Texas State Representative

Jessica Gonzalez Biography

Biography

Jessica González is a dedicated public servant currently serving her third term as State Representative for House District 104 in Texas. She has established a reputation for championing a wide array of social justice issues, including expanding voting rights, protecting the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Texans, and reforming the state's criminal justice system. Additionally, she advocates for increased access to affordable housing, making significant strides in these areas throughout her legislative career.

González is a member of several key committees, including the House Committee on Business & Industry and the Urban Affairs Committee. These roles allow her to engage deeply with pressing matters that affect her constituents and the greater Texas community. She also holds positions as Vice-Chair of the Texas House LGBTQ+ Caucus and Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Human and Civil Rights Task Force, reflecting her commitment to amplifying the voices and rights of underrepresented groups.

Educated at The University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, González later earned her law degree from Western Michigan University-Cooley School of Law, where she graduated at the top of her class. Her career has been shaped by experiences that highlight her commitment to social equity, including her work as a clerk in the Voting Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice and as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Throughout her legislative career, González has sponsored and co-sponsored significant bills aimed at enhancing civil rights and improving community welfare. For instance, she was a co-author of House Bill 3780, which seeks to reform accountability measures in Texas public schools, a step towards addressing systemic educational inequalities. Additionally, she supports measures like House Bill 1164, providing expanded protections against discrimination in housing and employment. Her recent involvement with HCR3 and HCR19 highlights her focus on honoring the legacy of Irma Rangel, a pivotal figure in Texas history, by advocating for commemorative actions that recognize contributions to civil rights and education.

In terms of her political leanings, González’s legislative initiatives and positions illustrate a strong alignment with progressive values. Her support for bills promoting educational accountability can be seen as an effort to foster systemic reforms that enhance educational outcomes for underserved communities. Moreover, her advocacy for legislation that addresses food insecurity through the establishment of offices like the Office of Food System Security and Resiliency further reflects her commitment to social welfare and equitable access.

González’s focus on civil rights is underscored by her sponsorship of legislation targeting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, demonstrating her dedication to promoting inclusivity within the community. Her proactive stance on issues such as parental leave and food policy not only highlights her sensitivity to social needs but also indicates an understanding of the broader implications of legislative action on family and community welfare.

Beyond her legislative work, González practices personal injury law at her firm, Gandara & González, PLLC, in House District 104, utilizing her legal skills to advocate for individuals facing personal hardships. Through her work and her commitment to fighting for marginalized voices, Jessica González exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated public servant focused on advancing social justice and equity for all Texans.