Texas State Representative

John Lujan

Biography

Representative John Lujan has served the Texas House of Representatives since 2016, representing House District 118 in southern Bexar County. Born in San Antonio, he was raised in a family dedicated to public service, with his mother working as a public school principal and his father as a minister. This background instilled in him the values of community service and leadership from an early age.

Before entering politics, Lujan had a notable career in public service as a deputy in the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department for five years, followed by over 25 years as a firefighter with the San Antonio Fire Department. His experiences in these roles helped him understand the needs and challenges of first responders, informing his legislative priorities around public safety and emergency services. Today, he is a small business owner, having successfully grown a local IT firm that now employs over 550 people in the community.

Lujan's political career is marked by his roles on various legislative committees, including Vice-Chair of the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee and as a member of the Transportation Committee. His previous committee assignments include the Higher Education, Licensing & Administrative Procedures, and Health Care Reform committees, showcasing a breadth of interest in issues affecting Texas families, youth, and public infrastructure.

In terms of legislative activity, Lujan has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills during his tenure. One of his prominent initiatives is House Bill 3, which focuses on providing extensive funding for border security, including the construction and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure. This legislation reflects a proactive approach to addressing concerns regarding illegal immigration and state safety. The sentiment surrounding HB 3 has been largely supportive among conservative legislators, emphasizing law enforcement and public safety, though it has faced criticism regarding resource allocation and civil liberties.

Lujan is also a co-sponsor of House Bill 2615, which aims to establish vocational diploma programs for high school students that align educational outcomes with labor market needs. This initiative illustrates his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness in Texas.

Moreover, he has been involved in House Bill 4654, which seeks to reduce the total number of state agency rules. Proponents of this bill argue that reducing regulatory complexity will foster economic growth and streamline government processes, although concerns have been raised about maintaining necessary oversight in areas such as environmental protection.

Lujan's personal life reflects his deep-rooted commitment to family and community. He has been married to his wife, Freda, for 40 years, and they are the proud parents of five boys, three of whom are adopted. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Lujan dedicates time to volunteer as a board member with the Southside Cardinals Youth Sports League and serves as a Sunday School teacher at Southside Baptist Church.

Overall, John Lujan's legislative approach balances public safety, educational reform, and economic growth, shaped by his extensive background in public service and personal dedication to his community. His involvement in significant bills on border security, education, and regulatory reform paints a picture of a legislator focused on practical solutions to the challenges facing Texas families.