George Antuna was the Republican candidate for the Texas State House of Representatives in District 118 for the 80th Texas Legislature beginning in January 2007. He received a plurality against John Lujan and Steve Salyer in the Republican primary and received more than 80% of the vote in the runoff against Salyer. He lost the November 2006 general election to Joe Farias by 904 votes (49% Farias to 44% Antuna). Mr. Antuna believes that the "national mood" prevented his victory, as this election was in general less-than favorable for Republican candidates.
District 118 is made up of a generally Republican northeastern part and a generally Democratic southside in Bexar County. Antuna hoped to gain support on the Hispanic southside because of his ethnicity and faith, despite the fact that no Republican has ever been elected in 118. This district generally supports Democrats, albeit at a rate near 50%. The seat was vacated by Democratic State Rep. Carlos Uresti when he decided to run for the Texas Senate.
George Antuna is a graduate of South San Antonio High School and the University of Texas at San Antonio. He worked for USAA and Frito-Lay in the private sector before deciding on public service. Antuna has worked for now Governor (then Lieutenant Governor) Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. He is married to Patricia Antuna and has three children.
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