Xochil Peña Rodriguez Announces Candidacy for Texas Senate District 19
Xochil Peña Rodriguez has authorized the Eagle Pass Business Journal to announce her candidacy for Texas Senate District 19.
Xochil Peña Rodriguez is seeking election to the Texas Senate 19, because our voice is not being heard in Austin. The votes that have been taken by the incumbent do not reflect the values of Senate District 19. Her election means that we will have the 13th vote essential for fighting the Republican legislative agenda. Together we can take back this seat and have a Latina representing this district for the first time.
Professionally, Xochil has been a practicing attorney for over 10 years. She served as Associate Counsel for The University of Texas at San Antonio and as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of San Antonio, and is a certified mediator. She has analyzed legislation, written policy, negotiated contracts, and handled disputes across a broad range of areas. Currently, Xochil serves on the San Antonio/Bexar County Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census.
Xochil earned her BA in Architectural Studies from Rice University and her JD from The University of Texas School of Law. As a Student Attorney, she participated in the Immigration Clinic handling asylum and adjustment of status claims before the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Court. She also participated in the Transnational Worker’s Rights Clinic (Equal Justice Center), where she represented workers seeking to recover damages for violations of labor laws as well as unpaid wages. Xochil was an intern with The United States Department of Justice, the Texas Senate, and a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas. After law school Xochil served briefly as a Law Fellow for the National Labor Relations Board.
Xochil married Mr. Shannon O’Dowd, a public school teacher. They have one daughter, Itzela. They live on the southside of San Antonio. Xochil’s parents are Ciro and Carolina Peña Rodriguez. Her father is a former State Representative and Congressman.
Why I am Running
I am running to ensure Texas values are once again reflected in the priorities of our state, and that our communities are no longer ignored or treated with contempt. It is no secret that Texas has failed to adequately invest in education, and invest in expanding access to quality healthcare or even investing in our infrastructure. Opportunity should not depend on what neighborhood you are born into, or what resources you have. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and receive the services they need to live a decent life. Whether that is being able to earn a decent living and be able to provide for one’s family. Have access to healthcare or benefits that have been rightly earned, to start out you life without crushing a debt of student loans. Or simply to have our voice heard by those who are elected to represent us. I pledge to have an open door to listen to your concerns and work together to build a better Texas.
Proudly Endorsed by Maverick County Community Leaders:
Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber
Maverick County Treasurer Rito Valdez
First Lady of Maverick County Diana Saucedo
Maverick County Commissioner Rosie Cantu
Maverick County Commissioner Roberto Ruiz
Maverick County Commissioner Jerry Morales
Mayor Pro Tem, Eagle Pass William Davis
Former Mayor of Eagle Pass Fito Barrera
Fmr. Eagle Pass ISD Board Member Ignacio Saucedo
Honorable Roberto Gonzalez
Honorable Victor Perry Sr.
Proudly Endorsed by the Following Unions and Organizations:
Texas AFL-CIO
San Antonio AFL-CIO
Permian Basin Central Labor Council
Communication Workers of America Local 6143
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694
Bexar County American Federation of Teachers
Texas American Federation of Teachers
National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 421
Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio
Tejano Democrats-Senate District 19 Chapter
