Roland Gutierrez Wins Reelection to Texas Senate District 19
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
State Senator Roland Gutierrez won reelection to Texas Senate District 19 in the November 3, 2026 general election, defeating Republican challenger Marcus Cardenas and securing a third term representing a district that includes Maverick County.
With an estimated 99 percent of votes counted, Gutierrez received 178,739 votes, or 64 percent, while Cardenas received 100,630 votes, or 36 percent.
The unofficial results gave Gutierrez a lead of 78,109 votes and a 28-percentage-point margin, returning the Democratic incumbent to Austin for another four-year term beginning in January 2027.
Gutierrez was first elected to the Texas Senate in November 2020 and took office on January 12, 2021. He won reelection in 2022 and had served nearly six years in the Senate heading into Tuesday’s election.
Before joining the Senate, Gutierrez served in the Texas House of Representatives from May 2008 through January 2021. His combined service in both chambers totaled more than 18 years at the time of his latest electoral victory.
The San Antonio attorney represents a geographically extensive district, including Eagle Pass and Maverick County, encompassing communities with needs involving transportation, water infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development.
During the 2025 legislative session, Gutierrez served on the Senate committees on Local Government, Veteran Affairs, and Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Those assignments involved issues affecting municipalities, rural communities and military families throughout the district.
His legislative background included serving as chairman of the House Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. During his House tenure, he helped establish the National Warrior Resiliency Center in San Antonio to address post-traumatic stress disorder and supported measures protecting Texas military installations from closure. He also advocated for state investment in the San Antonio State Hospital.
Gutierrez has also been a strong advocate for gun violence prevention and families affected by the May 24, 2022, Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, where 19 children and two teachers were killed. His efforts included proposals addressing firearm access, public safety and accountability for the law enforcement response.
Tuesday’s victory extended his Senate service and ensured continued representation for Maverick County and the other communities within District 19 when the 90th Texas Legislature convenes in January 2027.
