Republican · Texas's 20th District · 2026
Edgardo Rafael Baez
Baez grew up in Puerto Rico and has worked in the Army, health care and law.
Biography
Edgardo Rafael Baez grew up in Puerto Rico, joined the Army after high school and is the father of four daughters.1 His earlier work included serving as a combat medic, paratrooper and drill sergeant, along with working as an intensive care nurse.2
He told the San Antonio Report that he spent 14 years in the military before pursuing law school, commuting between Houston and his family in San Antonio.1 Earlier, he had worked hospital night shifts while serving as a drill sergeant during the day.1 State Bar records list his graduation from Texas Southern University in December 2004 and admission to the Texas bar in May 2005.3
His work has also included serving as a pastor, and Liberty University confirmed to the Report that he earned a master's degree in divinity and a doctorate there.1 His current Bar profile lists a San Antonio criminal law practice and eligibility to practice in Texas.3
The Republican nominee faces Democratic incumbent Joaquin Castro in Texas' 20th District.2 Baez emphasizes public safety, stronger reading and mathematics instruction, and conditions for small businesses.2 His questionnaire opposes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and lists higher retirement ages and means testing among options for Social Security and Medicare reform.2
Record and controversies
Professional discipline and current license
The State Bar lists three fully probated suspensions, entered in 2016, 2019 and 2021, with the latest probation period ending August 20, 2025.3 The 2016 findings included failure to hold client funds in trust, delayed delivery of funds and misrepresentation; the order required $58,891.83 in restitution.4 A 2019 committee found that he accepted a matter beyond his competence and failed to keep a client informed or provide a prompt accounting.5 The 2021 agreed judgment found that, after obtaining a default judgment that was not final, he demanded another $10,000 for further work, obtained no recovery for the client, refused a refund and failed to provide a requested accounting promptly.6 It ordered $7,500 in restitution and $1,200 in disciplinary fees and expenses.6 In a response displayed on his Avvo profile, Baez says he completed the Bar's requirements and is no longer on probation.7 The Bar currently lists him as eligible to practice in Texas.3