Joaquin Castro

Joaquin Castro was born on September 16, 1974, in San Antonio, Texas, to Rosie Castro and Jesse Guzman. Joaquin and his twin brother Julian were raised by their mother, who was a Chicana political activist. Joaquin would go on to pursue a career in law and politics, obtaining a degree in political science from Stanford University and a law degree from Harvard. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his political and legal career.

In November 2002, Joaquin Castro was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 125th district. This marked the beginning of his political career at a state level. During his tenure, he focused on education, job creation, and health care, advocating for policies that improved access to these essential services. Joaquin served in the Texas legislature for five terms, gaining valuable experience in lawmaking and public service.

On November 6, 2012, Joaquin Castro was elected to represent Texas's 20th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Succeeding Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Joaquin embarked on his congressional career focusing on issues such as education, energy, jobs, and healthcare. As a member of Congress, he advocated for policies that supported educational opportunities and economic development in his district and beyond.

In March 2013, Joaquin Castro was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee. This appointment allowed him to play a significant role in overseeing defense policy, military operations, and the Department of Defense. Serving on this committee, Joaquin participated in discussions and legislation concerning national security, military readiness, and veterans' affairs, making contributions to shaping defense policy in the United States.

In July 2019, Joaquin Castro became the Co-Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's Caucus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions. In this role, he aimed to support higher education institutions that serve a significant number of Hispanic students, advocating for increased federal support and resources. His leadership helped highlight the importance of educational equity and the need for investment in minority-serving institutions to enhance access to quality education.

On January 16, 2020, Joaquin Castro announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, signaling his interest in possibly running for the office of President of the United States in the 2020 election. Although he ultimately decided not to run, the move reflected his growing influence and ambition within the Democratic Party, as well as his dedication to addressing national issues such as healthcare, education, and immigration reform.

On January 13, 2021, Joaquin Castro voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time. The charge was incitement of insurrection following the January 6 storming of the United States Capitol by pro-Trump supporters. Joaquin was one of the 232 members of the House who voted in favor of impeachment. This historic event marked the first time a U.S. president had been impeached twice, highlighting Joaquin's stance on upholding the rule of law and the democratic process.

In February 2021, Joaquin Castro served as a House impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. This role involved presenting the case for conviction to the United States Senate, arguing that Trump was responsible for inciting the January 6 Capitol riot. Joaquin's participation as an impeachment manager showcased his legal acumen and commitment to holding the president accountable for his actions, participating in this significant historical process.

On July 21, 2022, the San Antonio Express-News published a significant profile on Joaquin Castro, covering his political career and personal life. The article highlighted his achievements in public service and his commitment to social justice issues, such as immigration reform and education. It detailed his influence in both local and national politics and his dedication to representing the interests of his constituents in San Antonio and beyond.

In March 2023, Joaquin Castro publicly announced that he had undergone successful surgery to remove cancerous tumors from his gastrointestinal tract. The announcement included a statement of gratitude toward his medical team and reassured his constituents of his commitment to continuing his duties in Congress. Joaquin's openness about his health and recovery was met with a wide outpouring of support, showcasing the respect and admiration he holds as a public figure.