In 2010, when a GOP supermajority was swept into the Texas House, Republican John V. Garza of Helotes defeated David Leibowitz, the incumbent Democrat, in House District 117, a fast-growing section of western Bexar County that had historically leaned left.

Now, Garza’s seat is at the top of Democrats’ list of those they want to take back. Former San Antonio City Councilman Philip Cortez is taking on the Republican in the Nov. 6 general election.

“We don’t really underestimate the support that my opponent could get — we’re extremely aware of that,” Garza said. “That’s one of ...

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