Claudia Ordaz is running against Jesus Romero (R).
Ordaz faces Republican challenger Jesus Romero in HD-79, part of a broader GOP push to challenge Democratic incumbents in El Paso. While El Paso is a Democratic stronghold, Republicans are targeting the district with messaging on taxes and immigration. Ordaz is a rising Latina legislator who secured $500 million in COVID relief for small businesses in her first session and has been a key voice on border and international trade issues.
Ordaz is unopposed in the March 2026 Democratic primary and will face Romero in November. She ran unopposed in 2024 (100% general). In 2022 she defeated incumbent Art Fierro in the Democratic primary with 65.2% after redistricting placed them in the same district. Cash on hand: $68,849 as of Dec 2025. Her second session accomplishments include legislation expanding access to prescription contraception and measures supporting local businesses and workforce development.
Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.