Joaquín Castro is a Democratic Representative from Texas, born in San Antonio on September 16, 1974. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1992 and continued his education at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1996. He then attended Harvard Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2000. Before his congressional career, Castro served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. He has held his current position in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 3, 2013, representing Texas's 20th congressional district.

Throughout his time in Congress, Castro has notably been involved in various significant legislative efforts. He served as one of the managers appointed by the House of Representatives to conduct the impeachment proceedings of President Donald J. Trump in 2021, reflecting his active role in national politics.

In terms of legislative focus, Castro has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills, highlighting his political priorities. Among these is the Keeping Texas School Construction Costs Down Act of 2023, which aims to create a safe harbor for certain perpetual trust funds utilized for essential governmental functions. This legislation was recently referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Another significant piece of legislation he co-sponsored is the Retired Pay Restoration Act, which seeks to allow military retirees to receive both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation without offset, thus addressing financial burdens faced by many veterans. This bill has the potential to substantially impact military personnel who have service-connected disabilities.

Additionally, Castro is a member of several key congressional committees: the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, and the Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee. His committee assignments signal an emphasis on international relations, human rights, and national security matters, further informing his legislative priorities.

Castro's political leanings can be characterized as liberal to moderate within the Democratic Party. His sponsorship of bills related to education, veterans' affairs, and international human rights suggests a commitment to progressive social issues and a strong interest in protecting the rights and welfare of marginalized communities. His involvement with voting rights through the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023, which aims to address voter disenfranchisement, further emphasizes his dedication to civil rights and social justice reforms.

In his personal life, Castro is a family-oriented individual, though specific details about his personal and family life are not extensively documented. His educational background in law suggests a proficiency in legal matters, which likely informs his legislative approach.

Overall, Joaquín Castro's political career reflects a commitment to legislative leadership focused on education, veterans' issues, and civil rights, where he continues to strive for progressive change and accountability in governance.