<source: FOX NEWS
Summary
Johnny Garcia, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’ 35th District, faced two suspensions during his time as a Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputy. In 2009, he was suspended for bringing a cell phone into a secure area, and in 2020, he was suspended for leaving a firearm unsecured, which was later stolen. The suspensions, uncovered through a public records request, have drawn attention as Garcia campaigns against Republican Carlos De La Cruz. The race, part of the 2024 midterms, is expected to be more competitive due to redistricting changes.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Garcia’s past suspensions resurface as he runs for office.
He served as a sheriff’s deputy for nearly two decades.
His campaign emphasizes law enforcement experience.
Two suspensions, two moments of oversight, two steps in the routine of political scrutiny.
Author: Evan Null
Johnny Garcia’s Suspensions
Johnny Garcia, a candidate for Congress in Texas’ newly redrawn 35th District, faced two suspensions during his time with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. The first occurred in 2009 when he brought a cellular device into a secure area against repeated instructions. The second in 2020 when he left a firearm in an unsecured location, where it was later stolen. Both suspensions were without pay.
The suspensions, discovered through a public records request, have put new scrutiny on Garcia’s law enforcement career. He is running against Republican Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran, in a race that is expected to be more competitive due to redistricting changes. The race is part of the 2024 midterms.
Garcia’s campaign has highlighted his experience as a sheriff’s deputy, including work in the county jail and as a hostage negotiator. He has not held elected office before and faces steeper odds than other Democrats in the district. His campaign has focused on issues like border security and affordability.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Garcia had not faced any other forms of discipline beyond the two suspensions. A spokesperson stated that the suspensions were handled in accordance with Civil Service Commission guidelines. The office did not provide additional context on the suspensions or other disciplinary actions.
Garcia’s campaign has responded to the suspensions by emphasizing his law enforcement record and criticizing Republican tactics. He is set to face De La Cruz in the general election on November 3. The race is seen as a key contest in the 2024 midterms.
