Janie Lopez

Janie Lopez is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives representing District 37, which comprises Willacy County and parts of Cameron County in South Texas. She made history in November 2022 as the first Latina Republican elected to represent the Rio Grande Valley in the Texas House.

Before her election to the state legislature, Lopez built a distinguished career in education and mental health. She worked as a mental healthcare professional treating at-risk children, veterans, and first responders with PTSD. She also served as a GEAR UP counselor in Brownsville CISD, where she was instrumental in achieving significant academic improvements, including achieving the #1 state proficiency rate in Science and #2 in History at her campus.

Lopez previously served as a trustee for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District , where she held the positions of Vice-President and Chair of Finance and Administration. Under her leadership as a Director of SBCISD, student achievement increased and disciplinary referrals were reduced by 66%. She also demonstrated fiscal responsibility by securing pay increases for teachers and staff while reducing taxes.

Education

Lopez holds multiple degrees from institutions in South Texas:

• Associate's degree from Texas Southmost College
• Bachelor's degree from University of Texas at Brownsville
• Master's degree in Education
• Master's degree in Business

Political Experience

In 2022, Lopez defeated Democrat Luis Villareal Jr. in a competitive race, flipping the seat to Republican control. She currently serves on the Environmental Regulation Committee and the Juvenile Justice & Family Issues Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Policy Committee of the Texas House Republican Party Caucus and participates in the Aerospace Caucus, Texas Conservative Caucus, House Water Caucus, and Texas Energy and Climate Caucus.

Lopez is an advocate for term limits for members of Congress and has signed the Term Limits Convention pledge. Her stated priorities as a state representative include lowering the cost of living, securing the border, properly funding schools, protecting life, supporting law enforcement, combating human trafficking, and defending constitutional rights.