Carlos Antonio Raymond is a realtor who ran for City Council in 2025. After an unsuccessful Texas House race as a Democrat, he left the Democratic Party to run as a Republican. He’s now switched back to running as a Democrat, in the four-way primary to replace retiring state Rep. Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio).
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a first-generation immigrant from Africa, Jamaica West Indies and the Canal Zone, Panama Diaspora, age 76, and a lifelong resident of House District 125 in San Antonio. My life has been shaped by responsibility, adversity, and service. I grew up in extreme poverty as one of 19 children, often going to school hungry, learning early that nothing is given—everything is earned. Those experiences instilled discipline, humility, and deep respect for working families.
I served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam war, and trained at Brooke Army Medical Center as a Combat Medical Specialist. My education includes an Associate of Arts in Medical Science (Radiologic Technology) from the University of the District of Columbia; a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Short Of 30-semester credit hours for a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from Georgia State University; studies in Texas Government and Political Science at Alamo Colleges; and Arabic studies at the University of Cairo, Egypt. I speak and write fluent multiple language, including (Spanish).
Professionally, I am a retired Federal employee who served at the VA Medical Center as a Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), with the Department of Defense as a Budget Analyst, and with the Department of Transportation as a Transportation Planner/Analyst, working with TxDOT on Highway 151 to ease congestion in the Alamo Ranch corridor. I also worked as a REALTOR, gaining small-business and community experience.
Further, I am a self-taught attorney with more than 40 years of experience in civil
litigation, from 1983 to 2026. I have successfully represented myself in cases across all levels of Federal courts, including U.S. District Courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of The United States. Character matters. Integrity matters. I have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime. I believe elected office is not a steppingstone—it is a sacred responsibility, and I bring decades of real-world public service and results-driven leadership.
Politically, since 2008, I have been duly elected as a Precinct Chairman under both major parties, gaining firsthand campaign and constituent experience. I have run multiple times for public office, learning valuable lessons in every campaign. I worked a Volunteer Coordinator and constituent Communication Under Former Mayor Andrew ‘Andy’ Young (1980’) – Former President Barrack H. Obama (2008) And former Mayor Ivy Taylor (2017). While I have not yet won, each race has deepened my understanding of how federal, state, and local governments operate and has strengthened my character. My faith and commitment to public service inspire me to keep serving, no matter the outcome.
I am a proud, card-carrying union member of AFGE, AFL-CIO.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
My top legislative priorities reflect the critical needs facing Texas, San Antonio, and House District 125 today. I will fight for jobs and workforce development by investing in skills training and workforce pipelines that keep our economy strong and ensure residents have access to good-paying careers.
Affordability and the cost of living continue to be Texans’ top concern; I support policies to lower property taxes and expand housing options to make homes attainable for families and seniors alike.
Healthcare access is essential — expanding Medicaid, strengthening provider
workforce capacity, and improving mental health care for Veterans suffering from Service-Connected Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other related mental health issue that must be priorities. Likewise, Public education funding and training must be elevated so public schools have the resources to serve all students and prepare them for the future.
I will also champion small business support, including tax incentives and regulatory relief, to help local entrepreneurs thrive. Infrastructure improvements — from roads to broadband — will support growth and safety.
And I will protect civil rights and judicial integrity, ensuring fair treatment for all Texans. With a humane, practical approach to immigration that strengthens our workforce while securing our borders, I will work for solutions that reflect District 125’s values and needs.
3. What would you like to see the legislature do to make Texas cities better places to live? In what ways could state officials work better with local officials?
Texas cities are growing rapidly, and the state must help ensure they remain safe, livable, and economically strong and competitive with the ret of the nation. IN District 125, for example, one of San Antonio’s fastest growing areas with many Veterans and retired Federal employee, we see the need for better road infrastructure, affordable housing and expanded health care, and traffic solutions. I would like the legislature to provide flexible funding for road to fix the flooding issues that have claimed the lives of so many this year, 2024 and 2025, a well as rapid transit, and community services while supporting local initiatives that meet residents’ needs.
State officials can work more effectively with executive branch of the Federal Government; work with the City Of San Antonio leaders through clear guidance, open communication, and collaboration on planning and resources. BY working together, we can make Texas cities stronger, more sustainable, and better places for families, Veterans, Seniors and small business to thrive.
4. Texas has taken major steps to reshape its public education system, including allowing taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition. What do you believe needs to happen to monitor the success of Education Savings Accounts, and to ensure every student still receives a quality education?
To ensure Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) truly serve Texas students and do not undermine public education, strong accountability and transparency must be non- negotiable.
First, Texas must establish clear performance metrics to monitor academic outcomes for students using ESAs, including standardized assessments, graduation rates, and long- term student success.
Taxpayer dollars should only support schools and programs that demonstrate
measurable educational value. Private institutions receiving ESA funds must meet basic academic, financial, and nondiscrimination standards, with regular audits and public reporting.
Second, the state has a responsibility to ensure ESAs do not drain resources from
public schools, which continue to educate the vast majority of Texas children —
including students with disabilities, English learners, and those from low-income
families. Public schools must be fully funded, with protections in place so districts like those in San Antonio and House District 125 are not left with fewer resources but greater responsibilities.
Third, equity must remain central. ESAs should not become a system that only benefits families with means or access. Transportation, special education services, and language support must be addressed so every child has a fair opportunity.
5. Reducing the burden of property taxes is expected to be a major focus of the next legislative session. Describe your ideas for balancing the needs of a growing state with state leaders’ desire to rein in that major revenue source?
Property tax relief is important, but it must be done responsibly so Texas can continue to fund schools, public safety, and essential services in a rapidly growing state.
First, the state must take on a greater share of public education funding. When the Legislature increases its contribution to schools, it directly reduces pressure on local property taxes. Texas has the resources to do this, and prioritizing education at the state level protects homeowners while ensuring classrooms remain strong.
Second, appraisal reform is needed to address rapidly rising property values that price families and seniors out of their homes. Reasonable caps, increased homestead exemptions, and targeted relief for seniors, veterans, and low-income homeowners can provide stability without undermining local governments.
Third, we must be honest about tradeoffs. Sustainable tax relief requires closing
loopholes, reviewing corporate tax incentives, and ensuring large, out-of-state interests pay their fair share. Broad tax cuts should not come at the expense of schools, infrastructure, or public safety.
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