John Garza
John Garza (b. March 13, 1955) was a 2014 Republican candidate for District 117 of the Texas House of Representatives.[1] He held the same seat from 2011 to 2013.
Biography
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, University of Denver[2]
Professional Experience
- Founder and architect of a low-income home building company in the Rio Grande Valley[2]
Committee assignments
2011-2012
John Garza served on the following Texas House of Representatives committees:
Issues
Garza outlined his views on a number of issues on his campaign site:
Education
Excerpt:"Better education does not mean simply throwing money at the problem and hoping for the best. Better education requires hard work, a community that cares, accountability, quality, and a focus on excellence...We need to first open up the school districts’ books, so that parents can watch administrators to make sure they are doing a good job...Since 2006, Texas has spent over $1.1 billion dollars on drop out prevention, yet we still have one of the highest drop out rates in the nation. We need to shift some of that money into programs that strengthen family values.
We Want:
School Choice Within The Public School System Focus on Excellence and Accountability inside the Classroom Focus on Efficiency and Provide Incentives to Teachers and Administrators Close failing public schools."
Healthcare
Excerpt:"We all know how expensive insurance is. No one should have to make the choice between seeing a doctor and buying dinner. I will insure Texans receive the best medical care in the country and make sure that folks don’t get stuck with impossible medical bills...The current unregulated “file-and-use” system has proved costly and inefficient. Texans love to be first, but the “file-and-use” system has made us last when it comes to the percentage of citizens without health care....The current Insurance Commissioner is appointed by the Governor. The Insurance Commissioner should be elected by the People. Citizens in states with elected commissioners pay 43% less for homeowners insurance and 12% less for health insurance...Changing the law would mean taking the power out of the hands of the insurance companies and returning it to the People.
I intend to put forth and pass legislation that will force hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to share information upon the patient’s approval. The Veterans Hospitals have the best medical database in the nation, and there is no reason Texas shouldn’t take the lead and create the best hospital system among the states."
Immigration
Excerpt:"*Immigration is both a state and federal problem. We need to prevent illegal immigration, but in doing so we will need to find real answers to the question of undocumented immigrants and workers who are already here.
- Children born on our soil are citizens. It is our duty to insure they receive an education so that they do not become a burden to taxpayers and they are equipped with the tools to lead a strong, health, and successful life.
- As for the undocumented immigrants and workers already here, we must find a fair and responsible solution. A combination of amnesty and a workers program would present options not yet on the table.
Solutions must be established now. Illegal immigrants cost taxpayers money. That is unacceptable."
Property Tax Reform Excerpt:"*For the last twenty years, Mr. Garza has experienced every aspect of the real estate market. He knows real estate inside and out. He is extraordinarily suited to take on unchecked property tax increases and the housing and foreclosure crisis.
- The current 10% appraisal cap on residential properties allows the tax bill to double every seven and a half years. This cannot stand. A much lower appraisal cap is not only necessary but fair.
- By requiring city and county elected officials to serve on appraisal boards the constituency would be demanding accountability of their representatives. This in turn would force the appraisal boards to answer to taxpayers instead of the current system of zero accountability."[2]
Elections
2014
Elections for all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. Those candidates who did not receive 50 percent or more of the vote in their party primary on March 4 faced an additional May 27 primary runoff. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Philip Cortez was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Rick Galindo defeated John Garza in the Republican primary. Cortez was defeated by Galindo in the general election.[1][3][4]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Rick Galindo |
52.7% | 12,835 | |
| Democratic | Philip Cortez Incumbent | 47.3% | 11,521 | |
| Total Votes | 24,356 | |||
2012
Garza ran for re-election in the 2012 election for Texas House of Representatives, District 117. Garza ran unopposed in the May 29 primary and was defeated by Philip Cortez (D) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[5][6]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Philip Cortez |
53.8% | 22,397 | |
| Republican | John Garza Incumbent | 46.2% | 19,214 | |
| Total Votes | 41,611 | |||
2010
Garza won election to Texas House of Representatives District 117. He was unopposed in the March 2 Republican primary and ousted incumbent Democrat David McQuade Leibowitz and in the November 2 general election.[7]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 117 2010 General election results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| John Garza (R)
|
14,705 | 51.88% | ||
| David McQuade Leibowitz (D) | 13,635 | 48.11% | ||
Campaign finance summary
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Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Garza and his wife, Debra, have five children.
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term "John + Garza + Texas + House"
See also
- Texas State Legislature
- Texas state legislative districts
- Texas House of Representatives
- Texas House of Representatives elections, 2014
External links
- John Garza on Facebook
- Official Campaign Contributions-Personal from Texas State Ethics
- Official Campaign Contributions-Committee from Texas State Ethics
- Campaign contributions: 2012
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Texas Tribune
- Profile from Imagine Election
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedaboutjohn - ↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Representative Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ Texas GOP list of candidates for 2012 Elections
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
- ↑ Official Texas Election Results
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by David McQuade Leibowitz (D) |
Texas House of Representatives District 117 2011-2013 |
Succeeded by Philip Cortez (D) |
