Johnny Garcia, a Democratic candidate seeking election in Texas’ recently redrawn 35th Congressional District, faced multiple suspensions during his employment with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Public records indicate these disciplinary actions were for issues such as "job performance," "insubordination," and "conduct or action that would seriously impair job effectiveness."
The first suspension, occurring in 2009, stemmed from Garcia bringing a cellular device into a secure area despite repeated directives against it. The second, in 2020, involved Garcia leaving a firearm in an unsecured location, leading to its theft.
In both instances, Garcia was suspended without pay.
These suspensions, uncovered through a public records request, cast new light on a law enforcement career that Garcia has made a cornerstone of his campaign. He is currently running against Republican candidate Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran. The contest, which aims to fill the seat being vacated by Representative Greg Casar, a Democrat representing Texas, is anticipated to be considerably more competitive in the upcoming midterm elections compared to previous years.
Details of Disciplinary Actions
The initial suspension in 2009 occurred when Garcia carried his mobile phone into a secured jail area, an action he had been explicitly instructed to avoid multiple times.
"You have been instructed multiple times not to bring cellular phones or electronic equipment into the secured area and that doing so is a violation of policy. You stated you had been informed several times during Roll Call that cellular phones are not permitted in the secured area," a notice of suspension stated.
"You are hereby notified that the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department is suspending you without pay for a total of three days… for insubordination [and] conduct or action that would seriously impair job effectiveness."
The second suspension, according to the disciplinary documentation, took place in 2020. Garcia reportedly left his Glock firearm, four magazines, and his official badge inside his vehicle, and these items were subsequently stolen.
"Your equipment was not properly secured and was kept temporarily in your vehicle against Bexar County Sheriff’s policy. This negligent behavior has seriously impaired your job effectiveness and is a clear violation of the policies and procedures of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office," a report read.
County records indicate Garcia received a five-day suspension without pay for "job performance" following this incident. The stolen firearm was eventually recovered after Garcia reported it missing.
The Sheriff’s Office declined to provide additional context regarding the suspensions, the frequency of such disciplinary actions, or other types of discipline considered before a suspension. However, the office confirmed that Garcia did not face any other disciplinary measures as a result of these two incidents. A spokesperson added, "All deputies are required to maintain complete knowledge of the Civil Service Commission policies. Disciplinary actions are handled independently on single incidents."
Campaign Focus Amidst Political Realignment
Garcia, who has no prior experience in elected office, faces significantly steeper electoral challenges than other Democrats who have previously competed in Texas’ 35th District.
In 2024, Casar, a progressive, secured re-election in the district's former configuration with a substantial 67.4% to 32.6% victory. However, Republican legislators targeted this electoral advantage through redistricting changes enacted last year, which prompted Casar to seek re-election in the neighboring 37th District of the state.
"Trump and Abbott just rammed through maps designed to kick people like me out of office. They don’t want me in Congress because they don’t want us to be heard. But we’re not going anywhere," Casar asserted in a post explaining his decision.
To navigate this shift in the political landscape, Garcia has presented a centrist platform to voters, emphasizing his service with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, which he joined at the age of 21. His career there included working in the county jail and later serving as a hostage negotiator.
On his campaign website, Garcia lists border security as a primary concern, alongside issues like affordability and safeguarding government programs such as Social Security. He has asserted that he witnessed border vulnerabilities firsthand, stating that he observed "how Biden failed us on the border."
His website describes him as "An old school Democrat … he believes true public safety means more than tough talk."
When questioned about the two suspensions, Garcia’s campaign highlighted his overall record concerning safety as a law enforcement officer.
Having successfully secured his party's nomination in the primary election in May, Garcia is now set to advance to the state's general election on November 3.
