Democrat Roland Gutierrez triumphed over GOP incumbent Pete Flores in the battle for Texas Senate District 19 on Wednesday.
Flores conceded after Election Day in the contest for the historically Democratic district, which stretches from southern San Antonio into West Texas and down to the border.
Gutierrez told TPR’s David Martin Davies that reclaiming the seat gives Democrats more offset power.
"You know, obviously, when we lost the seat, Lt. Gov. Patrick was able to essentially write his own ticket," he said. "And so getting this back serves as a blocker for any negative legislation, such as the bathroom bill and other kind of partisan nonsense that we really don't want to see."
During his campaign, Gutierrez pushed a plan to fill a multibillion-dollar gap in education funding that Texas faces over the next two years by legalizing cannabis.
He also supports emission reductions, restoration of the motor fuel tax to improve road infrastructure, and expanding eligibility for the Children’s Health Insurance Plan.
Senate District 19 is one of the largest legislative districts in the U.S., stretching over 17 counties from southern San Antonio into West Texas. It’s predominantly Hispanic and has typically been a stronghold for Democrats in the Texas Senate.
GOP incumbent Flores represented the district since his 2018 victory over Democrat Pete Gallego in a special election upset.
Gutierrez, an immigration lawyer, vacated a spot in the Texas House (D-119) to try to unseat him. He represented District 119 since 2008. Prior to that, he occupied the District 3 seat on San Antonio City Council.
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