Rep. Philip Cortez (D)

Last modified on: 01-10-2025 22:05:44

TX House Representative
(Texas House of Representatives)

Entered Office: 01-10-2017 District: 117

General Information

Profession: Public Relations Consultant Home Town: San Antonio Birthdate: 07-07-1978 Spouse: Debbie Cruz Cortez


Personal Information

BA, Political Science; MPA-University of Texas at San Antonio; Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, the University of Texas at Austin (2017)

H-2013-2015, 2017–present.

Prior to his position as state representative, Cortez was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2009 to the San Antonio City Council. As councilman, he represented District 4, focusing on the development of the district’s neighborhoods and on improvement projects citywide. He fought to improve police and fire departments, clean up parks, and modernize libraries throughout the district. Mayor Julian Castro selected Cortez to serve as chairman of the Audit, Infrastructure and Growth Committees, President of the San Antonio Housing Trust Public Facility Corporation, and as a member of the Governance Committee.

In 2019, Representative Cortez retired from the U.S. Air Force after proudly serving for 20 years. He served for seven years as an enlisted airman with the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, eventually rising to Staff Sergeant. In 2006, Representative Cortez was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. He was deployed to the Middle East in April 2016 for six months in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Rep. Cortez was awarded a Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Outstanding Achievement during his deployment.
During his tenure as state representative, Rep. Cortez has successfully passed legislation supporting veterans and their families, improving our public schools, protecting senior citizens, and bringing jobs to Bexar County. Additionally, he stood up for property rights through annexation reform on behalf of the citizens of West Bexar County. He currently serves on the House Committee on Insurance and the House Committee on Urban Affairs.
Rep. Cortez is married to Debbie Cruz-Cortez, J.D. She received her law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law and now practices immigration and criminal defense in South Texas. They welcomed their first child, Camila Cortez on May 18, 2024. They are proud to ser

Office Information

Dist. 117 - Bexar (10%)

Sens. Gutierrez, Menéndez


Committees

Insurance

Contact and Phone Numbers

Capitol Office:
  4N.3
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0269
Zip Codes Within The District
District Map
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District Office
2600 SW Military Dr. , Suite 211
San Antonio, TX 78224
(210) 923-3638
(210) 923-3646

Staff

Office Office Holder Phone / Fax
Chief of Staff Hannah Reinhard (210) 587-5047
District Director Valeria Quintero (512) 463-0269
Legislative Director Teddy Trakas (512) 463-0269