With Democratic State Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra stepping down after more than a decade in office, the race for Texas House District 41 is already attracting multiple challengers.
Guerra, who has represented the district since 2012, made his announcement on October 2, stating that he will complete his current term but step aside afterward. “I’m the son of a teacher, and a former county judge, and I couldn’t be more proud to have done my part to continue a legacy of service,” Guerra said in a statement reported by KRGV-TV.
During his tenure, Guerra worked to secure funding for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and its medical school, helped raise teacher pay, and supported the installation of the Tejano Monument on the Capitol grounds. He currently represents parts of McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Palmhurst, Pharr, and Lopezville.
The open seat has already drawn several contenders.
On the Republican side, Sergio J. Sanchez, a McAllen attorney and community leader, has launched his bid. In a campaign release by Texas Border Business, Sanchez described himself as “a taxpayer, parent, business owner, and community advocate” who wants to bring “a strong, conservative voice to Austin” and prioritize issues like school reform, public safety, and lower taxes.
Democratic candidate Eric Holguín, a policy director for a national Hispanic civil rights organization, has also entered the race. Holguín, who has worked on veterans’ health policy at both state and federal levels, including the Le Roy & Rosie Torres Act and the Honoring Our PACT Act, is running on a platform that includes childcare access, affordable housing, and increased public school funding. “Too many families and small businesses are hurting because of the cruel and costly policies of Greg Abbott and Donald Trump,” Holguín said, according to Texas Border Business.
Texas Border Business reports that a “successful businesswoman” is expected to formally announce her candidacy later this month. Additionally, another potential candidate, described as a “professional and public servant,” is reportedly considering entering the race.
With Guerra’s departure, District 41 will see its first open-seat election since 2012. The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
“There is still work to do, and I plan to give it everything I have until the very end,” Guerra said, as quoted by KRGV-TV.
