The tea on Johnny Garcia
Texas congressional candidate Johnny Garcia is dealing with some major drama as his past in law enforcement takes center stage. New records from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office reveal that Garcia—a Democrat running in the redrawn 35th District—was hit with two separate suspensions during his tenure, and it’s giving major 'yikes' energy.
The first incident went down in 2009. According to records, Garcia was suspended for three days for bringing his cell phone into a secure jail area, despite being told repeatedly that electronic devices were a no-go. The second suspension happened in 2020, and the plot thickens: Garcia was suspended for five days after he left his Glock, four magazines, and his badge in an unsecured car. The items were stolen, though they were eventually recovered.
The campaign perspective
Garcia, who is running against GOP candidate Carlos De La Cruz, has leaned heavily on his background as a deputy to appeal to centrist voters. He’s currently trying to win over a district that shifted following redistricting, which pushed the current representative, Rep. Greg Casar, to run in a different district.
When asked about the records, Garcia’s camp didn't shy away. In a statement, Garcia called the focus on these past disciplinary actions a "politicized" attempt by Republicans to distract from issues like rising costs. He emphasized his two decades of service and his commitment to community safety.
Why it matters
This election is a high-stakes battle for control of the seat. With Garcia trying to position himself as a common-sense, "old school" Democrat, these findings could impact how he’s perceived by voters. For you, this means keep an eye on how these local controversies shift the narrative in a district that is already expected to be way more competitive than in previous cycles.
