About this office
Your State Representative is one of 150 people who write Texas law, and yours is elected to represent your area of Hays County. Every two years they decide how much money your kids' school gets, whether your property tax bill goes up or down, and whether Texas takes federal money for health care or turns it away. Big decisions, made by a small group — and one seat is yours to fill.
Candidates
Julio SalinasJulio Salinas is a 26-year-old former legislative staffer and grandson of migrant farm workers running to represent the Rio Grande Valley.
About Julio
He serves as Hispanic Caucus Co-Chair for the Texas Democratic Party and won the May 2026 Democratic runoff against Victor Haddad.
Gary Groves
Gary Groves has lived in McAllen at the same address for over 42 years and holds a graduate degree in economics.
About Gary
A former RNC Chairman's Advisory Board member and Hidalgo County GOP precinct chair, Groves won the May 2026 Republican runoff with 64% of the vote.