Katy Padilla Stout, age 40, is a San Antonio-based attorney and former elementary school teacher currently specializing in foster care law. Born and raised in San Antonio, she earned a B.S. in Education from UT-Austin and a law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. Her professional background includes teaching in Northside ISD where she worked with ESL, special education, and gifted students, followed by legal practice representing children in the foster care system. She serves on the Bexar County Child Welfare Board since 2017. A first-time candidate, she won the Democratic primary with 52% of the vote on March 3, 2026, receiving more raw votes than any candidate in either party's primary that day.
Katy Padilla Stout was born and raised in San Antonio by her mother, splitting childhood between San Antonio and South Texas ranch in Carrizo Springs owned by her father's family. Her father worked as migrant farm worker from age 7 before becoming an attorney - a path she cites as inspiration for her understanding of the American Dream. She graduated from Lee High School (2003), earned B.S. in Education from UT-Austin (2007), and J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston (2013). After law school, she returned to classroom teaching special education and gifted students at Northside ISD rather than immediately practicing law. A pivotal moment came in June 2016 when she and her husband adopted two children from foster care system (and had biological child days later), leading her to shift career focus to family law representing foster children. Now practices law alongside her father in family practice focusing on foster care representation. Serves on Bexar County Child Welfare Board since 2017, conducting home visits across city and surrounding counties. Married with four children.