Representative Diego Bernal, a dedicated public servant from South Texas, represents District 123, which encompasses parts of downtown San Antonio, the West Side of the city, and Castle Hills. His educational journey began at Thomas Jefferson High School and continued at the University of Michigan, where he earned an undergraduate degree, a Master’s in Social Work, and a Juris Doctor degree. Through his work as a social worker, he engaged deeply with at-risk youth, most notably aiding young gang members in Detroit and later in Harlingen, Texas, through the Communities in Schools initiative. His commitment to civil rights advocacy is highlighted by his time at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and MALDEF, where he fought for the rights of working people, children, and immigrant communities.

In 2011, Bernal was elected to the San Antonio City Council, where he championed crucial legislation including the strict regulation of payday lending practices and a Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) to promote equality within the community. His tenure as a city council member laid the groundwork for his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 2015.

As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, as well as the House Committee on Urban Affairs, Representative Bernal is involved in shaping key policies regarding these sectors. He has sponsored and co-sponsored multiple bills focusing on education, healthcare access, and housing. For instance, his involvement in House Bill 3780 aims to bolster accountability within Texas' public school system by instituting stricter regulations for underperforming schools. He also co-sponsored House Bill 883, which seeks to increase regulations around migrant labor housing, enhancing safety and monitoring to protect vulnerable populations.

Bernal shows a commitment to addressing healthcare accessibility, supporting legislation like House Bill 12, which extends Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to a full year, acknowledging the significant healthcare needs of mothers post-pregnancy. His support for initiatives that address educational inequities is evident in his participation in the Public Education Committee, where he advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.

His legislative actions reflect a progressive stance, particularly in areas affecting marginalized communities, such as his support of HB 45, which seeks to implement ethnic studies in Texas public schools, and HB 3377, which promotes HIV testing as part of routine STI screenings. These measures underscore his emphasis on cultural education and public health as a means to foster understanding and improve outcomes within underrepresented groups.

Diego is a devoted father to his daughter, Xan Rosa Bernal, and he balances his political responsibilities with a passion for music, having released four albums and participated in numerous projects across different domains. His multifaceted background in law, advocacy, and the arts enriches his perspective as a legislator, allowing him to bring a unique vision of equality and justice to his constituents in Texas.

In summary, Representative Bernal embodies a commitment to progressive social change, with a focus on education, healthcare, and civil rights advocacy, while fostering initiatives that aim to uplift the community he serves.