Texas State Senator

Cesar Blanco

Biography

Senator César J. Blanco represents a diverse constituency that includes Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves counties in the Texas Senate. Raised in El Paso, he continued a family tradition of military service by serving in the U.S. Navy after high school. He furthered his education at the University of Texas at El Paso and transitioned into public service, working for three congressional representatives from the El Paso and West Texas area.

First elected to the Texas Senate in 2020, Senator Blanco has a history of legislative service, having previously spent six years in the Texas House of Representatives. He has received recognition for his contributions to the legislative process, including being named a Best Legislator by Texas Monthly during his first session in the House. In the Senate, he is currently a member of several key committees, including Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Economic Development, Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs, Veteran Affairs, and Border Security. Additionally, he serves on the Sunset Advisory Commission and is the Vice-Chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus.

Senator Blanco has actively championed various legislative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in his district and beyond. During the 88th Legislative Session, he focused on critical issues such as expanding SNAP food assistance for Texas families, enhancing healthcare access, providing financial aid for farmers and ranchers facing property damage, promoting environmental protections, and delivering economic relief for working families.

The legislative efforts of Senator Blanco include notable bills that gained significant traction in the 2023 session. He co-authored Senate Bill 500, which increased the value of residential dwellings awarded as prizes in charitable raffles, allowing charities to boost their fundraising capabilities significantly. The implications of this bill are substantial, particularly for health-related charities that rely heavily on raffle income.

Senator Blanco also co-authored multiple important bills, including HB707, a measure related to the reporting obligations of health plans, and HB1300, which addressed environmental protections in Texas. Furthermore, he was involved with HB1301, focusing on financial assistance for disaster recovery, and HB1302, which aimed to enhance access to mental health services.

His political leanings reflect a commitment to progressive policies, particularly in the realms of healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and assistance for economically vulnerable communities. His efforts to expand assistance programs illustrate a focus on welfare and community support, indicating a strong alignment with human rights and social equity initiatives.

Residing in El Paso with his wife Lili and their daughter Amelia, Senator Blanco also enjoys the company of their two dogs, Lulu and Skipper. His dedication to public service extends beyond the legislative floor, as he is an active member of organizations such as the American Legion and the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization. Through these various engagements, Senator Blanco seeks to improve the lives of his constituents and strengthen the fabric of his community.