A Journey of Resilience and Public Service Fuels Our Commitment to the People
I, Carlos Antonio 'Ray' Raymond, I am battle-tested, community organizer, compassionate public servant leader, a proud U.S. army veteran, and a survivor who has navigated life's deepest valleys. With over five decades of confronting adversity, each challenge has forged my unshakable character and fueled my profound compassion for the underrepresented people of San Antonio.
My journey began with hardship in the Panama Canal Zone, where I was raised during a time of Jim Crow laws, civil unrest, and racial discrimination. I grew up in deep poverty, facing overwhelming challenges at a young age.
My journey began with hardship in the Panama Canal Zone, where I was raised during a time of Jim Crow laws, civil unrest, and racial discrimination. I grew up in deep poverty, facing overwhelming challenges at a young age.
Undeterred, I passed on my second try and began Army Basic Training in 1971, beginning a lifelong pattern of persistence through obstacles.
My path has never been easy. I’ve fought for justice, often without a lawyer, and stood up to powerful institutions.
My path has never been easy. I’ve fought for justice, often without a lawyer, and stood up to powerful institutions.
Yet, through each setback, I chose not to retreat but to rise—every time, stronger.
Since moving to San Antonio in 2004, I’ve become an active and dedicated voice for my community.
My commitment is deeply personal. I’ve endured hospitalizations, health strug
Since moving to San Antonio in 2004, I’ve become an active and dedicated voice for my community.
My commitment is deeply personal. I’ve endured hospitalizations, health struggles, and emotional pain. But all of it has fueled my passion to fight for others.
Unlike political insiders groomed in safe environments, I've walked through the fire. I rely on:
I draw daily strength from the Word of God, which has carried me through every dark hour, embracing scriptures like:
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...” (Psalm 23:4).
My political vision is directly shaped by the working-class struggles of people just like me. I know what it means to be pushed aside, unheard, and disrespected by systems that fail the most vulnerable. And I know how to fight back—with wisdom, faith, and relentless resolve.
I don’t pose for politics—I stand for principle. My life is a testament that true leadership is forged not in privilege, but through pain, perseverance, and purpose. I am not running to be admired—I am running to serve.
As a veteran, community organizer, and voice for the unheard, I am committed to leading House District 125 with compassionate strength, moral clarity, and unshakable loyalty to the values that made this nation great: faith, family, service, and justice for all.
“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas—one state under God, one and indivisible.”
This is more than a campaign—this is a calling. I have been tested in battlefields, courtrooms, and community halls. Through it all, I have learned: leadership is not about titles. It’s about sacrifice, empathy, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
I am ready—not just to represent, but to fight for our families, protect our homes, and restore dignity to public service.
We grow through storms, not despite them. My journey proves that no hardship is wasted when it fuels purpose. In every setback, I’ve found reason to press forward—stronger, wiser, and more determined to help others rise.
Real leadership listens. I’ve walked the streets of our neighborhoods, heard your struggles, and shared your tears. My pledge is to be a bridge—not a barrier—between government and the people.
We don’t need more polished slogans. We need bold, compassionate action.