Jorge BorregoCandidate

Jorge Borrego

State HouseRepublican

TX-HD118 State House

Mexican-American·Republican primary candidate for HD-118 (2026)

Why This Race Matters

Jorge Borrego is running against GOP Primary: Desi Martinez, Joe Shellhart; General: Kristian Carranza (D).

HD-118 is one of Texas' only true swing districts - incumbent John Lujan won 2024 by just 51.7% to 48.3%. With Lujan retiring to run for Congress, this open seat is one of five Republican-held seats Democrats are most heavily targeting in 2026.

Three-way GOP primary: Borrego (policy background), Desi Martinez (trial attorney who switched from Democrat to Republican, backed by Lujan), and Joe Shellhart. General election opponent Kristian Carranza knocked on 100,000 doors in 2024 and is running again. District covers South San Antonio and Live Oak in Bexar County.

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

About

Jorge Borrego is a Texas native running for State Representative in HD-118, having overcome significant adversity to become the first in his family to earn a college degree. Raised in challenging circumstances with a father who spent much of his early life in prison and a mother frequently absent, he built a respected career in Texas education policy and grew a successful real estate business from the ground up. His journey, as he says, "reflects the spirit of South San Antonio - resilience, determination, and hope."

Family & Heritage

First-generation college graduate from South San Antonio. Raised in difficult circumstances - father was incarcerated during much of his early life, mother was frequently absent from the home. Despite these challenges, earned two degrees and built a successful career. Now married with two dogs.

Political Career

Before Politics

K-12 Education Policy Director, Texas Public Policy Foundation (Next Generation Texas initiative); Legislative Director, Texas House of Representatives; REALTOR, Basore Real Estate (San Antonio); Event Coordinator/Data Administrator/Policy Administrator, Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley

Education

Master of Public Administration, Bush School of Government, Texas A&M University; B.S. Mathematics, University of Texas at San Antonio

Key Issues & Priorities

*Access to opportunity for hardworking families
*Strong public education and school choice (K-12 education policy expertise)
*Safe and affordable neighborhoods
*Border security

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