Elizabeth CamposServing

Elizabeth Campos

State HouseDemocrat

TX-HD119 State House

Age 56·Mexican-American·Texas State Representative HD-119 (2021-present, 3rd term)

Why This Race Matters

Elizabeth Campos is running against Ryan Ayala (D, challenger) in primary; Melva Rivera Perez (R) in general.

Campos is defending her seat as the first woman ever elected to HD-119 against Democratic primary challenger Ryan Ayala, a 25-year-old attorney and first-time candidate. As the only Hispanic woman serving as Vice Chair on the House Public Health Committee, her re-election is significant for Latino healthcare representation in Texas.

Ayala, a lawyer, is challenging the three-term incumbent on a platform of new leadership, public education funding, infrastructure and affordability. The winner will face Republican Melva Rivera Perez in November. Campos won her previous elections with 61.7% (2020), 78.0% (2022), and 63.7% (2024). The district extends from San Antonio's South and Southeast Sides through eastern Bexar County.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Elizabeth "Liz" Campos is a Texas State Representative serving her third term in House District 119, becoming the first woman elected to represent the district in 2020. A lifelong resident of San Antonio's Southeast Side, she brings 40 years of combined professional experience spanning 30 years as a legal administrator at major law firms and a decade in the Texas Legislature as a constituent coordinator, House legislative director, Senate district director, and Senate chief of staff. She is also a third-generation plumber who founded J. Arnold Plumbing in 2016. In her first term, she was selected as "Freshman of the Year" by the Texas House Legislative Study Group for legislation addressing senior nursing home safety, foster care child protection, and homeless veteran funding.

Family & Heritage

Born and raised on the Southeast Side of San Antonio, Texas. Lifelong resident of District 119. Third-generation plumber, carrying on her family's legacy in the skilled trades. Founded J. Arnold Plumbing (Arnold Services LLC) in 2016, continuing the family business. Honored as Reina Linda XII by the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, one of San Antonio's most historic Mexican-American cultural institutions (founded 1947, has raised over $11 million for student scholarships). Lives in Southeast San Antonio with her three German Shepherds: Jojo, Jolene, and Lobo.

Political Career

Before Politics

Legal administrator at major San Antonio law firms for over 30 years. Served in multiple Texas Legislature staff roles: House intern, constituent services coordinator, House legislative director, Senate district director, and Senate chief of staff for Senator Carlos Uresti. Worked across 17 counties in West Texas spearheading constituent cases, developing community-based events, and working with local leaders on policy. Third-generation plumber and businesswoman who founded J. Arnold Plumbing (Arnold Services LLC) in 2016.

Education

Brackenridge High School; Highlands High School, San Antonio

Key Issues & Priorities

*Public education funding (helped negotiate $8 billion increase
*opposes school vouchers as siphoning $5 billion from public schools)
*Mental health for first responders (firefighters and peace officers)
*Child and family protective services reform
*Healthcare access and Medicaid expansion
*Senior nursing home safety and staffing standards
*Alzheimer's research (led efforts securing $3 billion in voter-approved funds)
*Trade school expansion ($850 million voter-approved)
*Water infrastructure modernization
*Property tax relief

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