Philip Cortez is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives serving District 117 in Bexar County, encompassing parts of San Antonio. A Southside San Antonio native born on July 7, 1978, he is a U.S. Air Force Reserve captain, public relations professional, and Ph.D. holder. First elected to the Texas House in 2012, he was unseated in 2014 but reelected in 2016 and has sought subsequent terms, including for 2026. Prior to the House, he served on the San Antonio City Council for District 4 from 2007 to 2012, where he won reelection with strong majorities and chaired key committees under Mayor Julian Castro. Notable achievements include passing legislation supporting veterans, public schools, seniors, job growth in Bexar County, and property rights via annexation reform. He currently chairs the House Defense and Veterans' Affairs Committee and serves on Homeland Security and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Associate degree from Palo Alto College ; B.A. in Political Science from University of Texas at San Antonio ; Master of Public Administration from University of Texas at San Antonio ; Ph.D. in Educational Administration from University of Texas at Austin .

Political Experience:
- Texas House District 117 .
- San Antonio City Council District 4 , Chairman of Audit, Infrastructure and Growth Committees; President of San Antonio Housing Trust Public Facility Corporation; Governance Committee member.
- Past roles: House Appropriations Committee, Elections Committee Vice-Chairman, Texas Legislative Council . Married to attorney Debbie Cruz-Cortez; father to Camila .