Sylvia GarciaServing

Sylvia Garcia

U.S. HouseDemocrat

TX-29 U.S. House

Age 75·Mexican-American·U.S. Representative for TX-29 (2019-present)

Why This Race Matters

Sylvia Garcia is running against Jarvis Johnson (D), Robert Slater (D) in primary; Martha Fierro (R) in general.

Garcia faces her first competitive primary since 2018 due to redistricting that dramatically changed TX-29's demographics - Hispanic eligible voters dropped from 63% to 43%, while Black voters increased from 18% to 33%. As the first Hispanic impeachment manager in presidential history and one of the first two Latinas from Texas in Congress, her re-election would continue a historic tenure.

Endorsed by CHC BOLD PAC. Won 2024 general election 65%-35% against Alan Garza (R). Primary opponent Jarvis Johnson is a former state representative who represented parts of the new district. Race rated Solid/Safe Democratic by Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball.

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

About

Sylvia Garcia grew up in Palito Blanco, a South Texas farming community, as the eighth of ten children in a Mexican-American family. Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work and education. After earning a scholarship to Texas Woman's University and working multiple jobs to pay for law school, she built a career in public service spanning five decades. In 2018, she and Veronica Escobar made history as the first Latinas ever elected to Congress from Texas.

Family & Heritage

Born in San Diego, Texas, and raised in Palito Blanco in Jim Wells County, a South Texas farming community. Eighth of ten children in a Mexican-American family that emphasized education and supporting one another.

Political Career

Before Politics

Social worker; Legal aid lawyer; Director and Presiding Judge of Houston Municipal System (5 terms); Houston City Controller (1998); Harris County Commissioner (first Hispanic and first woman elected)

Education

B.A. in Social Work and Political Science, Texas Woman's University (1972); J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University (1978)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Financial services reform
*Immigration reform (champion of Dreamers)
*Healthcare access
*Workers' rights (outdoor worker protections)
*Gun violence prevention
*Women's and LGBTQI+ equality
*Veterans issues