R. D. "Bobby" Guerra is a seasoned political figure representing Texas House District 41, which includes the cities of McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Palmhurst, Lopezville, and Pharr. Elected in 2012, he is currently serving his sixth term in the Texas House of Representatives. With a commitment to public service deeply rooted in his upbringing, Guerra hails from a lineage of South Texas ranchers, and he carries a legacy of civic duty that has guided his career.
In his professional life, Bobby Guerra is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in both state and federal courts. After earning his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Pan American University in 1977, he embarked on a career as a television reporter and news anchor before going on to obtain his law degree from Texas Southern University in 1985. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer and has played a vital role in his law firm, Guerra & Sabo, P.L.L.C., where he advocates for taxpayers and assists in local governance.
Guerra's legislative focus is illustrated through his active involvement in various committees. He serves as a senior member of the House Committees on Energy Resources, is the Vice Chair of Environmental Regulation, and holds the position of Chair on the Resolutions Calendars Committee. His leadership in these roles has been crucial in addressing issues pertinent to energy policies and environmental safeguarding within the state.
Throughout his tenure, Guerra has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills, reflecting his dedication to education and civic engagement. Notably, he co-authored House Bill 3780, which sets forth measures to enhance accountability in public schools, particularly for institutions struggling with underperformance. This bill emphasizes direct interventions as a means to improve educational outcomes, though it has drawn some criticism for potentially prioritizing punitive measures over support mechanisms for schools.
In a different vein, Guerra has also championed community involvement through a series of resolutions that celebrate local leaders in the Rio Grande Valley, particularly those graduating from the RGV Leadership program. For example, he sponsored House Resolution 1826, recognizing Michael Vargas' achievements. Such recognitions are less about changing laws and more focused on fostering a culture of civic engagement and local leadership. The sentiment around these resolutions is predominantly positive, reflecting a collective appreciation for grassroots initiatives and public service exemplified by recent graduates of this program.
Guerra’s political leanings appear to focus on fostering educational accountability and recognizing local leadership initiatives, aiming to enhance civic engagement and address community-specific concerns such as education, healthcare, and environmental issues. His work illustrates an understanding that effective governance requires both top-down policies and robust support for community leaders tackling local challenges.
Beyond his political responsibilities, Bobby Guerra values family, being married to Leslie-Yoder Guerra since 1979, and together they have three children and a grandchild, Olivia. He remains actively engaged in numerous local organizations and continues his work not only as a politician but also as a community advocate aimed at improving the lives of the residents he serves. This blend of personal dedication and professional service positions him as a committed leader within his community.