Four of five contestants vying for the Texas House District 122 seat ahead of the Nov. 8 general election provided their stances on some issues in a Jan. 20 forum presented by five advocacy organizations.
The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce hosted the nonpartisan event in partnership with the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce at the GSABA Ray Ellison Ballroom in Shavano Park.
Four Republicans and one Democrat will appear on the March 1 primary ballot with hopes of succeeding long-serving State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, who said he is not seeking re-election.
Business owner Adam Blanchard, former San Antonio Council Member Elisa Chan, banking executive Mark Cuthbert and general contractor Mark Dorazio—all Republicans—appeared at the candidate forum.
Democrat and business owner Angi Aramburu was invited but unable to participate due to an illness, according to a North San Antonio Chamber press release.
Kevin Wolff, former Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner and a predecessor of Elisa Chan on the San Antonio City Council, moderated the candidate forum.
North San Antonio Chamber officials said the District 122 forum focused on issues such as public education funding, population growth, international trade, border security, property taxes, casino gambling, workforce shortages and Medicaid expansion.
Wolff also offered individual campaign questions to each candidate regarding their top three priorities, if elected, and what they feel the most critical issues for business owners are in District 122.
“Legislative advocacy has always been one of our priorities here at the North San Antonio Chamber,” said Cristina Aldrete, North San Antonio Chamber president and CEO, in a statement. “We work hard to ensure the voices of our member businesses are heard and represented at the local, state and federal level.”
Early voting for the March 1 primary elections will be held Feb. 14 through Feb. 25. Winners advance to the Nov. 8 general election.
In an upcoming edition, Community Impact Newspaper will be offering voters a guide to candidates and issues in statewide and local primary elections.
