Pete Peña Gallego (born December 2, 1961) is an American lawyer, politician, and higher education leader who served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district from 2013 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 68th district (74th district from 1993) beginning in 1991. He was president of his alma mater, Sul Ross State University in Far West Texas, from 2020 through 2022[1] and continues to serve as president emeritus[2] as he writes and speaks on issues related to college accessibility and affordability, particularly for first-generation students.
Gallego defeated freshman incumbent Quico Canseco of San Antonio for Texas's 23rd congressional district seat in the November 6, 2012, general election. Gallego ran for re-election in 2014, in what the Texas Tribune called the "only obviously competitive November congressional race" in Texas.[3] He was defeated by challenger RepublicanWill Hurd on November 4, 2014. In 2016 he ran for Congress once more in the 23rd district, losing to Hurd a second time.[4]
Early career
After graduating from law school, Gallego became an assistant in the office of the state attorney general, before he returned to his hometown of Alpine to become a prosecutor. He was also an attorney at the law firm Brown McCarroll LLP, with an office in Austin.[5][6]
State legislature
Elected to the Texas House from District 74 in 1990, Gallego was the first Hispanic to represent this vast border district. In 1991, he became the first freshman member and the first ethnic minority member ever elected as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, a post he held until January 2001.[5]
Gallego's state legislative career included chairmanships of the General Investigating Committee, the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, and several select committees.[8] He also served as a member of the Texas Sunset Commission and a member of the Committees on Appropriations, Calendars, Criminal Jurisprudence, Higher Education, and Elections and served on the 10-member House-Senate budget conference committee for five consecutive legislative sessions from 1993 – 2001.[9]
Gallego was known for carrying major legislation in the areas of criminal justice, indigent defense, capital punishment, wrongful convictions, crime victims’ rights, the judiciary, and economic development. He also carried legislation authorizing the creation of underground water districts throughout the region he represented.[11]
Gallego established internship programs at MALC named in honor of several of his mentors, Rep. Irma Rangel (the first Latina elected to the Texas Legislature) and Rep. Paul Moreno, the longest-serving Latino elected official in the country at that time.[12] He, along with the Latino Caucus chairs in New York, Florida, and California, was also instrumental in founding the National Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs,[13] of which he was the founding chairman. While a state legislator, he also became the first person of color to serve as president and chairman of the Texas Lyceum Association.[14]
Gallego announced his candidacy for the 23rd district in September 2011.[15] His state house district was virtually coextensive with the central portion of the congressional district; indeed, he had represented almost all of the central portion of the congressional district at one time or another during his two decades in the state legislature.
He finished second in the Democratic primary, behind former congressman Ciro Rodriguez, who had received Bill Clinton's endorsement. He then defeated Rodriguez in the July 31 runoff election by a margin of 55-45 percent.[16][17] During the course of his campaign, Gallego overhauled his campaign staff four times.[18]
In the general election, Gallego defeated Canseco with 50 percent of the vote to 46 percent, a margin of 9,200 votes. While Gallego lost in Bexar County, home to more than half the district's population, he dominated his former state house district. The campaign between Gallego and Canseco was contentious, with Gallego alleging that Canseco was a "right-wing extremist," and Canseco calling Gallego a "radical environmentalist."[18][19]
Gallego ran for re-election in 2014. Facing no opposition from his own party, he won the Democratic primary on March 4, 2014.[22][23] He faced Republican Will Hurd, an African American, in the general election.[24] Gallego was a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Frontline Program. The program is designed to help protect vulnerable Democratic incumbents. He lost his bid for re-election to Republican Will Hurd by less than 2,500 votes.[25]
In July 2017, Gallego tested the waters as a potential 2018 candidate once more against Hurd. Reapportionment of the district could play a major role as to whether Gallego decided to enter the race. At least two other Democrats also considered running for their party nomination: Judith Canales, a former officer of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from Eagle Pass, and Jay Hulings, a graduate of Harvard Law School and an assistant U.S. attorney in San Antonio.[26] On September 1, Gallego announced that he would not run in the 23rd district.[27]
In June 2018, a special election was triggered in Texas State Senate District 19 after incumbent Carlos Uresti resigned. After an initial eight-way race and election on July 31, in which no candidate received 50% of the vote, a runoff election was set between the top two candidates, Gallego and Republican Pete Flores.[28] On September 18, Gallego was defeated in the runoff election due to high voter turnout in Medina County, a GOP stronghold; Flores received 53% of the vote, while Gallego received 47%.[29][30]
Sul Ross State
In May 2020 Chancellor Brian McCall announced Gallego as the sole finalist to become the 13th president of Sul Ross State (SRSU). In June, the Texas State University System Board of Regents confirmed him as the first SRSU alum to serve as president. He began his presidency at the four-campus university at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as it faced declining enrollment.
During his tenure, the university successfully moved classes online and slowly transitioned back to partial in-person classes. The university's endowment grew in size, and it awarded more degrees per year, including to Hispanic, minority, and economically-disadvantaged students, while raising its graduation rates.[31] A member of its rodeo team won a national championship (bull riding) for the first time since 1983.[32][33]
Gallego resigned as president[34] in June 2022 and was named president emeritus[35] by the Board of Regents.
Political positions
Healthcare
Gallego opposes repeal of the Affordable Care Act and voted against repeal in May 2013.[36][37][38] Gallego's support for the Affordable Care Act was attacked in advertisements by the Libre Initiative, a conservative Hispanic outreach group.[39][40]
Gallego opposed a Medicare voucher system[41] and supported Medicaid expansion and prescription drug negotiations.[42]
Abortion
Gallego supported an abortion law allowing minors to get an abortion with parental consent. Under the legislation a minor would have been able to bypass the requirement for parental consent by petitioning a judge.[6][43]
Immigration
Gallego has said that border security and immigration reform are two separate issues. He advocates improved "worker accountability programs, using border security as an economic tool and aiding the current 11 million undocumented individuals in a path to citizenship", writing with several others in an opinion piece in the El Paso Times that, "We can no longer delay immigration reform. The time to move forward is now." Gallego has said "Most people don't really care where the idea comes from. They want action, they want something to happen, and they're tired of the prolonged conversation." Gallego has expressed support for President Obama's immigration policies. He supports the DREAM Act.[44][45]
In 2014, Gallego invited Speaker of the House John Boehner to the Southern Border to view the humanitarian crisis and discuss the matter with local border patrol agents and community members.[46]
Energy
Gallego has been supported by the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.[47] According to Texas Climate News, Gallego's 2012 congressional victory "earned the celebratory attention of climate-action advocates."[48] Gallego has voiced support for renewable and clean energy sources. The Sierra Club called Gallego a "clean energy champion."[49]Mother Jones included Gallego in a list of the "Top Five Climate Hawks" who were elected to office in November 2012.[50]
Personal life
Born in Alpine, Gallego’s family operated a well-known local restaurant which was a political watering hole.[51] For a time, he worked in a local clothing store, he served as a radio disc jockey and newscaster, and worked in a local clothing store. He also worked as a student employee in the financial aid office. He graduated from Sul Ross State University in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in political science. In 1985, he earned a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin.[5]
Gallego has been honored through the naming of multiple buildings, including the Pete P. Gallego Center at Sul Ross State in 2001.[52][53]
He and his wife have one son, who attends The University of Texas at Austin. He currently works with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office.[54]
Gallego is a frequent guest columnist in such publications as the Dallas Morning News,[55][56][57] Houston Chronicle,[58] San Antonio Express-News,[59] and Inside Higher Ed.[60]
^release-111221 (November 12, 2021). "News Release". www.tsus.edu. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^"Hurd wins re-election in U.S. 23rd Congressional District race". KSAT. San Antonio. November 9, 2016.
^ abcd"Pete Gallego (D)". Election 2012. Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on May 22, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
^ abMcClane, Brianna (November 1, 2012). "Texas, 23rd House District". National Journal. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: TenTemPiés – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) TenTemPiésBackground informationOriginAmsterdam, NetherlandsGenresLatin rock, Ska, Reggae, Reggae rock, Latin AlternativeLabelsPatiperro RecordsMembersM...
1986 United States Senate election in Georgia ← 1980 November 8, 1986 1992 → Nominee Wyche Fowler Mack Mattingly Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 623,707 601,241 Percentage 50.92% 49.08% County resultsCongressional district resultsFowler: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Mattingly: 50–60% 60–70% U.S. sena...
Questa voce o sezione sull'argomento Lombardia non cita le fonti necessarie o quelle presenti sono insufficienti. Puoi migliorare questa voce aggiungendo citazioni da fonti attendibili secondo le linee guida sull'uso delle fonti. Segui i suggerimenti del progetto di riferimento. BrianzaIl lago di Annone e il monte Barro Stati Italia Regioni Lombardia (CO, LC, MB, MI) TerritorioTutta la provincia di Monza e della Brianza, la parte meridionale della provincia di Lecco, la pa...
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: William Ogilvie Ardglass – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) William Ogilviecaricature of William Ogilvie by his son in law, Charles LockBorn1740 Died1832 (aged 91–9...
German sculptor (1764–1850) Lithographic print (1830) of Johann Gottfried Schadow Schadow's grave in Berlin Johann Gottfried Schadow (20 May 1764 – 27 January 1850) was a German Prussian sculptor. His most iconic work is the chariot on top of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, executed in 1793 when he was still only 29.[1] Biography Schadow was born in Berlin, where his father was a poor tailor. He trained as a sculptor under Antoine Tassaert,[2] who was patronized by Frederi...
National seal of the Philippines Great Seal of the PhilippinesMottoRepublika ng Pilipinas, Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa(Republic of the Philippines, For God, People, Nature and Country)BadgeCoat of arms of the Philippines surrounded by a double marginal circle where the name of the Philippines in Filipino as well as the country's national motto are inscribed. The Great Seal of the Philippines (Filipino: Dakilang Sagisag ng Pilipinas) is used to authenticate official docume...
Whole wheat kernel without the husk Uncooked wheat berries A wheat berry, or wheatberry, is a whole wheat kernel, composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm, without the husk.[1] Botanically, it is a type of fruit called a caryopsis.[2] Wheat berries have a tan to reddish-brown color and are available as either a hard or soft processed grain[clarify] They are often added to salads or baked into bread to add a chewy texture. If wheat berries are milled, whole-wheat flour...
The following is a list of Playboy Playmates of 1991. Playboy magazine names its Playmate of the Month each month throughout the year. January Main article: Stacy Arthur Stacy ArthurPersonal detailsBornJune 4, 1968Naperville, IllinoisDiedApril 5, 2019 (aged 50)Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) Stacy Leigh Arthur (June 4, 1968-April 5, 2019, in Naperville, Illinois) was an American model and actress. She was chosen as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for January, 1991. Arthur was also Mr...
烏克蘭總理Прем'єр-міністр України烏克蘭國徽現任杰尼斯·什米加尔自2020年3月4日任命者烏克蘭總統任期總統任命首任維托爾德·福金设立1991年11月后继职位無网站www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/(英文) 乌克兰 乌克兰政府与政治系列条目 宪法 政府 总统 弗拉基米尔·泽连斯基 總統辦公室 国家安全与国防事务委员会 总统代表(英语:Representatives of the President of Ukraine) 总...
Campionati italiani di sci alpino 2018 Competizione Campionati italiani di sci alpino Sport Sci alpino Edizione Organizzatore Federazione italiana sport invernali Date dal 30 dicembre 2017al 25 marzo 2018 Luogo ItaliaBormio, Santa Caterina Valfurva Discipline Discesa libera, supergigante, slalom gigante, slalom speciale, combinata Cronologia della competizione 2017 2019 Manuale I Campionati italiani di sci alpino 2018 si sono svolti a Bormio il 30 dicembre 2017 e a Santa Cateri...
Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach For other uses, see Christmas Oratorio (disambiguation). First page of the first part of the Christmas Oratorio The Christmas Oratorio (German: Weihnachtsoratorium), BWV 248, is an oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach intended for performance in church during the Christmas season. It is in six parts, each part a cantata intended for performance in a church service on a feast day of the Christmas period. It was written for the Christmas season of 1734 and incorp...
Freight terminal in Kitakyushu, Japan This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: Hama-Kokura Freight Terminal – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Seen from a train on the main line, July 2010 Hama-Kokura Freight Terminal (浜小倉駅, Hamakokura-eki) ...
Cet article est une ébauche concernant un festival et l’animation. Vous pouvez partager vos connaissances en l’améliorant (comment ?) selon les recommandations des projets correspondants. Festival international d'animation de Córdoba – ANIMAAffiche promotionnelle du Festival Internacional de Animación de Córdoba, en 2019.HistoireFondation 2001CadreType Festival de cinémaPays Argentinemodifier - modifier le code - modifier Wikidata Le Festival international d'animation ...
International cricket tournament Cricket tournament 2009 Champions League Twenty20Administrator(s)BCCICricket AustraliaCricket South AfricaCricket formatTwenty20Tournament format(s)Round-robin and knockoutHost(s)IndiaChampionsNew South Wales Blues (1st title)Runners-upTrinidad and TobagoParticipants12Matches23Player of the seriesBrett LeeMost runsJP Duminy (224)Most wicketsDwayne Bravo (12)Official websitewww.clt20.com← 20082010 → The 2009 Champions League Twenty20 was the first e...
This article is about the National Women's Soccer League team and founding WPS member. For other uses, see Boston Breakers (disambiguation). Soccer team Soccer clubBoston BreakersNickname(s)BreakersFoundedSeptember 4, 2007; 16 years ago (2007-09-04)DissolvedJanuary 28, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-01-28)StadiumJordan FieldCapacity4,100 (seated)OwnerBoston Women’s Soccer, LLCHead CoachMatt BeardLeagueNational Women's Soccer LeagueWebsiteClub website Home colors...
برلين الشرقية شرق برلين برلين الشرقية ألمانيا الشرقية برلين الشرقيةعلم برلين الشرقيةشعار برلين مناطق الاحتلالات الاربعة لبرلين برلين الشرقية تظهر بالون الأحمر نظام الحكم ألمانيا الشرقية التاريخ الفترة التاريخية الحرب الباردة التأسيس 1949 الزوال 3 أكتوبر 1990 النهاية 2 �...
Nazi German policy of the murder of undesirable persons from the German people Eugenics poster at the exhibition Wonders of Life in Berlin in 1935 showing demographic projections under the assumption of higher fertility of the inferior (Minderwertige) relative to the superior (Höherwertige) Part of a series onNazism Organizations Ahnenerbe Geheime Staatspolizei Deutsches Jungvolk Hitler Youth League of German Girls NSDÄB NSDStB NSRL NSFK NSKK NSF Nationalsozialistische Monatshefte Nazi Part...
Тема цієї статті може не відповідати загальним критеріям значущості Вікіпедії. Будь ласка, допоможіть підтвердити значущість, додавши посилання на надійні вторинні джерела, які є незалежними для цієї теми. Якщо значущість залишиться непідтвердженою, стаття може бути о...