2021 Special Election for Texas House District 118 – September 28, 2021
Three Democrats and two Republicans have filed to replace Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio). Early voting begins next Monday, September 20, with the election to be held on Tuesday, September 28.
2020 was the first general election without a straight ticket option. In that race, Rep. Leo Pacheco (D) won with 57% of the vote against Adam Salyer (R) and a Libertarian candidate that took 3.3%. HD 118 is estimated to be a 43.7% Democratic district based on the 2020 election results, but special elections frequently produce unexpected results. With 2 Rs and 3 Ds, a runoff is expected.
HD 118 is 4% under population for redistricting and some adjacent districts are over population, so HD 118 will probably get a bit larger for the 2022 election cycle. It is unclear at this time whether that growth will add Democratic or Republican voters, so the winner of this special election will run in new territory next year.
KATIE FARIAS (D-San Antonio))
E-mail: votekatiefarias@gmail.com
OCCUPATION: NONE
Katie Ann Farias, candidate for State Representative in District 118 and current Southside ISD Board Trustee is a proud mother of two school aged children (Niya Marie & Xzavier Gabriel) and a loving wife to her husband of 19 years Gabe Farias. Katie’s passion for District 118 runs deep as she has been a volunteer at Gallardo Elementary, and volunteered and contributed to several community programs and non-profits in the area. Most recently, Katie served as a District Director for State Senator Roland Gutierrez where the two share a tremendous passion for Public Education in the State of Texas. She is a staunch advocate for the full funding of our Public Education school system and has served as a vocal leader with that vital issue.
JOHN LUJAN (R-San Antonio)
E-mail: votelujan@gmail.com
OCCUPATION: IT EXECUTIVE
Former Rep. John Lujan’s ties to HD 118 run deep. He was born in San Antonio where his mother was a local public-school principal, and his father was a southside minister. John learned from his parents at a young age the importance of serving others. After graduating, John served our community for five years as a Deputy in the Bexar County Sheriff’s department before accepting a job with the San Antonio Fire Department, a position he held for over 25 years. While serving as a firefighter, John worked closely with elected officials at all levels of government to advocate for additional tools and training for first responders to help them better serve their communities. Today, John is a successful business owner who helped grow a small local IT firm into a thriving business that employees over 500 people in our community. John is committed to bringing more quality jobs to our district, so every family is given the opportunity to succeed. John was previously elected to serve District 118 as State Representative in 2016 and wants to serve again to be a strong voice for our community. He will work to strengthen our schools and support our teachers so they can help our kids develop the job skills needed to break cycles of poverty, bring good jobs to our district, and lower the tax burden on our families. John and his wife, Freda, have been married for 37 years. They are proud parents of five boys, three of whom are adopted. John volunteers as a board member with Southside Cardinals Youth Sports League and is a Sunday School teacher at Southside Baptist Church.
DESI MARTINEZ (D-San Antonio)
OCCUPATION: ATTORNEY
Growing up in a military family, I have lived all around the world. Living in San Antonio for over 15 years now, I have finally found my home. This is where I met my wife, and it is the birthplace of my children. It is the community where I started my law firm, the sacred space of my church, and the good people I serve. Some people want the world. However, like you, I just want to know the peace of a home, and I understand that sometimes you have to protect that home. I will proudly represent, serve, and protect San Antonio in return for all that San Antonio has provided me. Founding attorney of Martinez & Associates, PLLC, – 2021 San Antonio Express News “Best Law Firm in San Antonio”; 2009-2021 SA Scene Magazine – “Best Lawyer”; Associate “Referee” Judge – 289th Bexar County Juvenile District Court; Co-Chairman, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department – Volunteers in Probation; 2019 San Antonio Special Olympics Area 20 – Outstanding Volunteer in Fundraising; 2020 NSF Southside Crisis Center – Outstanding Donor; St Anthony’s Catholic Church/O.L.P.H. – A.C.T.S. Core, RCIA Instructor, & Immediate Past Parish Council President; 2018-2019 – Southside YMCA 5-6 yr old soccer coach.
FRANK RAMIREZ (D-San Antonio)
E-mail: info@frankfortexas.com
OCCUPATION: SELF EMPLOYED
Dear Friends: After much discussion and thoughtful prayer with my family, I am proud to announce that I will be running as a Democrat for State Representative in Texas House District 118. Born and raised in San Antonio, I am a product of our public education system where I attended Gillette Elementary, Kingsborough Middle, and McCollum High School in the Harlandale Independent School District. I went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin to study Government, with the goal of coming home and putting my studies into action by helping my community through public service. I have worked in the Texas Legislature serving as a Legislative Director and then as Chief of Staff for House District 118. I gained additional policy experience serving as Zoning and Planning Director for the City of San Antonio. Through my professional and personal experiences I’m proud to have earned the respect of my peers, neighbors, and community leaders. Most importantly, when elected I will be able to hit the ground running. My experience sets me apart as a candidate who has institutional knowledge, a diverse skill set, and a passion to deliver results for all Texans.
ADAM E. SALYER (R-Universal City)
E-mail: adamsalyer@yahoo.com
OCCUPATION: DISABLED VETERAN
Born in Honolulu Hawaii, Adam moved to Louisiana where he excelled in his studies and athletics. He joined and excelled in the military, but tragedy soon struck when his fourteen years of service came to a screeching halt due to a serious injury that left him in a wheelchair. Doctors gave him no chance of ever walking again, but Adam took the doctor’s prognosis as a challenge. With consistent hard work, painful rehab and above all, faith, Adam survived 17 surgeries. Despite the doctor’s devastating prognosis, he walked out of the wheelchair and grabbed life by the horns. His first challenge was obtaining his Liberal Arts degree. He enrolled in the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Government with a focus on International Relations. Adam wanted to serve his community now that his service to his country was over. He served two terms on the Universal City Council. Adam wanted to stand by the community that stood by him during those long years of recovery. Now, Adam wants to continue his service to his community by running for State Representative from Texas District 118. He brings his wealth of experience and positive spirit to help his district grow and prosper.
