Lujan, age 62, was elected to his first full term in the Texas House in November of 2022, after flipping the district in a 2021 special election. He previously held the seat briefly after another special election in 2016. He is a former Bexar County sheriff’s deputy and San Antonio firefighter who owns his own information technology firm.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I was raised in South San Antonio by a retired minister and local high school principal. After graduating, I began working as a Deputy in the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department for five years. I joined the San Antonio Fire Department, serving over 25 years before retiring. During that time, I founded a small IT firm that has grown into a thriving business.
I’ve been married to the love of my life, Freda, for over 40 years. We’ve raised our 5 boys, 3 of whom are adopted. I am a family man, a businessman, and most importantly, a man of faith. First elected to serve HD118 in 2016, I was reelected in 2021 and served my first full term. It is my honor to serve House District 118 and I remain committed to delivering results for my residents.
What three issues do you consider to be most pressing for your district and how do you plan to address them?
After talking to residents, the three most pressing issues for my district are public safety, the economy, and preparing our youth for success.
Public Safety: Border security, lowering crime rates, and fighting the fentanyl crisis are critical for our community’s well-being. I will continue to support policies that increase resources for law enforcement, strengthen border security, and expand drug prevention and treatment programs. My work on passing HB 6, aimed at combating fentanyl poisoning, is one way I’ve taken action, and I will continue to fight this crisis.
Economy: Inflation and high property taxes are straining family budgets. Last session, I worked hard to pass $18 billion property tax relief plan for Texas residents. I will continue advocating for tax relief and working to foster economic development that attracts good-paying jobs to our district. Reducing government waste and ensuring that small businesses can thrive are also top priorities. I am working every day to bring more jobs to our community. Just last year, I helped secure 1,500 new jobs for our district. The Southside is full of hard-working people and we are hungry for economic development.
Protecting and Preparing Our Youth for Success: We must invest in our children’s future by supporting child welfare, improving education, ensuring workforce readiness, and reforming the juvenile justice system. As a parent of 3 adopted boys, I am committed to strengthening foster care services, providing resources for children in need, and improving outcomes for those transitioning out of the system.
Additionally, we must address the juvenile justice system by focusing on rehabilitation and providing pathways for at-risk youth to find success through education and workforce programs. Whether it’s improving education, expanding vocational training, or supporting youth in foster care and juvenile justice, I’m dedicated to preparing our next generation for success and breaking cycles of poverty.
Do you support the creation of a school voucher program? If so, what specifics are you looking for? Are you willing to leave the next session without approving additional public school funding?
Our schools are the backbone of our community, and I fully support ensuring they are
adequately funded. All five of my sons graduated from public schools, so I have firsthand experience with the value they bring to our children and communities.
I also believe that parents should have the right to choose the best education for their children.
Last session, I voted to fully fund our public schools, and I will continue to advocate for robust funding in the next session. However, I also support school choice, provided that any program includes equitable accountability measures to ensure all Texas students receive a high-quality education, regardless of the type of school they attend.
Describe how you plan to be an effective lawmaker in a governing body where
leadership controls much of the agenda.
Heading into my second term as State Representative, my focus has always be on representing the unique needs of my district. It’s essential to remember that my primary responsibility is to the constituents who elected me. I believe in working across the aisle, when necessary, to advance legislation that benefits my community, without compromising on the values that matter to my district. By building relationships, listening to all perspectives, and staying grounded in the needs of those I serve, I can ensure that our voices are heard and that meaningful progress is made for the people back home.
How do you solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
The best way to understand the needs of my district is simple — by listening. As the State Representative for House District 118, I maintain an open-door policy and make myself available 24/7 to residents. I take every meeting, regardless of the topic or stance, because every voice matters.
My office is always ready to serve — whether by phone, email, or in-person meetings, we make it a priority to be accessible. I also provide regular updates on legislative matters through social media, newsletters, and emails, keeping residents informed and engaged. I encourage constituents to reach out with their concerns and ideas so I can effectively represent their interests at the Capitol. By fostering open communication, I ensure that my work reflects the needs and priorities of the people I serve.
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