Janie Lopez made history in November 2022 by becoming the first Republican Hispanic elected as State Representative for House District 37, which encompasses Willacy and Cameron Counties in south Texas. Raised in a family of seven siblings, her parents immigrated from Mexico to the United States, imparting strong values of hard work and education in the pursuit of the American Dream. Janie graduated from San Benito High School in 1997 and distinguished herself as the first in her family to attend college, earning a Master’s degree in mental health and currently pursuing a doctorate in Community Care and Counseling.

Before her political career, Janie gained extensive experience in education as a mental healthcare professional, where she worked with at-risk children, veterans, and first responders dealing with PTSD. Her leadership as a Director in the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) resulted in significant improvements, including a 66% reduction in disciplinary referrals and increased student achievement. She also served as a trustee with a strong focus on budgetary responsibility, achieving considerable progress in staff compensation while reducing taxes and ensuring accountability in financial matters.

In the Texas Legislature, Janie Lopez serves on the Environmental Regulation Committee and the Juvenile Justice & Family Issues Committee. Her legislative agenda is driven by conservative values and a commitment to the interests of her constituents. As a member of various caucuses such as the Aerospace, Texas Conservative, House Water, and Texas Energy and Climate Caucuses, Janie aims to tackle issues like cost of living, border security, education funding, life protection, police support, and human trafficking.

Throughout her legislative career, Lopez has sponsored and co-sponsored several notable bills that reflect her political priorities, including HB 965, aimed at improving housing options for released inmates, underscoring the importance of rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Another key piece of legislation is HB 1846, which amends commercial driver's license procedures to address workforce shortages in Texas transportation—indicating a focus on economic development and job creation. Additionally, her sponsorship of HB 1918 seeks to enhance transparency in local government financial contracts, showcasing her advocacy for accountability in government expenditures.

Her legislative initiatives also include bills focused on educational reform, including HB 2615, which aims to establish vocational training pathways for high school students. Additionally, bills like HCR 29 propose expanded recognition of mental health resources, reflecting her background in mental health counseling and commitment to improving these services in Texas.

In terms of political leanings, Janie Lopez consistently aligns herself with conservative policies, emphasizing family values and community safety. Her support for stricter penalties in law enforcement actions and promoting educational reforms further illustrate her commitment to upholding safety and quality in Texas education and governance. In her district, she is recognized for her focus on improving local services, pushing for effective border protection policies, and advocating for increased funding to support schools and communities.

In her personal life, Lopez remains deeply connected to her roots and the values instilled in her as a child. She embodies her commitment to public service and continues to work closely with her community to ensure opportunities for growth and prosperity. Janie Lopez’s journey reflects the embodiment of hard work and a dedication to making a positive impact in her district and beyond.