Gilberto Hinojosa

Gilberto Hinojosa is an American politician. He is the chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Hinojosa was the county judge of Cameron County, Texas from 1995 to 2006.[1]

Gilberto Hinojosa
Chair of the Texas Democratic Party
Incumbent
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

While living in Washington, DC, 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. Upon his return to his native Texas, Hinojosa continued practicing law as the Managing Attorney for the Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc., located in Brownsville, Texas. Although he briefly partnered with another law firm it was only until 1995 that he established his law firm of Magallanes & Hinojosa, P.C., in Brownsville, Texas.

County judge

Hinojosa was elected Cameron County Judge on November 8, 1994. During his administration, international bridges to Mexico were built and the restoration of the 1912 era courthouse was completed. The Dancy Building now houses the present 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 assistance in the relocation of railroads to improve access for commercial traffic passing through Cameron County to and from the international border with Mexico. During his statement, he also voiced his support for the planned Interstate 69 project.[2] After the bill passed, the Cameron County West Rail Relocation Project was initiated which provided for the construction of a railroad across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, with approximately $21 million in federal funds provided.[3] The present administration of Judge Carlos Cascos continues to work towards completion of this project.

County Democratic Chairman

Hinojosa 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 held in Washington, DC. On January 23, 2008, he nominated Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to head the Democratic National Committee.[5] Thereafter, a unanimous vote made Governor Kaine the new leader of the Democratic National Committee.

Texas Democratic Party Chairmanship

On May 12, 2011, Hinojosa announced his intention to run for Chair of the Texas Democratic Party upon incumbent Boyd Richie announcing he would not run for re-election. He 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 Boyd Richie, who retired.

Personal life

Hinojosa is the father of Xochitl Hinojosa, the 2020 Democratic National Convention spokesperson.[6][7]

References

1. "Congratulations to the newly elected and first Hispanic Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Judge Gilberto Hinojosa". Retrieved 2012-06-09.
2. "Statement of Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa". United States Senate. August 11, 2003. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
3. "Brownsville/Matamoros West Rail Relocation Project, Cameron County, TX". United States Department of State. 2004-06-25. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
4. Martinez, Laura (2007-11-13). "Hinojosa tapped to lead local Democratic Party". Brownsville Herald. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
5. "Hinojosa Nominates Virginia Gov. to be Next DNC Chairman". KRGV. 2009-01-23. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2009-02-11.
6. Mallozzi, Vincent M. (2015-11-22). "Xochitl Hinojosa and Eloy Martinez: Texans Find Love Near the Potomac". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-08-18.
7. Sheffield, Matthew (2018-08-06). "Full interview: DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa discusses upcoming elections". TheHill. Retrieved 2020-08-18.

External links

• Appearances on C-SPAN