Occupation: Attorney
Education: Pan American University; George Washington University School of Law
Legislative Experience: Senate Member 2011 - present
Hometown: El Paso
Party: Democrat

In November 2010, José Rodríguez, an attorney who has devoted his life to public service, was elected to serve the people of Senate District 29 in the Texas State Senate.

The son of migrant farm workers, he was born in Alice, Texas, and from an early age worked in fields throughout the country to help support a family of nine. He and his family have made their home in El Paso since 1983 where they have been deeply involved in civic, economic development and human rights activities. Senator Rodríguez graduated from Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas and received his law degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University.

Senator Rodríguez began his 37-year legal career as a staff attorney with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. He practiced law with the firm of Rodriguez, Lewis & Collins and worked for 10 years as a staff attorney and director of the farm worker program of Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc, a statewide legal services program.

Immediately prior to his service in the Texas Senate, Senator Rodríguez served as the El Paso County Attorney for 17 years, where he established an unequaled record of achievement, enhancing legal services to protect vulnerable citizens and prevent crime, increasing County revenues and funding for jobs and economic development, and strengthening community health and environmental quality.

That level of service to his community continues today as a member of the Texas State Senate. During the 82nd Legislative Session and subsequent 1st Called Special Session, Senator Rodríguez became widely known as a staunch advocate for those in need, especially those seeking help through legal aid and indigent defense programs. He also proved himself an effective voice for the people of El Paso, passing numerous pieces of legislation directly affecting the Sun City.

As a freshman legislator, Senator Rodríguez filed more than seventy pieces of legislation and passed forty-one. His hard work and tenacity on the Senate floor gained him numerous accolades, including being named "Freshman MVP" by the highly regarded online publication, Capitol Inside.

Newsletters

Fall 2011
Senator Rodríguez's Capitol Report for the 82nd Session (PDF)

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2013 | 2012 | 2011]

May 20, 2013
Rodríguez bill to increase penalties for reporting false school data passes Legislature

May 17, 2013
Rodríguez passes three bills addressing school district issues from Legislature

May 16, 2013
Bill filed by Senator José Rodríguez to address school cheating passes House

May 08, 2013
Legislature passes bill by Senator José Rodríguez to protect witnesses in family violence cases

May 02, 2013
Senate passes bill by Rodríguez that protects social workers who volunteer for disaster response

[ MORE ... ]

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Office Information

83rd Session Committee Membership

• Jurisprudence — Vice Chair
• Criminal Justice
• Government Organization
• Veteran Affairs & Military Installations

District Analysis: District 29

Click the map to view a detailed district map in PDF format

District Profile: Population, Households, Education, Employment, Income and Analysis Population Analysis Precinct and Districts Cities and Census Designated Places School Districts General Election Analysis