SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 685
WHEREAS, Latino and Latina elected officials from Texas
have distinguished themselves at all levels of government, and
their increased participation in public service through the
years reflects the vibrant diversity that is synonymous with the
Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Latino candidates have successfully competed in
elections since the early decades of the state's history, and
today, Latinos and Latinas have become integral to the political
process in Texas; they serve their fellow citizens as city
council members and county commissioners, as judges, and as
members of the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress,
among other elective offices; and
WHEREAS, Though individuals of Latino descent have faced
many challenges in gaining a prominent voice in government, out of
that struggle has emerged a series of legendary figures in the
Texas political landscape; in 1904, Representative José Tomás
Canales of Brownsville became the first Mexican American elected
to the Texas Legislature in the 20th century, and in 1919, during
his fifth term in office, he led a landmark legislative
investigation into the violence carried out by members of the
Texas Rangers against Latinos; as Latinos took a larger role in
politics following World War II, Eligio "Kika" de la Garza was a
trailblazer, completing six terms in the Texas House before
serving more than three decades in Congress; Latina public
officials came to the fore beginning in the 1970s, and in 1977 Irma
Rangel became the first Mexican American woman to serve in the
Texas House; she went on to be reelected 13 times and was the first
female chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus; and
WHEREAS, The 86th Texas Legislature stands as a proud
example of the increased prominence of Latinos in public office,
with Latino and Latina legislators forming a sizable portion of
both chambers; among them is another pivotal figure, Judith
Zaffirini, who in 1987 became the first Mexican American woman to
serve in the Texas Senate; during her long tenure in the upper
chamber, she has compiled an unparalleled record of more than
60,000 consecutive votes and has sponsored over 1,000 bills that
have passed into law; in addition, she has chaired many Senate
committees, including Higher Education, Health and Human
Services, and Government Organization; and
WHEREAS, Through their exceptional achievements in public
service, Latino officeholders have given voice to their
communities while working to improve the lives of all residents
of the Lone Star State, and in so doing, they have exemplified the
ideals upon which our nation was founded; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize the contributions of current and
former Latino and Latina elected officials and extend to those
presently serving sincere best wishes for continued success with
their important work.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 2, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate