Rep. Longoria, Oscar

Biography

Oscar Longoria is a member of the Texas House of Representatives currently serving his seventh term in office. Chairman Longoria proudly represents House District 35, which encompasses both Hidalgo and Cameron Counties and the cities and towns of: La Joya, Sullivan City, Peñitas, Palmview, Palmhurst, Alton, Mission, McAllen, Edinburg, Linn, Hargill, Monte Alto, Edcouch, La Villa, Weslaco, Donna, Mercedes, Santa Rosa, La Feria, Santa Maria, Primera, Los Indios, Olmito, Rangerville, Bluetown, San Benito, and Brownsville.

In the 89th Legislative Session, Chairman Longoria was appointed Chair of the Permanent Standing Subcommittee (PSC) on Workforce, Vice-Chair of the Permanent Standing Subcommittee on International Relations, and member of the Licensing & Administrative Procedures and the Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committees by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows.

The PSC on Workforce oversees workforce training, job creation and job-training programs, workplace conditions, wages and the employer-employee relationship, collective bargaining, and labor unions. The PSC on International Relations oversees trade relations between Texas and other nations, international commerce and economic development in border regions, and the provision of public services to areas which have experienced a significant increase of immigration from other nations. The Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee oversees all businesses, industries, trades, and occupations regulated by the state, the gaming industry, and the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee has an expansive jurisdiction, overseeing international matters such as trade and commerce, as well as unemployment compensation, labor unions, business transactions, private corporations, consumer protections, the construction industry, and workforce development. With the appointment to these committees, Chairman Longoria can continue to create positive and lasting impacts, not only for the Rio Grande Valley, but all of Texas.

Prior to these influential new appointments, Chairman Longoria served as Chairman of the House Business and Industry Committee. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for two consecutive sessions. In Spring 2018, former Speaker Straus appointed him to the Legislative Budget Board, which is tasked with recommending a budget to the legislature preceding the commencement of the legislative session. Chairman Longoria has also served as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Articles I, IV, and V, on the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services, Local & Consent Calendars, Energy Resources, Public Education, General Investigating, and County Affairs Committees in previous sessions.

Chairman Longoria was born in Mission and raised in South Texas. He is a product of the La Joya Independent School District. Longoria attended South Texas College for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. In 2007, Chairman Longoria graduated with his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law.

In the Fall of 2017, Chairman Longoria was the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award. This recognition is awarded to Texas Exes age 39 and younger who have made significant achievements in their careers and service to the university. The following year in 2018, Chairman Longoria was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award by The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. The Outstanding Young Alumnus Award honors a graduate, 40 years old or younger, who has made significant achievements in his or her career and service to the university. He is a proud Life Member of the Texas Exes Association.

Chairman Longoria has always been passionate about his service to his community. Prior to his tenure in the State House, he served on the Agua Special Utility District as a Board Member and as a Trustee for South Texas College. Professionally, he owns and operates the Law Office of Oscar Longoria.

Chairman Longoria is married to Jennifer Ruiz-Longoria of Mission, also a University of Texas at Austin Alumni. They have two beautiful daughters, Camilla Lee and Madison Lee Longoria.