Sylvia Soto
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
Texas A&M, San Antonio, Master of Science Bilingual
Wester Univerity, San Antonio, Master in Business AdministrationSan Antonio
Webster University, San Antonio, Master in Management
Webster University, San Antonio, Masters in Business
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Bachelor of Science in Biology PreMed
Texas A&M, San Antonio, Masters in Education Administration, -
WORK & MILITARY
NEISD, Teacher
NISD, Teacher
Edgewood, Teacher
AFFILIATIONS
St. Vincent de Paul, Volunteer
Lay Lector, Mission San Jose
Bexar County Election Judge, Election Judge, 2026-
Precinct Chair, Precinct 1142
Los Jardines Neighboohood Association, Secretary, 2026-
Texas A&M Student Body, Vice President and Historian
Specialist Area Agency on Aging/Alamo Area Council of Governments Bexar Staff Ombudsman Alamo Area Council of Governments, Bexar Staff Ombudsman
LSAISD, Fellow, 2026-
HWNT -Hispanic Womens Network of Texas, Board Historian
Las Palmas Library Friends, Vice President, 2026-
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Precinct Chair 1142
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Texas State Representative 124
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
San Antonio Police Officers Association
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Desiree Venable (2024)
Joe Paz Herrera (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate interview. Republican Men of San Antonio Facebook Group. 27 Dec 2025. 6:18 min
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe abortion should generally be restricted, with exceptions for cases such as rape, incest, and when necessary to protect the life or health of the mother. I also believe taxpayer funding should be used appropriately and in accordance with the law.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Agree
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Neutral
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I support increasing the minimum wage to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living, with consideration for small businesses and the local cost of living.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
1. Require clear, line-item reporting of government expenses so taxpayers can see exactly how their money is being spent. 2. Use open and competitive bidding with multiple vendors to ensure taxpayers receive the best value and prevent unnecessary costs. 3. Hold vendors accountable for completing projects on time and within budget, with consequences when contracts are not fulfilled. 4. Require justification and accountability for employee pay increases for top executives and administration.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, separation of church and state means protecting everyone’s constitutional right to worship and practice their faith or not. Everyone should feel free and safe to choose their religion, express their beliefs, and have those choices respected.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. I support freedom of choice in healthcare, including the option to use private healthcare, while maintaining Medicare and Medicaid.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly support HIPAA privacy protections and the confidentiality of personal medical information. Personal healthcare information should be protected, and any data used to evaluate healthcare costs should be appropriately gathered with consent and in a way that protects individual privacy.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The United States should work to build positive relationships with all countries based on mutual respect and shared interests. Strong diplomatic and economic relationships can promote peace, security, trade, economic opportunity, and agreements that benefit both countries while reducing threats and conflict.
IMMIGRATION
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Neutral
Congress needs to address immigration reform, including border security, a f path to citizenship for those who qualify, and a clear legal immigration process. We should also treat people already here with dignity and respect while ensuring that immigration laws are enforced.
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
Education is an important responsibility shared by the federal government, states, and local communities. Congress should determine the appropriate federal role while allowing states and local school districts the flexibility to make decisions based on the needs of their students and communities. Local educators and parents should have a strong voice in education policy.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Strongly Agree
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
I believe marriage is a personal and legal commitment between two people that provides important legal protections and responsibilities, including financial, property, inheritance, and family rights. Civil marriage is a legal relationship recognized by the government, while religious marriage is a personal and spiritual matter based on an individual’s faith and beliefs.
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Catholic and my spiritual values are grounded in service to others. As a teacher, advocate, and community member, I believe in helping others, serving my community, treating people with dignity and respect, and making a positive difference. I believe public service is an opportunity to use our gifts and abilities to help others and strengthen our communities.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I believe the most reliable approach is a diverse energy portfolio that includes natural gas, nuclear power, solar, and other reliable technologies. Texas should continue investing in reliable and affordable energy while supporting innovation.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
What should be the goal of the criminal justice system?
The criminal justice system should protect victims and communities, hold people accountable for crimes committed, and ensure due process and equal protection under the law. It should also provide rehabilitation, including counseling, job training, educational opportunities and substance-abuse treatment when needed, to help prevent future crime and reduce repeat offenses.
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
I strongly believe children should be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse in online activities. Government, parents, schools, and technology companies all have a responsibility to help protect children, enforce laws against exploitation, and promote safe online environments.
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Agree
The United States legal system should be based on the U.S. Constitution and laws enacted under it.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I support protecting the Second Amendment while enforcing reasonable existing requirements for firearm ownership, including age requirements, background checks, and restrictions for individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
