John Lujan, 63, is a former Bexar County sheriff’s deputy and San Antonio firefighter who owns his own information technology firm. He’s represented the Southside in the Texas House since 2021, and is now seeking his party’s nomination for the redrawn 35th Congressional District.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m John Lujan, a lifelong San Antonio resident born and raised on the South Side, where I continue to live today. I have been married to my wife, Freda, for more than 40 years, and together we have raised five sons — three of whom are adopted. Faith, family, and service have always guided my life.
I spent decades serving our community as a firefighter, responding to emergencies and protecting families during their most difficult moments. After leaving the fire service, I worked as a small business owner, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges facing working families, employers, and taxpayers.
First elected in 2016 and then again in 2021, I have represented House District 118 in the Texas House of Representatives, where I have focused on public safety, border security, fiscal responsibility, and protecting vulnerable children in foster care. I am running for Congress to continue a lifetime of service and to stand up for conservative values that strengthen families, uphold the rule of law, and keep our communities safe.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
My top priorities are public safety, economic opportunity, border security, and protecting families. First, Congress must restore public safety by stopping the flow of fentanyl and strengthening cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Communities across South Texas have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking, and addressing it must remain a national priority.
Second, I am focused on lowering costs for working families by supporting policies that encourage job growth, domestic manufacturing, and small business expansion. Economic opportunity should not be limited by ZIP code.
Third, border security and immigration reform must be addressed responsibly. Texas bears the cost of federal inaction, and South Texas families deserve a system that is lawful, orderly, and humane. Finally, I will continue advocating for children in foster care, veterans, and seniors — ensuring government programs are accountable, effective, and focused on outcomes rather than bureaucracy. These priorities reflect what I hear daily from families across our community.
3. What should Congress be doing to rein in inflation and/or stabilize/boost the economy?
Inflation is the direct result of reckless federal spending and overregulation. Congress must restore fiscal responsibility by controlling spending, eliminating waste, and resisting policies that increase the national debt and burden future generations.
Stabilizing the economy also requires supporting American energy production, strengthening supply chains, and bringing manufacturing back home. Energy independence lowers costs for families and businesses and reduces reliance on foreign adversaries.
Congress should also reduce regulatory barriers that make it harder for small businesses to grow and hire. When employers can operate with certainty and lower costs, wages rise and prices stabilize. A strong economy depends on disciplined spending, pro-growth policies, and restoring confidence that Washington is acting responsibly with taxpayer dollars.
4. What should Congress be doing to reform immigration laws?
Congress must restore the rule of law at the border. Years of federal inaction and executive overreach have created a crisis that has strained Texas communities, endangered public safety, and empowered drug cartels and human traffickers.
Texas should not bear the consequences of Washington’s failure. A lawful, orderly system protects citizens, legal immigrants, and our national security.
Immigration reform must begin with securing the border, enforcing existing laws, and stopping the flow of fentanyl and illegal crossings. Without enforcement, no immigration system can function fairly or humanely. At the same time, Congress should modernize legal immigration pathways that meet workforce needs while respecting the law. Decisions about immigration policy belong in Congress, not through unilateral executive action.
5. At a time when the White House is asserting more control over national security and spending without Congress’ input, how would you handle disagreements over the division of power?
The Constitution clearly outlines the separation of powers, and Congress has a responsibility to assert its role — particularly when it comes to spending, national security, and oversight. Regardless of party, I believe Congress must fulfill its constitutional duties. As a Congressman, I will always show up and do what’s best for my constituents.
6. The past year has brought tremendous uncertainty to many Americans surrounding rising health insurance premiums and lack of access to medical care near their homes. What do you believe Congress should be doing to make health care affordable and accessible to residents in your state?
Congress should make health care more affordable by restoring patient choice, encouraging competition, and returning authority to the states. Federal overreach has increased costs, reduced access, and placed unnecessary burdens on providers.
States like Texas are best positioned to address local health care challenges. Congress should remove restrictive mandates, support workforce development, and strengthen community health centers so families can receive care closer to home.
Lowering costs requires transparency, accountability, and a health care system that rewards quality and efficiency. Health care reform should focus on empowering patients and doctors, not expanding federal control, so families can access affordable, timely care without excessive government interference.
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