August 5, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ricardo Lopez-Guerra
956-212-8950
VERONICA GONZALES TO SEEK 5TH TERM IN TEXAS HOUSE
Gonzales will now serve constituents of District 40
McALLEN- State Representative Veronica Gonzales announces her intention to seek her 5th term in the Texas House representing District 40 in the Rio Grande Valley. Initially elected as the first female to represent District 41, she would now also be the first female to represent District 40, comprised of parts of the cities of Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Hidalgo, McAllen and Linn/San Manuel.
Following the passage of the redistricting bill which placed Gonzales' residence in District 40, she confirmed that she would not change her residence in order to seek re-election in District 41.
"While the boundaries of the district I will represent are significantly different, the issues are not. I have spent the last four terms not only fighting for District 41, but for the entire region," Gonzales said. "I am committed to continue the fight to ensure the Valley receives adequate funding, experienced legislative representation and a strong voice in our State's decision making."
As District 40's new state representative, Gonzales would also bring with her four terms of experience and accomplishments. "Over the past seven years, I have had the honor and privilege of working for and with people from all different backgrounds, occupations and perspectives," Gonzales noted. "I am also grateful for the support I have received from my law firm, friends and residents of Hidalgo County, which make my public service possible. I look forward to continue building upon these relationships and creating new ones to ensure that the next Legislative session is a success for District 40."
Gonzales, who was first elected in 2004, has earned many accomplishments during her legislative career. Gonzales has served as Chair of the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs since her initial appointment by Speaker Straus in 2009. She is also serving her third term on the Public Health Committee and serves as Legal Counsel for the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.
Gonzales has passed numerous pieces of legislation to address the diverse needs of Hidalgo County including: increasing the number of physicians and nurses to medically underserved areas; improvements for colonia residents; protecting victims of abuse and making a college education more attainable, among many other measures.
Gonzales, who was raised in San Marcos, Texas, has lived in Hidalgo County since 1991. The first in her family to go to college, she graduated cum laude from Southwest Texas State University and earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas Law School. She is a name partner in the law firm of Kittleman, Thomas & Gonzales, L.L.P., and has earned many awards for her legal career including being named "Super Lawyer" by Texas Super Lawyers and "Extraordinary Woman in Law" by Texas Lawyer.
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