Representative Diego M. Bernal

Political Party: Democratic

District: Texas House District 123

Diego M. Bernal was born in South Texas and raised in San Antonio by his single mother, who was an educator. His father was a former farmworker. Growing up in District 1, he attended San Antonio's public schools throughout his childhood and high school years. He is the proud father of one child, Xan Rosa Bernal.

Education

Bernal earned three degrees from the University of Michigan:

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• Master's in Social Work
• Juris Doctor

Political Experience

Early Career:
Before entering electoral politics, Bernal worked as a civil rights advocate and attorney. As a social worker, he helped young gang members in Detroit transition out of difficult circumstances into school or employment. He later worked with Communities in Schools in Harlingen, Texas, supporting at-risk youth and founding a student newspaper to improve literacy.

During law school, he devoted himself to civil rights advocacy, including a summer internship with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in New York City and a year with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in San Antonio.

MALDEF Attorney:
After graduating from law school in 2004, Bernal returned to San Antonio as a MALDEF staff attorney, where he spent six years advocating and litigating on behalf of working people, children, and immigrant communities. He fought for systemic changes to ensure equitable funding for Texas public schools, worked against discrimination in schools and the workplace, and advocated for electoral systems that protect every citizen's right to vote.

San Antonio City Council:
In June 2011, Bernal was elected to the San Antonio City Council representing District 1, serving alongside Mayor Julian Castro. During his tenure on City Council, he authored and passed the strictest payday loan regulation in Texas and passed the Non-Discrimination Ordinance to ensure equal and fair treatment for all residents.

Texas House of Representatives:
Bernal was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in February 2015 and currently represents District 123. He serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock and the House Committee on Urban Affairs.