Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Biography

Veronica Escobar, born on September 15, 1969, in El Paso, Texas, is a third-generation El Pasoan and a dedicated public servant. She made history in 2019 as one of the first two Latinas from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas' 16th Congressional District. Prior to her congressional tenure, Escobar served as El Paso County Commissioner from 2006 to 2010 and as County Judge from 2011 to 2017. Her early career includes roles as an English and Chicano literature instructor at the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College, as well as serving as Communications Director for former El Paso Mayor Raymond Caballero.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso
• Master of Arts from New York University

Political Experience

• U.S. House of Representatives : Serving on the House Appropriations Committee, Escobar has been a vocal advocate for border communities, focusing on issues such as gun safety, healthcare, reproductive justice, and immigration reform.
• El Paso County Judge : As the chief executive officer of the county, she worked to modernize county government and expand healthcare access, including efforts to build primary care clinics and the El Paso Children's Hospital.
• El Paso County Commissioner : Focused on urban planning and economic diversification, aiming to create a more resilient local economy.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Democratic Leadership: Elected as one of three co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee in December 2022, making her the only Texan in leadership across both the House and Senate in both parties.
• Committee Assignments: Serves on the House Appropriations Committee, with previous assignments on the House Judiciary Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Ethics Committee.
• Caucus Memberships: Active member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, New Democrat Coalition, Democratic Women's Caucus, and Pro-Choice Caucus.
• Legislative Initiatives: Introduced and supported legislation addressing immigration reform, gun safety, healthcare access, and support for military personnel and their families.

Escobar's career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and advocacy for her constituents in El Paso and the broader border community.