Winning HD 118 for Working Texans ‣ Texas AFT

Kristian Carranza is making waves with her candidacy to represent District 118 in the Texas House of Representatives with a focus on strengthening public education. As a community organizer who grew up in Southside San Antonio, Carranza has firsthand experience with the struggles of working families that has shaped her political platform.

A key pillar of Carranza’s campaign is her opposition to school vouchers. She argues that these vouchers deprive public schools of much-needed resources, leaving them underfunded and unable to serve all students equally. Carranza advocates for fully funding public schools, increasing teacher salaries to retain talented educators, and expanding educational programs such as before- and after-school initiatives. She believes these programs are critical to ensuring students, particularly those from low-income families, have the same opportunities for success as their more affluent peers.

Carranza’s stance stands in sharp contrast to that of her opponent, Rep. John Lujan, who has been conditionally supportive of vouchers, citing the need for accountability from private schools if such programs are to be implemented. However, Carranza remains adamant that vouchers harm public education and argues that the state’s focus should be on improving existing schools rather than diverting funds away from them.

In the 88th^Th Legislature, his first session, Lujan’s voting results speak for themselves:

• AGAINST a $10,000 across-the-board raise for educators

• FOR expanding privately run charter schools

• AGAINST a 10% COLA for retired educators

• FOR completing higher education

• FOR a ban on school library books

• FOR non-certified counselors to be allowed to serve as school counselors

Lujan was marked present and did not vote on the Herrero amendment to the state budget, which would have banned the use of state funds for private school vouchers.

In addition to her focus on education, Carranza’s agenda now includes broader progressive goals such as expanding Medicaid, combating gun violence and combating climate change, which she believes are tied to the well-being of Texas families. A fresh face in politics with a long history of civic engagement, she promises to fight for the rights and needs of working families.

Her candidacy represents an attempt to inject new energy and progressive values ​​into the state legislature, particularly in support of public education and other issues that directly impact her community.

Even before taking office, Carranza has proven to be a steadfast ally of public schools and our members, joining the Texas AFT in September to endorse our Educator’s Bill of Rights and vowing to support it if elected.

Texas AFT urges everyone who cares about Texas public schools to join the fight now! Visit vote.texasaft.org for information about the November election and a list of current Texas AFT COPE supporters. Make your plan to vote, participate in volunteer opportunities and donate to our political fund when you can.