Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Texas State House District 118

2-year term. Legislative authority and responsibilities for the 150 representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, originating spending bills, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Joe Shellhart
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Jorge Borrego
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Desi Martinez
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Qualifications: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

Business: What, if any, regulation is needed for Data Centers?

Education: What role do you think the State Legislature should have in school district policies?

Water: What are your ideas for ensuring that Texans have affordable and safe water, while balancing the desire for economic development?

Hunger: How do we ensure no child goes hungry in the State of Texas?

Voter Rights: Would you support legislation that requires documented proof of citizenship when registering to vote? Please explain your answer.

I have over eight years of military service, five in EMS, I’m a small business owner, substitute teacher, and dad here in San Antonio. I am pursuing a doctorate in early childhood education, which helps me connect real‑world experience with informed decision‑making. I don’t have all the answers, but I listen, I learn, and I’m willing to do the work. Running for the Texas House is simply the next step in continuing to serve my neighbors and community.
Data centers are important for our economy, but they need to grow responsibly. I support common‑sense rules that protect our power grid, water resources, and nearby communities without driving business out of Texas. That means transparency about their impact, responsible planning for energy use, and basic standards on things like heat, noise, and water, especially near neighborhoods. We should welcome investment, but not at the expense of Texans’ quality of life or the reliability of our grid.
The Legislature should set strong foundations and clear expectations, but not try to run every classroom from Austin. The state’s role is to ensure fair funding, safety, and accountability, and to protect parents’ rights to be involved in their child’s education. I believe more of our resources should go to teachers and classrooms, not growing administration. We should empower parents, support educators, and let local districts focus on teaching kids, not on bureaucracy or politics.
We have to treat water as a basic necessity first and an economic asset second. Texans should never have to question if their tap water is safe. The state must enforce clear safety standards and hold bad actors accountable when they put communities at risk. At the same time, we know Texas is growing, so we need to plan ahead instead of reacting to crises, supporting long‑term projects like conservation, reuse, and better storage so our water supply can keep up with people and businesses.
I take this issue personally because I grew up in a low‑income household on a fixed income. I remember not knowing if my lunch money went through, getting a brown bag while others had a full tray. No child should feel singled out, embarrassed, or unsure if they’ll eat that day, especially at school. We have to put kids first and figure out the funding second. If a child shows up hungry, we feed them. Period. Schools should make breakfast and lunch easily accessible.
Voting is a right for U.S. citizens, and asking for proof of citizenship or a valid ID is a reasonable safeguard to protect election integrity and keep things honest at the polls. At the same time, any requirements should be clear and fair, making it straightforward for eligible citizens, including seniors, veterans, rural Texans, and low‑income families, to get the documents they need without unnecessary costs or hurdles.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I built my career on a steadfast commitment to justice and service for the people of San Antonio and Texas. As the founder of Martinez & Associates—honored by the San Antonio Express-News as Best Law Firm in San Antonio four of the past five years—I humbly earned a reputation for representing clients with integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication.
I am committed to lowering the tax burden on hardworking Texans. That means cutting wasteful government spending and ensuring that Texas families are protected from rising costs. Every dollar matters, and I will work to keep more money in your pocket where it belongs so that you have the opportunity to invest in your family's future.
I am proud to support and will advocate for the great school districts in Texas that serve our children and show their commitment to providing students with the best opportunities possible.
Maintaining access to clean and affordable water is essential for Texans. I will advocate for smart investments in water infrastructure that keeps our safety and economic development at the forefront.
A thriving economy creates stability and empowers Texas families. Removing economic limitations and supporting small businesses, the backbone of our community, makes room for families to take care of themselves and our community members in need.
Maintaining public confidence in the election process is crucial in upholding our constitutional rights. I will listen to Texas families and fight for a fair and transparent election process.