Vince Perez serves as the State Representative for House District 77, encompassing a portion of El Paso, Texas. A member of the Democratic Caucus, he holds significant positions including deputy whip and a member of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) working group on immigration. Perez is also the sole freshman representative on the Democratic Policy and Steering Committee. His prior experience includes serving as the El Paso County Commissioner for Precinct 3 from 2013 to 2020, where he was recognized for implementing policy reforms in various sectors such as criminal justice, transportation, and healthcare.
In his role as a county commissioner, Perez led the initiative to establish El Paso County’s first Comprehensive Mobility Plan, securing over $400 million for new transportation infrastructure and ensuring that projects were completed on schedule and within budget. He notably expanded healthcare access by championing the construction of state-of-the-art primary care clinics, a crucial development that received over $150 million in funding.
Throughout his career, Perez has focused on criminal justice reform, advocating for changes to private defense attorney appointment practices, which he discovered were inadequate for low-income defendants. His advocacy resulted in an investigation that led to systematic reforms within the judiciary, highlighting his commitment to equity in legal representation. Recognizing the need for quicker judicial processes, he initiated the creation of a pretrial office to assess defendants' risks and needs in real-time, thereby enhancing the efficiency of court proceedings.
Perez was instrumental in implementing the "CourTools model" in El Paso County, a comprehensive system designed to evaluate court efficiency and transparency. His leadership in county governance earned him the title of "National County Leader of the Year" in 2016 from American City & County Magazine, marking him as a pioneering figure in criminal justice reforms at the county level.
Since assuming office as a state representative, Perez has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills that align with his focus on education, public health, and economic development. Notably, he is a co-author of House Bill 1022, which aims to amend the educational provisions at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College. This bill seeks to enhance course offerings, thus fostering improved student engagement and educational outcomes in the region.
Additionally, he has co-sponsored legislation such as House Bill 266, aimed at providing tax exemptions for employees of school districts, thereby improving retention and recruitment of educational staff. His support for House Bill 5—establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas—reflects his commitment to advancing public health initiatives and prioritizing research on dementia, a growing concern in Texas.
Serving on critical committees, including Higher Education, Ways & Means, and Local & Consent Calendars, Perez is actively involved in discussions that shape Texas's policies on education, finance, and local governance. His work on the Higher Education Committee emphasizes equitable access to resources and legislative initiatives that enhance educational opportunities across the state.
Vince Perez holds degrees from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and resides in El Paso's Mission Valley with his dogs, Lady and Whiskey. He is dedicated to improving his community through policy, fostering a collaborative environment where local needs are addressed thoughtfully and effectively. His legislative efforts demonstrate a blend of progressive ideals and practical solutions that seek to uplift the constituents of El Paso and beyond.