Jennifer Austria-Barzaga Secures Cavite 4th District Seat in Special Election

 

Jennifer Austria-Barzaga has won the special election for Cavite’s 4th Congressional District, securing a decisive victory in the August 29 polls and reclaiming the district’s seat for the Barzaga family.

The Commission on Elections reported that Austria-Barzaga received 201,893 votes, with voter turnout reaching 57.75%. The results were announced by Comelec Chairman George Garcia following the special election.

Austria-Barzaga, who currently serves as mayor of Dasmariñas City, comfortably outpaced the other candidates:

• Jennifer Austria-Barzaga: 201,893 votes
• Raul Rex Mangubat: 30,373
• Jacinto Frani Jr.: 24,350
• Marvin Dupal-Ag: 1,184
• Leysander Ordenes: 561

Her victory fills the congressional vacancy created by the expulsion of her son, Kiko Barzaga, from the House of Representatives earlier this year.

Kiko Barzaga was removed from the House on June 2, 2026, following disciplinary proceedings over his conduct as a lawmaker. The House cited disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member, including repeated disruptions during plenary sessions and violations of chamber rules and ethical standards.

The special election therefore represents more than a change in representation for Cavite’s 4th District. Austria-Barzaga now assumes the legislative post previously held by her son, bringing an experienced local executive into Congress.

Her overwhelming margin also underscores the strength of the Barzaga political base in the district, where the family has maintained a significant presence through local government and congressional representation.

With the election concluded, Austria-Barzaga is set to take on the responsibilities of representing the district in the House and completing the remainder of the congressional term left vacant by her son's expulsion.