Texas Rep. Bobby Guerra not seeking reelection

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After more than a decade serving in the state legislature, Texas Rep. R.D. "Bobby" Guerra (D-McAllen) announced Thursday he is not seeking reelection.

Guerra has represented District 41, which covers parts of Hidalgo County, since 2012.

“I’m the son of a teacher, and former County Judge, and I couldn’t be more proud to have done my part to continue a legacy of service,” Guerra stated in a news release. “From the establishment of the Tejano Monument on the Capitol grounds, which honors the grit and strength of our forefathers, to funding a medical school which paves the way for the next generation of public servants, I believe now more than ever in the promise of Texas' future.”

Guerra thanked his family, colleagues, staff and people of District 41 before alluding to the apparent reason for not seeking reelection.

"The work isn't for the weary,” Guerra said. "Too many times the Texas legislature reminds me of an old Sam Rayburn quote, ‘any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.’ Here's hoping the carpenters will outnumber the jackasses and we live up to the promise of Texas for generations to come.”

Guerra's announcement comes a year before the Texas House of Representatives election in November 2026.

This comes as Edinburg native Sergio Sanchez announced his bid for the Republican nomination in Texas House District 41.