Texas State Representative

Victoria Criado Biography

Biography

Victoria Neave Criado is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 107, which encompasses parts of Dallas, Mesquite, and Garland. She has made significant strides in her career, becoming the first Latina in Texas history to serve as the Chair of the County Affairs Committee and being one of only four women to hold a committee chair position. In addition to her leadership role in the committee, Neave Criado chairs the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the largest and oldest Latino caucus in the United States, where she is also recognized as the first woman to be elected to this position in over thirty years.

Neave Criado has a strong commitment to addressing crucial social issues through her legislative efforts. Among her notable contributions is the authored Lavinia Masters Act, a comprehensive law targeting the backlog of untested rape kits in Texas. This legislation, enacted during the 86th Legislative Session, successfully allocated $50 million from the state budget to combat this pressing issue. Her legislative focus extends to various areas including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, reflecting her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations in the state.

In terms of her professional background, Neave Criado is a strong advocate for education and economic development. She has sponsored multiple bills aimed at enhancing access to higher education and improving affordability for college students. Her educational journey is noteworthy; she is a first-generation college graduate who earned her degree in Government and Politics from The University of Texas at Dallas before graduating magna cum laude from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she ranked in the top 3% of her class.

Additionally, Neave Criado serves on several influential committees, including the Business and Industry Committee, the Human Services Committee, and the Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety. These roles allow her to shape policies directly impacting the welfare of Texas residents, particularly focusing on issues related to business interests, social services, and the health and safety of youth.

In her legislative career, Neave Criado has co-sponsored various bills that aim to improve transparency and accountability within government contracts, such as House Bill 1918, which mandates the publication of legal service contracts. She is also an advocate for domestic violence survivors, having supported bills like HB 698, which allows individuals to testify remotely during protective order proceedings.

Neave Criado’s political leanings are characterized by her proactive approach to social justice, women's rights, and community welfare. Her legislation often focuses on empowering marginalized communities, thus positioning her as a significant voice for progressive reforms in Texas. She actively engages in discussions around health, safety, and educational equity, promoting policies that seek to dismantle systemic inequities within these domains.

Beyond her legislative activities, Neave Criado's personal story is rooted in her upbringing in a working-class family in Dallas, where her immigrant father operated a small business. Her background highlights her commitment to education and public service, values instilled by her family. Overall, Victoria Neave Criado embodies a dedication to advancing the interests of her constituents through informed legislation and community engagement.