2026 Catholic Voter Guide

Texas

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
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Early in-person voting runs from the 17th day before Election Day (moved to Monday if a weekend) through the 4th day before — Oct. 19–30, 2026. The registration deadline was Oct. 5, 2026; mail ballots are limited to eligible voters such as those 65 or older or disabled. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
Texas · 2026

U.S. Senate

Open seat — incumbent John Cornyn lost the May 26 Republican runoff to Ken Paxton.

Download printable PDF ↓
Ken Paxton
Republican · Open seat
Texas attorney general since 2015; former state senator and state representative.
Campaign website ↗
James Talarico
Democrat · Open seat
Texas state representative; former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Ken Paxton
Stood by President Trump’s strikes on Iran in March 2026, saying an open-ended war is not “Trump’s idea” and “He wants to get this over with.” Campaign backs an “America First” foreign policy that “promotes peace through strength.”
[1] AP via ADN: Texas candidates respond to Iran war[2] Paxton campaign: Issues
James Talarico
Calls for ending the “forever war in Iran” while keeping Iran from a nuclear weapon; would halt offensive weapons sales to the Netanyahu government while funding Iron Dome; supports defending Ukraine.
[1] Talarico campaign: Foreign Policy
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Ken Paxton
As attorney general, opened an investigation into Meta AI Studio and Character.AI over allegedly deceptive marketing of AI chatbots as mental health tools to children.
[1] Texas OAG: Paxton investigates Meta and Character.AI
James Talarico
Proposes an “AI Dividend” taxing AI-attributable profits, human review of automated firing and discipline decisions, limits on workplace AI surveillance, retraining for displaced workers, and the PRO Act.
[1] Talarico campaign: Social Media, AI & Tech[2] Talarico campaign: Labor & Business
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Ken Paxton
Proposes tax-based health relief — a deduction of up to $25,000 for out-of-pocket medical costs and a $5,000 wellness credit — plus an expanded Child Tax Credit and permanent “Trump Accounts”; favors less government-run health care.
[1] FOX 7: Talarico vs. Paxton on health care
Record in office
James Talarico
Would reverse 2025 reconciliation-law cuts to Medicaid and ACA tax credits, which he calls the “Big Ugly Bill”; backs a $15 federal minimum wage and an expanded Child Tax Credit and EITC.
[1] Talarico campaign: Health Care[2] Talarico campaign: Labor & Business[3] Ballotpedia: James Talarico
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Ken Paxton
Campaign pledges to “defend the unborn.” As attorney general he sued to block federal emergency-abortion protections and threatened legal action against a hospital over a court-approved exception; he has indicated openness to restrictions on IVF, per The 19th.
[1] Paxton campaign: Issues[2] KSAT/The 19th: Abortion in the Senate race
Record in office
James Talarico
Supports federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade and to protect access to contraception and IVF; opposed abortion restrictions in the Texas House.
[1] Talarico campaign: Freedom, Family & Faith[2] Ballotpedia: James Talarico
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Ken Paxton
As attorney general, took over the Robert Roberson capital case and asked a court to set a new execution date in 2025.
[1] KWTX: Paxton requests new Roberson execution date
Record in office
James Talarico
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Ken Paxton
Pledges to help President Trump “finish the border wall,” secure the border and deport “criminal illegal aliens”; as attorney general he sued the Biden administration over border policies.
[1] Paxton campaign: Issues
Record in office
James Talarico
Wants ICE to prioritize “criminals, gang members, and human traffickers,” bar agents from masking, add Border Patrol agents and immigration judges, and create a path to citizenship for long-term immigrants, spouses and Dreamers.
[1] Talarico campaign: Immigration & Border Security
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Ken Paxton
As attorney general, defended Texas’ 2025 law (SB 10) requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms.
[1] Texas OAG: Paxton defends SB 10
Record in office
James Talarico
Backs the Do No Harm Act to “protect religious liberty and prevent religious discrimination”; opposes policies that “force religion” into public schools and opposes private school vouchers.
[1] Talarico campaign: Freedom, Family & Faith[2] Ballotpedia: James Talarico
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Ken Paxton
Pledges to “remove harmful regulations designed to hurt our energy companies” and backs President Trump’s economic and energy agenda.
[1] Paxton campaign: Issues
James Talarico
Supports an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy protecting oil and gas jobs while growing wind, solar and geothermal; would restore clean-energy tax credits, strengthen the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and make data centers pay for grid upgrades.
[1] Talarico campaign: Energy & Environment
Texas · 2026

Governor

Incumbent Greg Abbott (R) is seeking a fourth term.

Download printable PDF ↓
Greg Abbott
Republican · Incumbent
Governor of Texas since 2015; former Texas attorney general.
Campaign website ↗
Gina Hinojosa
Democrat · Challenger
Texas state representative from Austin; former Austin ISD school board president.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Greg Abbott
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Greg Abbott
Says data centers must “bring their own power,” reuse their own water and reduce the cost of electricity; says his directive has paused new data center projects.
[1] Abbott campaign website
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
Would ban “predatory surveillance pricing,” target landlords using AI algorithms to set rents, and require data centers to pay for the grid costs they drive.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: An Affordable Texas
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Greg Abbott
His 2026 “Keep Texas Affordable” plan focuses on lowering housing and electricity costs. As attorney general he joined the 2010 lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act, including its Medicaid expansion requirement.
[1] Abbott campaign: Keep Texas Affordable[2] Ballotpedia: Greg Abbott
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
Proposes $1,500 refund checks to every household from the Rainy Day Fund, health coverage for every Texas child, bans on bad-faith insurance denials and support for rural hospitals.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: An Affordable Texas
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Greg Abbott
Signed Texas’ six-week abortion ban in 2021, which allows exceptions for medical emergencies.
[1] Ballotpedia: Greg Abbott
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
Supports repealing Texas’ abortion ban and restoring Roe v. Wade; says “the government’s jurisdiction should not enter” anyone’s body. Shares that she carried a non-viable pregnancy to term after consulting her family and priest.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: Roe anniversary statement[2] Texas Monthly: Hinojosa on abortion
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Greg Abbott
In 2018 commuted Thomas Whitaker’s death sentence to life without parole, following a rare unanimous parole board recommendation, about 40 minutes before the scheduled execution.
[1] ABC News: Abbott spares Whitaker
Gina Hinojosa
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Greg Abbott
Launched Operation Lone Star in 2021, deploying the National Guard and state police to the border; his 2026 platform calls for automatically denying bail to immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with a felony.
[1] Ballotpedia: Greg Abbott[2] Abbott campaign: Protect Communities, Not Criminals
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
Has called on Abbott to stop providing state resources to ICE operations “until DHS stops killing U.S. citizens and detaining our children,” and criticizes the use of private prisons in enforcement.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: ICE operations statement
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Greg Abbott
Signed Texas’ 2025 private school voucher law, giving participating families about $10,000 for tuition and other costs; as attorney general he defended a Ten Commandments monument at the Capitol before the U.S. Supreme Court.
[1] Texas Tribune: Vouchers are now law[2] Ballotpedia: Greg Abbott
Record in office
Gina Hinojosa
Opposes Texas’ school voucher program, which she calls a “voucher scam,” and would redirect funds to neighborhood public schools.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: Save Texas Public Schools
Record in office
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Greg Abbott
Issued a 2021 executive order directing state agencies to challenge federal actions threatening the Texas energy sector; his 2026 plan would open city-owned utilities to retail electric competition.
[1] Texas Tribune: Abbott vows to fight Biden energy agenda[2] Abbott campaign: Keep Texas Affordable
Gina Hinojosa
Would freeze residential electricity rates until data centers pay their own way, and wants more wind, solar and other clean energy on the grid while protecting landowners from rushed transmission lines.
[1] Hinojosa campaign: An Affordable Texas
Texas · 2026

U.S. House, District 15

Incumbent Monica De La Cruz (R) seeks a third term in a district redrawn in 2025.

Download printable PDF ↓
Monica De La Cruz
Republican · Incumbent
U.S. representative since 2023; former insurance agent.
Campaign website ↗
Bobby Pulido
Democrat · Challenger
Tejano music singer.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Monica De La Cruz
Voted against the September 2026 War Powers Resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
[1] House roll call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Monica De La Cruz
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
No AI position found; supports apprenticeships, skills training and higher-wage jobs.
[1] Pulido campaign: Issues
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Monica De La Cruz
Voted for the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1) on initial and final passage; campaign pledges to protect Medicare and Social Security.
[1] House roll call 145 (2025): H.R. 1 passage[2] House roll call 190 (2025): H.R. 1 final passage[3] De La Cruz campaign: Issues
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
Calls Medicare “a promise and a critical safety net” and criticizes De La Cruz’s vote for the 2025 reconciliation law, saying it “put Medicaid and South Texas seniors at risk.”
[1] Pulido campaign: Issues
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Monica De La Cruz
Voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in January 2025.
[1] House roll call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Act
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Monica De La Cruz
No public position found.
Bobby Pulido
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Monica De La Cruz
Platform calls for reinstating Remain in Mexico, ending “catch and release,” completing border infrastructure, hiring more immigration judges and E-Verify. Voted for the Laken Riley Act.
[1] De La Cruz campaign: Issues[2] House roll call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
Supports a secure border and removing “violent criminals that are here illegally,” more vetting hubs in Central America and a “fair and reasonable path to legalization.”
[1] Pulido campaign: Issues
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Monica De La Cruz
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
Opposes “voucher schemes that drain money from our classrooms and send it to private schools.”
[1] Pulido campaign: Issues
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Monica De La Cruz
Supports oil and natural gas jobs and nuclear energy, ending regulations that raise energy costs and rejecting “Green New Deal policies”; also backs reducing pollution “through technology.”
[1] De La Cruz campaign: Issues
Voting record
Bobby Pulido
Backs agricultural policy “that protects our natural resources” and investments in desalination, modern irrigation and water infrastructure.
[1] Pulido campaign: Issues
Texas · 2026

U.S. House, District 23

Open seat — Republican Tony Gonzales resigned in April 2026 and the seat is vacant.

Download printable PDF ↓
Brandon Herrera
Republican · Open seat
Social media content creator and owner of a small firearms manufacturing company.
Campaign website ↗
Katy Padilla Stout
Democrat · Open seat
Attorney for children in the foster care system and former teacher.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Brandon Herrera
Will not support “sending billions to defend foreign borders while our own remain open” and would vote to bring troops home from Syria and Iraq.
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Brandon Herrera
No public position found.
Katy Padilla Stout
No AI position found; supports requiring paid parental leave funded through unemployment insurance programs.
[1] Padilla Stout campaign: Issues
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Brandon Herrera
Opposes cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits and would expand Tricare for veterans.
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
Supports expanding Medicare to all Americans or strengthening the ACA, raising the minimum wage, and opposes billionaire tax cuts while SNAP benefits for children are debated.
[1] Padilla Stout campaign: Issues
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Brandon Herrera
Says he is “committed to defending life at every stage”; would oppose all government funding for abortion and sponsor the Infant Born Alive Act.
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
Says health decisions “should remain between a woman and her doctor” and that “the government has no business” in them.
[1] Padilla Stout campaign: Issues
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Brandon Herrera
No public position found.
Katy Padilla Stout
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brandon Herrera
Would oppose spending bills lacking comprehensive border security funding, reinstate “Remain in Mexico” and “end the abuse of the asylum system.”
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
Supports bipartisan action that secures the border and provides “reasonable pathways to citizenship”; criticizes an “enforcement-only policy.”
[1] Padilla Stout campaign: Issues
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Brandon Herrera
Would sponsor legislation so education dollars follow students to public, private or parochial schools, and defend parents’ right to homeschool.
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Brandon Herrera
Says Big Bend’s terrain makes a physical border wall unnecessary and commits to protecting the region’s wildlife, tourism and landowners.
[1] Herrera campaign: Issues
Katy Padilla Stout
Supports rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and opposes a planned border wall through the Big Bend region.
[1] Padilla Stout campaign: Issues
Texas · 2026

U.S. House, District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar (D) faces Republican Tano Tijerina in a district redrawn in 2025.

Download printable PDF ↓
Henry Cuellar
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. representative since 2005; former Texas secretary of state.
Tano Tijerina
Republican · Challenger
Webb County judge since 2015; rancher and former minor league baseball player.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Henry Cuellar
Voted for the September 2026 War Powers Resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
[1] House roll call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
Backs an “America First” foreign policy, “standing with our allies, including Israel” and “confronting hostile regimes.”
[1] Tijerina campaign: Issues
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Henry Cuellar
Filed the “Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act” requiring data centers to disclose electricity and water use and pay all project-driven costs.
[1] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
Wants South Texas to lead in AI and says the U.S. must beat China in the AI race, while pledging ratepayers will not pay for data centers’ power demands.
[1] Tijerina campaign: Issues[2] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Henry Cuellar
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1); co-authored Texas’ CHIP pilot as a state legislator and supports community health centers.
[1] House roll call 145 (2025): H.R. 1 passage[2] House roll call 190 (2025): H.R. 1 final passage[3] Cuellar office: Health Care
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
No federal position found; as county judge he touts expanding Meals on Wheels for seniors and $20 million in utility assistance.
[1] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Henry Cuellar
Voted for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in January 2025.
[1] House roll call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Act
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Henry Cuellar
No public position found.
Tano Tijerina
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Henry Cuellar
Says “ICE should be focusing on criminals — not on families, Dreamers, construction workers.” Voted for the Laken Riley Act; has favored port and Border Patrol upgrades over a border wall.
[1] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar[2] House roll call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act[3] Cuellar office: Border & Homeland Security
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
Says “we must secure the border, enforce the law,” while calling for immigration reform that is “practical and bipartisan.”
[1] Tijerina campaign: Issues
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Henry Cuellar
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Henry Cuellar
Supports investment in “all forms of domestic energy production, including oil, natural gas, wind, solar”; wants data centers to prove water remains for households during drought.
[1] Cuellar office: Energy and Environment[2] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar
Voting record
Tano Tijerina
Says data centers can “drain scarce water” and should generate their own water and electricity; pledges to protect land and water in rural communities.
[1] Tijerina campaign: Issues[2] Texas Tribune: Cuellar and Tijerina spar
Texas · 2026

U.S. House, District 34

Incumbent Vicente Gonzalez (D) faces Republican Eric Flores.

Download printable PDF ↓
Eric Flores
Republican · Challenger
Army National Guard infantry captain and former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas.
Campaign website ↗
Vicente Gonzalez
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. representative since 2017; attorney.
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Eric Flores
No public position found.
Vicente Gonzalez
Voted for the September 2026 War Powers Resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran; describes himself as a strong advocate of partnership with Israel.
[1] House roll call 307 (2026): Iran war powers resolution[2] Gonzalez office: Foreign Relations
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Eric Flores
No AI position found; supports workforce development connecting South Texans to “good-paying local jobs.”
[1] Flores campaign: Priorities
Vicente Gonzalez
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Eric Flores
Pledges to oppose cuts to earned senior benefits and support expanding access to affordable prescription drugs.
[1] Flores campaign: Priorities
Vicente Gonzalez
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R. 1); describes himself as “a staunch supporter of Medicaid” and supports improving the ACA.
[1] House roll call 145 (2025): H.R. 1 passage[2] House roll call 190 (2025): H.R. 1 final passage[3] Gonzalez office: Health
Voting record
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Eric Flores
No public position found.
Vicente Gonzalez
Voted “present” on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in January 2025.
[1] House roll call 27 (2025): Born-Alive Act
Voting record
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Eric Flores
No public position found.
Vicente Gonzalez
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Eric Flores
Campaign ad says he will “secure the border” and “fight alongside President Trump.”
[1] Ballotpedia: Eric Flores
Vicente Gonzalez
Voted for the Laken Riley Act in January 2025.
[1] House roll call 23 (2025): Laken Riley Act
Voting record
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Eric Flores
No public position found.
Vicente Gonzalez
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Eric Flores
Would “push back on mandates that ignore how our region actually works” and hold federal agencies accountable when they slow down job-creating projects; backs federal water infrastructure investment.
[1] Flores campaign: Priorities
Vicente Gonzalez
Supports an “all-the-above” energy approach; chairs the Congressional Oil and Gas Caucus and backs wind and solar development.
[1] Gonzalez office: Energy and Environment
Voting record
Texas · 2026

U.S. House, District 35

Open seat newly drawn in 2025 redistricting (Rep. Greg Casar is running in another district).

Download printable PDF ↓
Carlos De La Cruz
Republican · Open seat
Retired U.S. Air Force veteran and former kickboxing gym owner.
Campaign website ↗
Johnny Garcia
Democrat · Open seat
Bexar County sheriff’s deputy and the office’s public information officer.
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Carlos De La Cruz
No public position found.
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Carlos De La Cruz
Says the U.S. cannot afford “to lose the AI race to communist China”; backs crypto and blockchain under “clear, commonsense rules” and bringing manufacturing back home.
[1] De La Cruz campaign: On the Issues
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Carlos De La Cruz
Pledges to “defend Social Security and Medicare.”
[1] De La Cruz campaign: On the Issues
Johnny Garcia
Calls for protecting Social Security, Medicare and federal food assistance, lowering prescription drug prices and ending tariffs.
[1] San Antonio Report: Johnny Garcia profile
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Carlos De La Cruz
No public position found.
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Carlos De La Cruz
No public position found.
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Carlos De La Cruz
Says “we welcome legal immigration, but we cannot allow criminals and cartels to take advantage,” and wants more support for Border Patrol.
[1] De La Cruz campaign: On the Issues
Johnny Garcia
Supports giving Border Patrol needed resources but says current enforcement is too broad: “They need to be going after the tough criminals.” Wants immigration agents held to local-police accountability standards.
[1] San Antonio Report: Johnny Garcia profile
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Carlos De La Cruz
Pledges to “defend faith, family, and freedom.”
[1] De La Cruz campaign: On the Issues
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Carlos De La Cruz
Would “roll back radical green regulations” and put Texans in control of energy.
[1] De La Cruz campaign: On the Issues
Johnny Garcia
No public position found.
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