Senator Pete Flores was born in Minot, North Dakota, and raised in South Texas. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, having previously attended Laredo Junior College and graduated from Laredo Martin High School. With a distinguished career spanning 27 years as a Texas Game Warden, Flores attained the rank of Colonel, becoming the first Hispanic to do so in Texas history. His tenure in law enforcement included management of a substantial budget and personnel, contributing significantly to the protection of Texas’s natural resources.
Flores' political career began when he was elected to the Texas Senate in a special election in 2018, becoming the first Hispanic Republican in the chamber. He was re-elected for a full term in 2022 and represents Senate District 24. During the 88th Regular Legislative Session, he served as the Vice Chair for the Senate Committees on Border Security and Criminal Justice. In January 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Criminal Justice. In addition to these roles, he is also a member of the Finance, Education, and Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs committees.
Promoting the interests of conservative Hispanics in Texas, Flores co-founded the Texas Hispanic Republican Caucus in March 2024, aiming to amplify their voices in legislative matters.
Senator Flores is intricately involved in shaping policies related to public safety and education through his committee roles. As Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, he oversees discussions on important reforms impacting victim rights, bail practices, and enhancements in medical transportation for inmates. His work is indicative of a commitment to ensuring justice and public safety while tackling the pressing issues faced by Texans.
In his role on the Finance Committee, Flores participates in budget deliberations that address funding for essential state services, focusing on areas such as mental health and infrastructure improvements. His bipartisan approach seeks to ensure adequate resource allocation for education and public safety, reflecting his pragmatic stance on fiscal matters.
Flores’s legislative initiatives include significant bills aimed at addressing critical issues. For instance, he sponsored and supported notable legislation including HB766, which enhances protections for victims of domestic violence, and HB768, aimed at refining juvenile justice procedures. He also co-sponsored HB769, focusing on bolstering border security measures.
His political leanings can be characterized as conservative, particularly evident in his emphases on law and order, border security reforms, and enhancing educational standards. Senator Flores has consistently advocated for legislation supporting family safety and youth rehabilitation, reflecting a legislative agenda that prioritizes community security and educational opportunities.
Residing in Pleasanton, Texas, with his wife Elizabeth, Flores is a family man with two daughters and two grandsons, drawing from these personal experiences to inform his legislative priorities and commitments. His background in law enforcement and continuous service-oriented roles bolster his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Texas residents.
Through his multifaceted roles and community involvement, Senator Pete Flores strives to represent the needs and concerns of his district while championing the values of conservative governance in Texas.