Gilberto Hinojosa is an American politician. He was the chair of the Texas Democratic Party and resigned in 2024 after a 12-year run. He was the county judge of Cameron County, Texas from 1995 to 2006.[1]
Gilberto Hinojosa | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Texas Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office June 9, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Boyd Richie |
| County Judge of Cameron County | |
| In office January 1, 1995 – January 1, 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Tony Garza |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Cascos |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 8, 1952 Alamo, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Texas, Pan American (BA), Georgetown University (JD) |
Early career
editWhile living in Washington D.C., Hinojosa worked as a staff attorney for the Migrant Legal Action Program, Inc. He later became the Director of the Migrant Division of Colorado Rural Legal Services, Inc., in Denver, Colorado. After returning to his native Texas, he continued to practice law as the nanaging attorney for Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc., in Brownsville. Although he briefly was a partner with another law firm in1995 he established his law firm of Magallanes & Hinojosa, P.C., in Brownsville.
County judge
editHinojosa was elected Cameron County Judge on November 8, 1994. During his administration, bridges from Texas to Mexico were built and the restoration of the 1912 era courthouse was completed. The Dancy Building houses the county administration.
On August 11, 2003, Hinojosa appeared before the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in support of Senate Bill 1329, which would provide funds to assist in moving railroads to improve access for commercial traffic which passes through Cameron County to and from the border with Mexico. He voiced support for the planned Interstate 69 project.[2] After the bill passed, the Cameron County West Rail Relocation Project was initiated providing for the construction of a railroad across the Rio Grande River from Brownsville to Matamoros, Mexico, with approximately $21 million in federal funds provided.[3] The administration of Judge Carlos Cascos continues to work towards completing the project.
County Democratic Chairman
editHinojosa was elected chairman of the Cameron County Democratic Party on November 12, 2007.[4] One day after the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Hinojosa attended the Democratic National Committee winter meeting in Washington, DC. On January 23, 2008, he nominated Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to head the Democratic National Committee.[5] With a unanimous vote Kaine became the leader of the Democratic National Committee.
Texas Democratic Party Chairmanship
editOn May 12, 2011, Hinojosa announced his intention to run for chair of the Texas Democratic Party after the incumbent, Boyd Richie, announced that he would not run for re-election and was retiring. Hinojosa named Houston attorney Cris Felman treasurer of his campaign. Hinojosa was elected chair of the Texas Democratic Party on June 9, 2012, at the state party convention held in Houston. He replaced Richie.
On November 8, 2024, Hinojosa announced his resignation as Democrat party chair, effective in March 2025.[6]
Personal life
editHinojosa is the father of Xochitl Hinojosa, the spokesperson for the 2020 Democratic National Convention and state representative Gina Hinojosa.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ "Congratulations to the newly elected and first Hispanic Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Judge Gilberto Hinojosa". Retrieved June 9, 2012.
- ^ "Statement of Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa". United States Senate. August 11, 2003. Retrieved February 11, 2009.
- ^ "Brownsville/Matamoros West Rail Relocation Project, Cameron County, TX". United States Department of State. June 25, 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2009.
- ^ Martinez, Laura (November 13, 2007). "Hinojosa tapped to lead local Democratic Party". Brownsville Herald. Retrieved February 11, 2009.
- ^ "Hinojosa Nominates Virginia Gov. to be Next DNC Chairman". KRGV. January 23, 2009. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2009.
- ^ Jasper SchereR (November 8, 2024). "Texas Democratic Party chair steps down after dismal election performance". The Texas Tribune.
- ^ Mallozzi, Vincent M. (November 22, 2015). "Xochitl Hinojosa and Eloy Martinez: Texans Find Love Near the Potomac". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- ^ Sheffield, Matthew (August 6, 2018). "Full interview: DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa discusses upcoming elections". The Hill. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
External links
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