Bexar GOP Accuses Carranza of Name Change For Votes

Bexar County GOP officials have accused Democratic candidate Kristian Carranza of changing her last name from Thompson to Carranza for political gain to appeal to Latino voters in Texas House District 118. Carranza legally changed her last name in January 2023, citing her mother's maiden name and asserting she has used Carranza professionally for a decade. GOP chair Kris Coons questioned the timing of the name change, suggesting it was a strategic decision to influence voters in a predominantly Hispanic district, but did not provide a specific legal basis for a potential lawsuit. Carranza has condemned the GOP's actions as disrespectful to women and insists her name change is rooted in personal history rather than political strategy. The Democratic candidate won her primary with 63% of the votes and emphasizes her commitment to the community. The Bexar County GOP has yet to file any legal action against her.