State
State Senator, District 19
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator is one of 31 members of the Texas Senate, which writes and votes on state laws and the state budget and confirms many of the Governor's appointments.
Covers all of Crockett, Edwards, Frio, Kinney, Maverick, Real, Terrell, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala counties, and part of Atascosa, Bexar, Brewster and Guadalupe counties.
Public safety
Marcus CardenasRepublican
- Opposes defunding police; supports tougher penalties for violent crime.
Roland GutierrezDemocratic
- Sponsored bill limiting semiautomatic rifle transfers to certain buyers.In office
- Sponsored bills on gun storage and 3D-printed firearms.In office
Education
Marcus CardenasRepublican
- Supports more school funding and higher teacher pay.
Roland GutierrezDemocratic
- Proposes school fund interest for universal pre-K and school safety.In office
Housing
Marcus CardenasRepublican
No documented position found.
Roland GutierrezDemocratic
- Proposes a state public option for auto insurance.In office
Economy & jobs
Marcus CardenasRepublican
- Supports lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses.
Roland GutierrezDemocratic
- Proposes a microloan program for small farms.In office
- Proposes letting the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe offer gaming.In office
Roads & infrastructure
Marcus CardenasRepublican
- Supports investment in roads, water systems and broadband.
Roland GutierrezDemocratic
No documented position found.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.