State Representative Rafael Anchía is serving his tenth term in the Texas Legislature, representing a diverse constituency in the western corridor of Dallas County, which includes the cities of Dallas, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and Irving. Throughout his legislative career, Rep. Anchía has held significant roles, including service on various key committees such as State Affairs, Energy Resources, Redistricting, and House Administration.
Prior to his tenure in the Texas House, Anchía served as a Trustee for the Dallas Independent School District. He was also appointed during President Barack Obama's administration to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, where he contributed insights on trade and investment agreements. His leadership experience extended to Chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), the most prominent Latino caucus in the United States, from 2017 to 2022.
Rafael Anchía holds a dual degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and a Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School. He is a co-founder and Managing Director of Civitas Capital Group, a global investment firm, while also serving as Of Counsel at Haynes and Boone, a major law firm in Dallas, where he represents various financial institutions and funds. Anchía's professional life is rooted in public service, with a commitment to civil rights, public education, environmental protection, and healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Rep. Anchía is an active participant in significant legislative initiatives, sponsoring several bills aimed at social and environmental improvement. Noteworthy among these is bill HB5 pertaining to the elimination of smoking in workplaces and public spaces, reflecting a focus on public health and environmental policy. He has also endorsed HCR113, which seeks to recognize the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in Texas—a testament to his advocacy for diverse communities and inclusive legislation.
As a member of various committees, Anchía prioritizes issues that impact economic development and resource management. He is involved in the Energy Resources Committee, focused on addressing the challenges of energy production and sustainability in Texas. This committee has emphasized legislative measures that enhance the state's energy efficiency and promote renewable energy sources. On the Pensions Committee, Anchía partakes in discussions surrounding the management of pension policies, ensuring financial stability and security for public employees and retirees.
Through his legislative actions, Rep. Anchía showcases a moderate political leaning, characterized by a willingness to work collaboratively across party lines. His committee memberships and sponsored legislation indicate a focus on public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. His approach often balances economic growth initiatives with responsible governance, reflecting a commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term needs of constituents.
In his personal life, Rep. Anchía resides in North Oak Cliff with his wife, Rebecca, and their two daughters. He is an active member of the Catholic Campus Community at SMU, reinforcing his values of community service and education.