After serving four terms in Texas’ 28th congressional district and narrowly losing his seat, a Supreme Court redistricting order enabled Ciro Rodriguez to challenge incumbent Harry Bonilla for the 23rd congressional district in 2006. Rodriguez defeated Bonilla 54%-46%, marking only the second time since 1988 that a Republican Congressional incumbent had lost to a Democratic challenger in Texas.
Rodriguez’s 2008 campaign strove to highlight his 30 plus years of experience serving in public office. His commitment to education and veterans’ affairs uniquely qualify him to serve the people of the nation’s largest non-at large district, which includes his hometown of San Antonio. Rodriguez comfortably won reelection, defeating Bexar County Commissioner Lyle Larson, 56%-42%.
