Dear Friend,

We've made it to the end of the week.

As your elected representative, it is my honor to stand with you, and it’s important that we stick together in this fight.

I know there is a lot going on in our community right now. Our economy is suffering, leaving hard-working folks to deal with rising living costs and inflation. In Congress, I am working to bring our voices to the table to ensure our students, seniors, and veterans are taken care of.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please call my office in San Antonio at (210) 348-8216 or my office in Washington at (202) 225-3236.

To recap this week: 

Here in Texas, the fight against the illegal, mid-decade redistricting continues. Just this week, the Texas House passed these congressional maps that would give five more seats to Republicans — and soon Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign them into law. I am deeply disappointed by this result, but the fight is not over. I, alongside the Texas Democratic delegation, will continue to fight against Trump’s illegal power grab here at home and across the country.

In Washington, D.C., Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to take control of the nation’s capital while he buries the Epstein files and more.

In other news, I’ve officially selected 30 Latino films to formally nominate to the prestigious National Film Registry at the Library of Congress (more on this below). Latino actors, filmmakers, producers, and stories have shaped the film industry in the United States. Thank you for working with me to spotlight our extremely talented community and their timeless art.

Greg Abbott is expected to sign illegal redistricting maps into law imminently — not to serve Texans, but to serve Trump. These maps are designed to silence and suppress communities of color and rig the system to keep power, not earn it. This isn’t democracy at work. It’s voter suppression — and all Texans will suffer the consequences. 

I am proud of Texas House Democrats for standing up for Texans. They have opened the country’s eyes to Trump’s attack on our voting rights and galvanized people across the country to speak out.

Official Latino Film Nominations to the National Film Registry

After receiving more than 200 submissions from the public, I am excited to announce the 30 films I’ve nominated to the prestigious National Film Registry at the Library of Congress.

Thank you so much for sharing your favorite Latino films with me.

From Cesar Chavez to Instructions Not Included, I hope the Library of Congress continues to honor Latino talent and historical contributions to the United States. The final list of films to be preserved will be announced later this year.

To view my full nomination list, click here.

Jefferson High School Visit 

Last week, I was honored to visit my alma mater, Jefferson High School, in San Antonio. Since I was elected to the Texas House in 2002, I’ve been fighting for American public schools to build and strengthen the infrastructure of opportunity for our students.

Thank you to all the educators, principals, administrators, and staff who are working to support our kids every day.

Go Mustangs!

Trump-Putin Summit  

Last week, Trump met with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska to discuss how to end the war in Ukraine.


At such a high-stakes meeting, there is a danger in negotiating terms without Ukraine at the table. Ukraine and our European partners must be involved, or it could set a bad precedent for future negotiations.

This week, I want to recognize three important figures Texas lost. They broke barriers in our community and touched the lives of many through their work. It is an honor to highlight their stories and the legacy they’ve left. 

Dr. Maria "Cuca" Robledo Montecel

Dr. Robledo Montecel was a powerhouse. Her influence reached far beyond her work as a researcher, education advocate, and President Emerita. She was a beloved mentor, leader, and visionary who inspired everyone she met. 

Cuca’s legacy will be felt for generations to come. Thanks to her work, Latino students can follow the path she blazed throughout her career.

May she rest in peace. 

Chief Justice Alma Lopez

Early on in her career, Alma broke barriers at every turn. A first-generation college graduate, she became the first Hispanic woman elected as chief justice of an appellate court in the United States. 

Those who knew Alma highlight her energy and enthusiasm for her life and career. Though we have lost her, her unique journey will continue to inspire many. She will be remembered for her strength and commitment to upholding the rule of law in our country.

May she rest in peace. 

J. Richard Avena

J. Richard Avena was a fighter and a visionary. He will be greatly missed by San Antonio, his family, and all who knew him. 

He made significant strides for the Mexican American community in the late 1960s and continued to call out education, housing and employment discrimination against our community to the very end. Richard went on to become the Southwest Regional Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights where his leadership inspired many.
 
Through his determination, he made the Mexican American community proud.
 
May he rest in peace. 

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