Ricardo “Rick” Martinez is the owner of Texas Universal Lighting LLC. He won a two-way primary to become the Republican nominee to replace retiring state Rep. Ray Lopez (R-San Antonio).
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
Ricardo “Rick” Martinez, 48, is a San Antonio entrepreneur and community leader who was raised between two cultures. He was born on a United States Army installation in Germany to a U.S. Army father and a German mother. Much of his childhood was spent in Germany before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he attended high school. He later attended college in Lubbock, Texas, where he began his journey as an entrepreneur.
For over a decade, Rick has built his life and businesses in San Antonio. He is the owner of Rent-A-Lift USA, Texas Universal Lighting, and the CafeRita’s franchise, and is also a real estate investor—creating jobs and contributing to local economic growth.
Rick believes deeply in giving back to his community. He is the founder of the Loving Heart Foundation and the Learn for Life Center of San Antonio, and has been actively involved in local initiatives such as Ferrari Kid, focusing on charitable outreach, education, and community support.
His story is one of hard work, service, and opportunity, and he is committed to delivering practical, results-driven leadership that understands and meets the needs of everyday Texans.
2. Briefly describe your top policy priorities.
In San Antonio, Rick Martinez’s top priorities are improving public safety, abolishing the homestead property tax, and making healthcare more affordable.
Public safety means ensuring every neighborhood feels secure, with well-equipped law enforcement and strong community programs that deter crime and build trust.
Abolishing the homestead property tax would relieve homeowners, encourage investment, and ease the financial burden on families.
Rick is also committed to improving access to affordable healthcare, ensuring individuals and families can receive the care they need without facing overwhelming costs.
Together, these priorities aim to create a safer, more economically stable, and healthier San Antonio.
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?
To make Texas cities better places to live, the legislature should prioritize infrastructure, public safety, and education that prepares students for the workforce. Investing in roads, drainage, and flood control is critical to support growth, improve safety, and protect taxpayers from costly long-term issues.
Public safety must remain a top priority by supporting law enforcement and strengthening community policing and emergency response efforts so every neighborhood feels secure.
Education should focus on preparing students for real-world opportunities by supporting strong schools, modern classrooms, and workforce readiness programs that align with local job markets.
State and local officials can work more effectively together by maintaining open communication, aligning on shared goals, and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy that delays progress. Regular collaboration and accountability will ensure that state policies support—not interfere with—local needs.
By focusing on practical solutions, cutting red tape, and working together, Texas can continue to grow while keeping communities safe, efficient, and economically strong.
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?
Rick Martinez supports public schools—he attended public school, his wife did, and his children do today. At the same time, he supports school choice because some families feel the public system is not meeting their expectations.
He believes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can be effective when implemented with strong oversight, clear accountability, and a focus on student outcomes. Every child—regardless of where they attend school—deserves access to a quality education.
Rick also believes education should better prepare students for real-world success. College is a great path for some, but not for everyone. Schools should expand opportunities by teaching practical life skills such as financial literacy and career readiness.
He supports increased investment in trade and vocational programs, including careers such as electricians, plumbers, and welders—fields that are essential, in high demand, and less likely to be replaced by technology.
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?
Rick Martinez believes no homeowner should have to pay the government simply for the privilege of living in their own home—that home is their castle. That’s why he supports abolishing the homestead property tax.
He understands property taxes are a major source of funding, especially for public schools. However, instead of continually increasing revenue, he believes the focus should be on spending smarter and improving efficiency. Too much money is lost to waste, outdated facilities, and rising maintenance costs. By prioritizing essential repairs and responsible budgeting, schools can operate more effectively, improve student outcomes, and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
This also ties directly into public safety and economic growth. When communities are safe, businesses are more likely to invest, expand, and create jobs. Strong local economies generate revenue through business activity, reducing reliance on property taxes over time.
By focusing on fiscal responsibility, safer communities, and efficient government, Rick aims to protect homeowners while ensuring essential services remain properly funded.
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