive enough that money alone may not settle it. Multiple reports describe the seat as Republican-leaning rather than safely so, and a House Majority PAC poll released in September found Garcia statistically tied with De La Cruz, 44% to 45%. Analysts have said the race could be decided by only a few points, with turnout in Bexar County and working-class Southside neighborhoods especially important. Garcia also has some assets that can partially offset the cash gap. He is running as a law-and-order Democrat with a long law enforcement résumé, including hostage negotiation work, and has tried to focus the race on household costs, housing, health care and border security. That profile may help him compete for moderates and crossover voters in a heavily Hispanic district. The renewed scrutiny over Garcia’s two past suspensions could hurt his message, but the sheriff’s office said those were his only disciplinary incidents in nearly two decades. At this stage, the bigger va…

Johnny Garcia’s Record Shows 2 Suspensions, Including Stolen Gun Case

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Johnny Garcia’s Record Shows 2 Suspensions, Including Stolen Gun Case

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