Joshua Cortez

Cortez graduated from Baylor University and taught at the University of North Texas. He later became a member of U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz's (R) staff. Cortez later attended the Harvard Kennedy School. As of the 2026 primary, Cortez had also worked as a rancher and the founder of a tech company.[1][2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 41‑year‑old, eighth‑generation Texan and lifelong resident of the greater San Antonio Region–Guadalupe County area, now running to represent Texas’ 35th Congressional District an area I call home. I have built my career at the intersection of public service, business, and higher education, serving as a Senior Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff in Congress for a House Republican for this same region and also previously working as a veterans liaison for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, where I helped service members and military families navigate federal agencies. In the private sector, I have also worked as an entrepreneur and professor, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges facing small businesses, working families, and students in our changing economy. My background in both the private and public sectors, along with my deep roots in South Texas, shape my commitment to address critical issues like jobs, infrastructure, and our looming regional water crisis.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Experience: I am the only candidate in the race who has worked in the US Senate and the US House for Texas Republicans. I am not a swamp staffer I know what needs to be done and I will hit the ground running from day one.Access: I already have relationships with key Texas offices to hit the ground running and move forward in the next two years of the America First agenda. I already have the relationships with key stakeholders in the new Texas 35th district a region of which I am from and have previously advocated for in Congress.Awareness: I know the issues facing our region. We have a water crisis that is on the horizon for our rural areas. Our ranchers and farmers need to be supported locally as we do not want to resort to foreign food sources for food that can be grown and raised here locally in Texas. That is a national security issue when we are beholden to foreign entities for our food. The same goes for Texas energy. We can extract and produce our own Texas energy here in Texas' 35th district. Texas energy brings Texans jobs, we can be self sufficient with that and not be subject to foreign countries energy supplies.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Nationally, my top priorities are:

1. Supporting our President’s America First agenda so Washington once again puts American workers, families, and small businesses ahead of bureaucrat's woke special interests.

2. Working to balance the budget by cutting spending, restoring fiscal discipline, and protecting Social Security and Medicare for current & near‑retirees.

3. Strengthening our border and military by finishing the wall where needed. Giving our servicemen the tools to do their job.

Locally, my priorities are:

1. Beginning to address our region’s looming water crisis.

2. Protecting Texas agricultural and energy independence.

3. Encouraging students towards trade & technical school opportunities, vocational jobs for our students.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

True Texas Project; Texans for Strong Borders, Young Conservatives of Texas, Protecting Texas Children, San Antonio Young Republicans & Latinos for America First. Mayor of Staples, Ronnie Clark; Mayor Pro Tem of Converse, Deborah James; and Former Mayor of San Marcos, Susan Narvaiz.

Campaign websiteCortez's campaign website stated the following:Texas Jobs for Texans FirstBuild a stronger economy by empowering our small businesses, supporting local energy production, and working to ensure that Texans are first in line for job opportunities.

American Energy & Food IndependenceChampion our local oil, gas, farmers and ranchers to ensure America never relies on foreign nations for our energy or food supply.

Address Our Region’s Impending Water CrisisWork with local leaders and our municipalities to get ahead of our rapidly depleting natural resources.

Border and Homeland SecurityFight for a permanently secured border, protecting our families from dangerous fentanyl, and restoring law and order.

Support for Our Veterans & Military ExcellenceHonor those who served, ensure that America maintains the strongest military in the world, and fight for local military and civilian jobs at our region’s bases.

Expanding OpportunityIncrease access to affordable trade, and vocational training so every Texan can achieve the American Dream in an AI dominated economy.

Defending seniorsProtect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors. No benefit cuts, just real support and stronger retirement security for those who built our communities.

Pro-Life CommitmentDefend every innocent life and support strong laws that protect the unborn. No taxpayer dollars for abortion just life-saving care for mothers and babies.

Fight for Our First RespondersPush to expand grants and resources for rural firefighters, EMS and law enforcement. Our heroes deserve better equipment, faster training, and more support for safer communities.

Pro-Family & Parents’ Rights

Stand up for our parents and families who must always have the final say in their child’s upbringing.— Joshua Cortez's campaign website (November 14, 2025)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.