Texas Dem Candidate Says He's 'Different Democrat' Against Police Defunding

Texas Dem Candidate Says He’s ‘Different Democrat’ Against Police Defunding

Texas House candidate Johnny Garcia claims he’s a ‘different Democrat’ who opposes defunding law enforcement.

2 min read

Texas Democratic U.S. House candidate Johnny Garcia has positioned himself as a ‘different Democrat’ during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press NOW,” emphasizing his opposition to defunding law enforcement, a stance he says contrasts with the Democratic Party’s platform.

Standing Out From the Party

During the interview, guest host Kelly O’Donnell asked Garcia how he would stand up to the Democratic Party if elected. Garcia responded by highlighting his law enforcement background, stating that his focus is on real issues like tariffs, corruption, and border security rather than political agendas.

“When I served my community as a sheriff’s deputy, which I now have for nearly two decades, it was never asking dispatch whether that home I was headed to was Democratic or Republican. I responded every single time like lives were on the line,” Garcia said. He added that his message resonates with voters in his district, who see him as a candidate willing to fight for their families rather than follow a political agenda.

Defunding Law Enforcement: A Point of Disagreement

O’Donnell pressed further, asking where Garcia would break with the Democratic Party. Garcia responded by stating that the party’s push for defunding law enforcement is not a position he supports. He emphasized that ensuring safe communities is crucial in Texas, particularly in his District 35.

“Here in Texas, having safe communities in our streets is essential to our community,” Garcia said. “As a career law enforcement officer, I won’t subscribe to that notion of defunding our law enforcement. We need to make sure that we’re standing up for accountability and transparency.”

Broader Policy Priorities

Garcia also outlined other policy priorities he plans to bring to Congress, including tackling congressional stock trading, securing the border, and reducing tariffs that he claims are hurting 97% of small businesses and working-class families.

“I’ll work with anybody to make sure that we are tackling corruption by ending congressional stock trading, that we are fighting for a safe and secure border, and, ultimately, we’re working to tear down these tariffs that are hurting 97% of small businesses and working-class families,” he said.