San Antonio City Councilman Backs Rep. Gervin-Hawkins' Primary Opponent

Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez supports challenger Jordan Brown in the race for Texas House District 120

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins is facing her first contested Democratic primary in nearly a decade, and she doesn't have the support of the San Antonio City Council member who represents many of her constituents. District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is backing Jordan Brown, one of two candidates challenging Gervin-Hawkins for the Texas House District 120 seat in the March 3 primary. McKee-Rodriguez and Gervin-Hawkins have differing views on issues like charter schools and the redevelopment of the Frost Bank Center area.

Why it matters

The race for Texas House District 120 is heating up, with a longtime incumbent facing a primary challenge. The outcome could have significant implications for the East Side of San Antonio, as the winner will represent the district in the state legislature. The divide between Councilman McKee-Rodriguez and Rep. Gervin-Hawkins highlights the political tensions in the area.

The details

Gervin-Hawkins, 71, is seeking a sixth term in the Texas Legislature. She has not faced a primary battle since she won the open 2016 Democratic primary with 56% of the vote. Her challengers are Jordan Brown, a 36-year-old special education teacher, and Bently Paiz, a 21-year-old fiber optic technician. McKee-Rodriguez, who has represented the East Side on City Council since 2021, is backing Brown, citing Gervin-Hawkins' 'out of touch' approach to the district's needs. The two officials disagree on issues like charter schools and the redevelopment of the Frost Bank Center area.

  • The March 3 primary election will determine the Democratic nominee for Texas House District 120.
  • Early voting for the primaries runs from February 18 to February 27.

The players

Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

A six-term state representative seeking re-election in Texas House District 120.

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

The San Antonio City Council member representing District 2, which includes parts of Gervin-Hawkins' state legislative district.

Jordan Brown

A 36-year-old special education teacher challenging Gervin-Hawkins in the Democratic primary for Texas House District 120.

Bently Paiz

A 21-year-old fiber optic technician also running against Gervin-Hawkins in the Democratic primary for Texas House District 120.

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What they’re saying

“Our district needs a little bit of a different direction. Barbara is incredibly out of touch with what the district is right now.”

— Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, San Antonio City Council Member, District 2 (expressnews.com)

“Everybody who knows me knows that I work with everyone because really it ain't about me. It's about the people and it's about the community.”

— Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, State Representative, Texas House District 120 (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The winner of the March 3 Democratic primary for Texas House District 120 will face no Republican opponent in the general election, making the primary the de facto decision on who will represent the district in the state legislature.

The takeaway

The race for Texas House District 120 highlights the political divisions within the East Side of San Antonio, as a longtime incumbent faces a primary challenge from a candidate backed by the local city council member. The outcome could have significant implications for the future development and priorities of the district.