The Texas House District 118 elects one member to the Texas House of Representatives. Members serve two-year terms and work with the Texas Senate to draft and pass state laws. Their responsibilities include proposing bills and resolutions, approving the state budget and considering amendments to the Texas Constitution for voter approval. They also help constituents navigate state services and address local concerns.
To qualify for office, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a qualified voter in Texas, at least 21 years old, and have lived in Texas for at least two years and in the district they seek to represent for at least one year.
The district covers parts of southern Bexar County and San Antonio, including areas such as South San Antonio and communities near Texas A&M University–San Antonio.
Republican state Rep. John Lujan is not seeking re-election and is running for Congress in Texas’ 35th Congressional District.
Here is an overview of the four candidates on the ballot for state representative in District 118:
Kristian Carranza (Democratic)
Democratic House District 118 candidate Kristian Carranza. Photo courtesy of Ballotpedia
Kristian Carranza was born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio.
Her campaign website reports she was raised by a single mother and struggled financially, relying on Pell Grants to help fund her education.
She has said those experiences allow her to relate to Texans living paycheck to paycheck. Carranza attended Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi but left school to care for her mother.
A former political staffer, Carranza has worked on several Democratic campaigns, including efforts supporting the Affordable Care Act and campaigns for Julián Castro and Hillary Clinton. She also served as a regional director for the Democratic National Committee and as a national field director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Carranza previously ran for the Texas House District 118 in 2024 but lost to Republican incumbent John Lujan.
Policy Stances:
Increasing school funding above the regional average and ensuring teachers receive a livable wage
Expand access to health insurance.
Oppose job-killing tariffs and support workforce development programs that prepare San Antonians for higher-paying jobs.
Work with city and county leaders and neighborhood associations to ensure community concerns are heard and addressed.
Protect public safety, constitutional rights and voting access.
Support veterans by expanding mental health and suicide prevention services and increasing access to affordable housing and job training, amid federal cuts to VA services.
Desi Martinez (Republican)
Republican House District 118 candidate Desi Martinez. Photo courtesy of Martinez & Associates website
Desi Martinez is a trial attorney and the founder of Martinez & Associates, a personal‑injury and civil‑litigation firm.
He grew up in a working‑class neighborhood in Texas, living in several parts of the state before attending the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He also studied abroad at The Queen’s College, Oxford University in London.
His campaign website writes that he has deep roots in the South San Antonio community and built his career around advocating for families and local residents through his law practice.
His professional biography notes memberships in the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
Martinez previously ran for the Texas House as a Democratic candidate in a 2021 special election for District 118, finishing in the field of candidates before switching to the Republican Party for the 2026 primary.
Policy Stances:
Support for securing the U.S.–Mexico border and public safety, including efforts to address the fentanyl crisis and backing law enforcement.
Efforts to lower taxes by cutting government spending and reducing the tax burden on families.
Support for economic growth and job creation, including backing small businesses and attracting employers that offer higher‑paying jobs.
Improving infrastructure, such as local roads, to enhance community connectivity.
Jorge Borrego (Republican)
Republican House District 118 candidate Jorge Borrego. Photo courtesy of Community Impact
Jorge Borrego was born and raised in Texas and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He has built a career in Texas policy and public service, including serving as K‑12 education policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Next Generation Texas initiative and working as a legislative director in the Texas House of Representatives.
His campaign website states that he is running to ensure families in South San Antonio have access to opportunity, strong schools, safe neighborhoods and a voice that understands their community.
He has also held roles in the nonprofit sector, including with the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley, and works as a realtor. Borrego has experience in policy development, legislative strategy and community outreach.
Borrego earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Public Administration from Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government.
Policy Stances:
Support for expanded educational opportunities, including high‑quality public schools, charter schools, skilled‑trade training and Education Savings Accounts so families have more choices.
Efforts to improve affordability by lowering property taxes, reducing regulatory costs, and promoting pro‑growth policies to expand housing supply.
Strengthening public safety by supporting law enforcement and tougher measures on repeat violent offenders.
Advocating government accountability and efficiency, emphasizing transparent budgeting and directing tax dollars toward classrooms and core services.
Appraisal and tax relief reform, including shifting tax burdens away from property owners and calling for local bond and spending reforms.
Joe Shellhart (Republican)
Republican House District 118 candidate Joe Shellhart. Photo courtesy of San Antonio Report
Joe Shellhart is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2004 to 2012. After his military service, he worked as a substitute teacher, firefighter and emergency medical technician, gaining experience in public safety and community service.
He currently works as an executive in the coffee industry and has also operated as a small business owner.
His campaign website states that his military service, work in education and experience as a business owner shape his focus on public safety, affordability and education.
It also describes him as a community resident focused on public safety, affordability and education, emphasizing the importance of supporting local families and ensuring neighborhoods remain safe and vibrant. Shellhart holds a graduate degree in business administration from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Policy Stances:
Prioritize safer streets and stronger communities, including directing resources to law enforcement and community programs.
Emphasizes supporting working families and affordable living by reducing unnecessary burdens on small businesses and households.
Focus on “empowering parents and strengthening public education,” aiming to ensure more education dollars go to classrooms and teachers rather than bureaucracy.
Advocates reducing regulatory and other burdens on small businesses as part of economic policy