Rep. Longoria, Oscar

Biography

Oscar Longoria is a member of the Texas House of Representatives currently serving his sixth 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 88th Legislative Session, Chairman Longoria was appointed Chair of the House Business & Industry Committee by Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. Additionally, Chairman Longoria was appointed to the Public Education and General Investigating Committees.

The Business & Industry Committee oversees all matters pertaining to industry, the relationship between employers and employees, unemployment compensation, business transactions, private corporations, consumer protections, and the construction industry. The Public Education Committee has jurisdiction over public schools and the public school system of Texas, as well as oversight of the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency. The General Investigating Committee has the authority to initiate investigations concerning state government, any state agency, the use of public funds at any level of government, and any other matter the Committee deems necessary. With the appointment to these committees, Chairman Longoria can continue to create positive and lasting impacts on not only the Rio Grande Valley, but all of Texas.

Prior to these influential new appointments, Chairman Longoria 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, 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.