Marcus Cardenas, 39, is a native of San Antonio’s Southside. He owns a business that makes concrete furniture. He’s seeking the Republican nomination to take on state Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) in 2026.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m proud to have been born, raised, and to still live on the Southside of San Antonio. My business is also based on the Southside, where I’ve spent my life working and serving the community that raised me. After graduating high school, I attended Palo Alto College.
However, after a tragic accident involving my older brother, I made the difficult decision to step away from school to help support my family and continue the plumbing business my father built.
During that time, I learned the trade and developed the work ethic and leadership skills needed to run a successful business. Later, I started my own concrete company, where I’ve had the opportunity to create jobs and negotiate contracts. My experiences as a small business owner and lifelong Southside resident shape my commitment to serve our community.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
My top priorities focus on lowering costs for families, improving education, and strengthening our local economy. First, I support property tax relief for working families. One proposal I want to explore is lowering the age for certain tax exemptions from 65 to 55 to help reduce the financial burden many hardworking families face as costs continue to rise.
Second, I believe we must pursue education reform that better prepares students for real-world success. Growing up in the public school system, I often felt unaware of the resources and opportunities available to me. I want to ensure students have access to stronger guidance, expanded career and technical education, and alternatives to relying solely on the STAAR test to measure success. Schools should help students earn certifications in fields like HVAC, plumbing, and manufacturing while partnering with local businesses to create internship opportunities.
Finally, I want to promote economic development by supporting small businesses and attracting new industries to our district. By working with local leaders and infrastructure partners, we can bring in companies that create good-paying jobs and long-term economic growth for our community.
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 should be places where families feel safe, can drive on good roads, and have access to good jobs and strong educational opportunities. The Legislature should make sure our police officers and firefighters have the resources they need while also investing in infrastructure and workforce training that prepares people for good-paying careers.
State leaders should also spend more time listening to local officials and the people who live in these communities. When state and local leaders work together and focus on real solutions instead of politics, we can make our cities better places to live, work, and raise a family.
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?
Education Savings Accounts should be implemented with strong transparency and accountability. Any school or program receiving taxpayer funds should meet clear standards, including qualified educators, financial oversight, and responsible use of public funds. Families deserve to know that the money is being used effectively to support student success.
At the same time, we must continue supporting education overall by ensuring students have access to strong learning opportunities and career pathways. Regular reviews, clear performance measures, and transparent reporting will help ensure Education Savings Accounts are working as intended and that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education.
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 taxes are one of the biggest financial burdens facing Texas families, and we need solutions that provide relief while still supporting a growing state. One way to do that is by growing our economy and expanding the state’s revenue base. Texas has tools like the Texas Enterprise Fund and other economic development incentives that help attract major employers and industries to our state.
By bringing in new businesses and supporting the growth of existing ones, we can generate additional revenue through franchise taxes, sales taxes, and job creation. That economic growth helps reduce our reliance on property taxes while strengthening local economies.
At the same time, we must ensure government spending is responsible and transparent. With smart economic development and fiscal discipline, Texas can continue to grow while easing the property tax burden on homeowners and working families.
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The San Antonio Report’s 2026 Republican Primary Runoff Voter Guide
