Redrawn San Antonio Districts Set Up Competitive Congressional Races
Bexar County voters will cast ballots in the Nov. 3 general election after redistricting reduced San Antonio's congressional delegation from five seats to four and placed 43% of county residents in new districts. The changed map has created competitive contests, including Rep. Joaquin Castro's bid for an eighth term against Republican Edgardo Baez. Open races in the 21st and 23rd districts also feature newly nominated candidates.
Bexar County's mid-decade map cut its U.S. House delegation from five to four and placed 43% of residents in redrawn seats. Delayed voter ID cards meant many March primary voters did not know their new boundaries. The 20th District now covers much of the urban core, where Rep. Joaquin Castro faces first-time Republican Edgardo Baez.
The 21st District opened after Republican Chip Roy pursued attorney general instead of reelection; Mark Teixeira and Kristin Hook are the nominees. The 23rd became open when Tony Gonzales resigned, with Brandon Herrera, Katy Padilla Stout and independent Ben Mendoza running. A new 35th District was carved from Greg Casar's former Austin-San Antonio seat.
The redrawn map could affect Bexar County voters by changing which candidates appear on their ballots and which communities share representation. Delayed ID cards and new boundaries may make it harder for some residents to prepare for Nov. 3, potentially influencing turnout. Competitive and open races could shift San Antonio’s voice in Washington, while voters in altered districts may need extra time to learn candidates and district lines.