The Democratic congressional candidate's police records show suspensions for stolen weapons and insubordination.

Johnny Garcia faces two unpaid suspensions from the Bexar County Sheriff's Department for insubordination and negligence as he runs for Texas' 35th District.

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Johnny Garcia, a congressional candidate in Texas' newly drawn 35th district, faced a pair of suspensions during his tenure with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for "job performance," "insubordination" and "conduct or action that seriously impairs job effectiveness," records show.

In the first suspension in 2009, Garcia entered a cellular device into a secure area against repeated instructions. The second, in 2020, arose when Garcia left a firearm in an unsecured location, where it was later stolen.

In both cases, Garcia was suspended without pay.

The suspensions, uncovered through a public records request, put new scrutiny on a law enforcement career that Garcia has played a key role in his campaign against Republican candidate Carlos de la Cruz, an Air Force veteran. The race to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Greg Cassar, R-Texas, is expected to be more competitive in the upcoming midterms than in years past.

The first suspension came in 2009 when Garcia took his cell phone into a secure area of the prison, something he had been repeatedly told not to do.

You have been instructed several times not to bring a cell phone or electronic device into the secure area and it is a policy violation to do so. The suspension notice states that you were informed several times during Roll Call that cell phones are prohibited in the secure area.

You are hereby notified that the Bexar County Sheriff's Office will suspend you without pay for a total of three days...

According to disciplinary records, the second suspension occurred in 2020 when Garcia left a Glock handgun, four magazines and his badge in his car — items that were later stolen.

"Your equipment was not properly secured and was temporarily stored in your vehicle in violation of Bexar County Sheriff's Office policy. This negligent conduct has seriously impaired your job effectiveness and is a clear violation of Bexar County Sheriff's Office policies and procedures."

Garcia received a five-day suspension without pay for "job performance," according to county records. The gun was eventually found after Garcia reported it missing.

The sheriff's office did not respond to questions about additional grounds on the suspensions, the frequency of such suspensions and other types of discipline the department had before the suspension. Instead, it confirmed that Garcia faced no further discipline as a result of the two incidents.

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Bexar police station. (Google Maps)

He added: "All deputies are required to be fully aware of the policies of the Civil Service Commission. Disciplinary actions are taken independently regarding an incident."

Garcia, who has never held elected office, faces a better chance than any other Democrat running in Texas' 35th District.

Cassar, a front-runner, last won the old district election in 2024 by 67.4 percent to 32.6 percent. But Republicans took aim at that electoral advantage through redistricting last year, leaving Kazar seeking re-election in the state's neighboring 37th District.

In a post explaining his move, Cassar said: "Trump and Abbott just rushed through plans designed to deport people like me. They don't want me in Congress because they don't want our voices to be heard. But we're getting nowhere."

To overcome this shift in political advantage, Garcia has brought a moderate message to voters, highlighting his service in the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, a position he joined at age 21. He went on to work with the county jail and then as a hostage negotiator.

On his website, Garcia lists border security as a top priority, along with things like affordability and protecting government programs like Social Security. He said he has experienced border weakness firsthand, noting that he saw "how Biden beat us at the border."

"An old-school Democrat ... he believes real public safety is more than tough talk."

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When asked about the two suspensions, Garcia's campaign pointed to his record with safety as a law enforcement officer.

Garcia heads to the state's Nov. 3 general election after sweeping his party's May primary.

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