Michelle’s parents emigrated from Mexico and settled in the Rio Grande Valley, where they raised their family and built their American dream. For almost 25 years, her family has operated Pulga Los Portales, a local flea market and vital community center.
In 2010, Michelle lost her mother, Maribel, at the all-too-young age of 46 to a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis. Witnessing her mother’s tumultuous journey with American healthcare gave her a firm resolve to fight for a universal, single-payer healthcare system that covers EVERYONE – regardless of their ability to pay.
Michelle stepped up to help her father run the family business, most recently leading the efforts to keep Pulga Los Portales running during the pandemic as a drive-thru market – prioritizing safety while still meeting the community’s needs.
Michelle is also the co-founder of the New Leaders Council STX Frontera chapter (an organization supporting progressive community leaders fighting for equity in South Texas) as well as Hustle + Socialize, an annual women’s entrepreneurship conference providing resources and support for minority women in business in San Antonio and throughout South Texas.
In 2021, Michelle stepped up to work with immigrant rights’ organizations as an oral historian transcribing interviews conducted of parents and children separated at the border due to the Trump administration’s cruel “zero tolerance” policy. These transcribed narratives have been instrumental in helping the Biden administration’s Task Force reunite separated families.
Michelle’s deep commitment to service caught the attention of LUPE Votes, who asked her to run for Congress. When elected, she will be the first Latina to represent this majority minority district, and only the third Latina ever elected to Congress from Texas!
Brand New Congress is proud to join Michelle’s powerful coalition fighting for change in South Texas. Will you welcome Michelle to the slate by splitting a contribution between her campaign and Brand New Congress now?