Sign up for TPR Today, Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.
San Antonio educator Adrian Reyna handily won Tuesday’s Democratic runoff for Texas House District 125, defeating former Bexar County Precinct 2 Constable Michelle Barrientes Vela.
With roughly 90% of precincts reporting Tuesday night, Reyna held about 80% of the vote.
“That number represents a lot of hard work from a lot of people,” Reyna said. “Just humbled and honored to have had such a broad coalition come together to support.”
The San Antonio Independent School District teacher and labor activist campaigned heavily on public education, affordability and working-class economic issues.
Reyna said voters are looking for leaders focused on working-class concerns and everyday affordability pressures.
“Folks are just asking for the basics,” Reyna said. “Food on the table, roof over their head, and access to health care.”
As a teacher, Reyna said one of his top priorities in Austin would be fully funding Texas public schools while also addressing healthcare access and affordability challenges facing working families.
“Bringing down gas prices and grocery bills, which we can actually do here at the state level,” Reyna said. “But also making sure that we're investing in real opportunities.”
Barrientes Vela sought a political comeback centered on her law enforcement background and experience as a former elected constable, but her candidacy also renewed attention on controversies during her tenure as Precinct 2 constable.
In 2020, she was arrested and charged with aggravated perjury, tampering with evidence and official oppression tied to Rodriguez Park security-payment logs. A jury later convicted her on two felony tampering charges before the Eighth Court of Appeals overturned the convictions and rendered a judgment of acquittal in 2024.
Barrientes Vela described the ruling as a “full exoneration.”
Reyna will face Republican nominee Ricardo “Rick” Martinez, a lighting company owner, in the November general election.
The race will determine who succeeds longtime Democratic state Rep. Ray Lopez, who did not seek reelection.
The district covers parts of San Antonio’s West and Northwest sides.
