NEWS & Views

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2025

Robert Mihara Wins Tejano Democrats Straw Poll for Texas House District 117

San Antonio, TX Robert Mihara, Democratic candidate for Texas House District 117, earned first place in the Tejano Democrats Straw Poll held on October 25, 2025, marking a major show of grassroots momentum ahead of the March 2026 Democratic primary.

'This result is an encouraging sign that voters are ready for leadership focused on accountability, education, and opportunity," Mihara said. "I'm honored to have strong community support as we continue building a campaign that listens to the people of District 117."

While the straw poll is not an official endorsement, the outcome highlights growing enthusiasm for Mihara's reform-focused message and his deep ties to the district's families and small businesses.

State Rep. Philip Cortez, who skipped Democrats’ quorum break, draws primary challenger

When most of his Democratic colleagues decamped to Illinois to stop President Donald Trump’s redistricting plan last month, state Rep. Philip Cortez (D-San Antonio) was one of the few members of his party still showing up for work at the Texas Capitol.

Now at least one fellow Democrat hopes to capitalize off Cortez’ absence from the quorum break by jumping into the 2026 Democratic primary in Texas House District 117.

The race could make Cortez the latest in a long line of political moderates whose districts were made safer for their party after the 2020 census — and opened them up to new primary threats in the process.

Robert Mihara, a U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, filed a campaign treasurer’s report in February signaling interest in the race but will hold a formal campaign kickoff at the Cove this month, aimed at capitalizing on Cortez’ decision at a time when other Democrats are taking a victory lap on delaying Texas’ new congressional maps. [read more]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 15, 2025 Press Contact: Priscilla Peña, (817) 896-4037

San Antonio Showdown: Cortez Braces for Primary Challenge After Helping GOP Establish Quorum

SAN ANTONIO — Robert “Bob” Mihara, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and interim executive director of a San Antonio legal aid organization, announced Wednesday that he will challenge state Rep. Philip Cortez in the 2026 Democratic primary. Mihara’s entry comes as Cortez’s abrupt return to Austin, just days after joining the quorum break to protest an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting bill, stuns Democrats in the district and in Austin.

“By siding with Republicans in an attempt to establish a quorum, Rep. Cortez abandoned his constituents and handed power to those determined to rig our democracy,” Mihara said in a statement. “At a moment that demanded courage, he chose convenience. When the stakes were highest, he stood with those who sought to silence the voters. That’s why I’m running—because Texas needs a fighter who will never give up on our democracy or the people who depend on it.”

Mihara served 20 years in the Army before retiring in 2019. His career included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and a tour in South Korea. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Mihara now works to deliver legal services to low-income veterans, people with disabilities, and other Bexar County residents who struggle to afford representation.

Rep. Cortez, who has represented House District 117 since 2013, has not faced a primary challenger since 2018, when he defeated financial wellness manager Terisha DeDeaux. With only $71k cash on hand the embattled representative seems more vulnerable now than ever.

Mihara said his campaign will focus on defending voting rights, strengthening public education, and restoring public trust in government. He is scheduled to host his official campaign kickoff on Aug. 28 at The Cove in San Antonio.