John Lira is a lifelong Texan, public servant, and working-class advocate running to represent Texas’ 35th Congressional District. Raised in San Antonio in a family shaped by military service and public duty, Lira grew up with a strong sense of responsibility to his community and country. He went on to serve as a U.S. Marine, where he learned the values of leadership, discipline, and putting mission before self — lessons that continue to guide his public service.
After his military service, Lira returned home and dedicated himself to serving Texans at the local and federal level. He has worked in government and public service roles focused on helping families access resources, strengthening communities, and ensuring that everyday people aren’t left behind by Washington politics. Motivated by rising costs, threats to healthcare and personal freedom, and a Congress that too often prioritizes politics over people, Lira is running for Congress to bring service-driven leadership to TX-35. His campaign centers on affordability, dignity, and delivering real results for working families across San Antonio, Austin, and the I-35 corridor.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs for Working Families — Lira is focused on tackling the rising cost of healthcare, housing, groceries, and utilities so families can get ahead.
- Healthcare Access — He supports protecting and expanding access to affordable healthcare, lowering prescription-drug prices, and defending coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
- Protecting Fundamental Freedoms — Lira is committed to defending reproductive freedom, voting rights, and personal liberty against extremist attacks.
- Economic Opportunity & Good Jobs — He supports investments that create good-paying jobs, strengthen small businesses, and grow opportunity along the I-35 corridor.
- Veterans & Military Families — As a Marine veteran, Lira believes veterans deserve full access to healthcare, benefits, and support after their service.
- Putting People Over Politics — Running in a Democratic primary, Lira emphasizes accountability, integrity, and results over political ambition.
Why John Lira
- U.S. Marine Veteran: Brings real leadership and service experience to the race.
- Deep Local Roots: Lifelong connection to San Antonio and Central Texas communities.
- Working-Class Perspective: Understands the pressures families face because he’s lived them.
- Clear Contrast: Offers people-first leadership focused on delivery, not dysfunction.
- Strong Fit for TX-35: A district that deserves a representative grounded in service and community values.
I grew up on San Antonio’s southeast side and learned early what hard work and community mean. I’ve spent my life serving others, and now I’m running to make sure every Texan has a fair shot, a strong voice, and a future they can count on.