Aaron Peña
Encyclopedia
Aaron Peña, Jr. is a member of the Texas House of Representatives
from a district in Hidalgo County
in far South Texas
. In November 2002, he was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat
. He is serving his fifth term in office. Representative Peña is an attorney in private practice. He is married to the former Monica Solis and is the father of five children. On December 14, 2010, Peña announced that he was switching to the Republican Party for the legislative session beginning in January 2011. Peña announced his plans to run for re-election in a new district created after the redistricting process despite it moving him to an entirely new voter base.
, Texas
, to Lionel Aron Peña and Sylvia Alamia. The Peña family originated from the Edinburg
and Elsa
communities. His parents had moved to Austin so that his father could attend the University of Texas Law School. Peña's mother worked at the Capitol as a secretary to help support the family. Peña spent the first few years of his life in a home on the banks of Waller Creek two blocks from the Capitol.
After two years in Austin, the family moved to the Rio Grande Valley
in South Texas and settled in the city of Edinburg. "Little A" is the nickname given to Aaron as a young child.
Peña grew up in Edinburg and graduated in 1977 from Edinburg High School. Thereafter, Peña attended Pan American University before heading back to Austin where he received a Bachelor of Arts
in political science
from the University of Texas in May 1984. Like his father before him, Peña studied to be a lawyer, receiving his Juris Doctor
in May 1987 from Texas Southern University School of Law in Houston
. Peña immediately returned to Edinburg to rear his family and to practice law. In May 1988, he was licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. In December 1995, Peña became board certified by the State Bar of Texas in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Peña served on the State Bar of Texas's governing board for Labor and Employment attorneys. After seventeen years of working almost exclusively as a plaintiff's lawyer, Peña in April 2005 began work exclusively as a civil defense lawyer. In both capacities, Texas Monthly
twice recognized Peña as a "Super Lawyer."
On May 31, 2009, as Representative Peña was about to turn 50 years of age, he was commissioned a Major in the Texas State Guard. The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the Texas military forces. Major General Chris Powers administered the oath for the commission directed by Governor
Rick Perry
and the Adjutant General. The Representative serves as a Staff Judge Advocate serving in the Command Headquarters in Austin.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Capitol on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Speaker Joe Straus
and Brigadier General, Raymond Peters joined family members on the rostrum during the ceremony.
Early in his legislative career, Peña was selected to serve on the Appropriations Committee. Later, in his third term, Peña served as the Chairman of House Committee of Criminal Jurisprudence. In his fourth term, the Representative served as the Vice-Chairman of the Elections Committee.
As a legislator, Peña has served as a strong advocate for education. Examples of his commitment include legislation that aimed for increases in public school teacher pay. He has also worked to assist in the growth of the University of Texas-Pan American. Peña sponsored legislation to authorize construction of a Student Wellness and Recreation Center and a Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex.
At his arrival to the Texas Legislature
, Peña pioneered the use of an internet journal to bring Texas government closer to his constituents. His internet journal, "A Capitol Blog", has had numerous features in national magazines and newspapers. In 2006 Capitol Inside named the Representative's website one of the Top 5 in the state. The National Conference of State Legislatures
and the Council of State Governments
have invited Peña to present seminars at annual meetings to highlight his approach to communicating with constituents. As internet media evolves, the Representative continues to pioneer its use.
In his initial session, the Representative was a member of the so-called "Killer D's
", a group of Texas House Democrats who left the state of Texas for Ardmore
, Oklahoma
during the week of May 12, 2003 and prevented a quorum
in the House. The Killer D's left to prevent House consideration of the redistricting legislation.
Peña also discusses legislative matters as a frequent guest and political analyst on TV and talk radio, serving as a regular guest of Ron Whitlock Reports and KURV Talk Radio.
On December 14, 2010, Peña stated that Texas Democrats have strayed too far from his conservative views thus causing him to run in the next election as a Republican
in Hidalgo County which has never before elected a Republican to office. Peña and State Representative Allan Ritter of Nederland
in Texas's 21st district have switched political parties giving the Republican Party a 101-49 supermajority
in the Texas House of Representatives.
On January 24, 2011, the Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas was formed. Representative Peña was elected the founding chairman of the organization; and on February 2, 2011 was formally sworn in by Texas Attorney General
Greg Abbott
. The Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas was formed to represent the interests of districts with a significant percentage of Hispanic populations represented by Republican legislators.
The University of Texas - Pan American has seen continued growth in part because of the successful legislative projects championed by the Representative. These include a $40 Million dollar Fine Arts Center, a $25 Million dollar Student Wellness Center, $5 Million additional dollars for the Regional Academic Health Center at UT - Pan American, as well as continued growth in the university's operating budget.
An increase in state funding for local parks in South Texas has always been a priority. In 2007, the Representative secured significant increases in parks funding for his community. Of particular interest was the development of the Will Looney Memorial Park at the Museum of South Texas History.
The Children's Health Insurance Program could see 127,000 additional children brought to the program in 2007 as a result of legislation (HB 109) championed by Rep. Peña.
After repeated attempts, Peña successfully passed legislation granting the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
to Edinburg hero Freddy Gonzalez
in 2007. Similarly, during the 81st Legislative session, Peña successfully passed HCR 5, which awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
to another Edinburg war hero, Pedro Cano
.
During the 81st Legislative session, Peña sponsored legislation that gave birth to a much-needed medical school in the Rio Grande Valley.
During the 82nd Legislative session, Peña successfully negotiated the placement of a call center providing 400 jobs in his home town.
78th Session
79th Session
80th Session
81st Session
82nd Session
2010
2009
2008
2007
2005
Texas House of Representatives
The Texas House of Representatives is the lower house of the Texas Legislature. The House is composed of 150 members elected from single-member districts across the state. The average district has about 150,000 people. Representatives are elected to two-year terms with no term limits...
from a district in Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County, Texas
Hidalgo County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. Located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, Hidalgo County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, and is the seventh most-populous county in Texas. Its population in 2010 was 774,769, a 35% increase from 2000...
in far South Texas
South Texas
South Texas is a region of the U.S. state of Texas that lies roughly south of and including San Antonio. The southern and western boundary is the Rio Grande River, and to the east it is the Gulf of Mexico. The population of this region is about 3.7 million. The southern portion of this region is...
. In November 2002, he was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. He is serving his fifth term in office. Representative Peña is an attorney in private practice. He is married to the former Monica Solis and is the father of five children. On December 14, 2010, Peña announced that he was switching to the Republican Party for the legislative session beginning in January 2011. Peña announced his plans to run for re-election in a new district created after the redistricting process despite it moving him to an entirely new voter base.
Early life and career
Aaron Peña, Jr., was born in AustinAustin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, to Lionel Aron Peña and Sylvia Alamia. The Peña family originated from the Edinburg
Edinburg, Texas
Edinburg is a city in and the county seat of Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 77,100 at the 2010 census. The University of Texas–Pan American, the only fully accredited four-year university in the Rio Grande Valley, is located in Edinburg.Edinburg is part of the...
and Elsa
Elsa, Texas
Elsa is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 5,660 at the 2010 census. It is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.-Geography:...
communities. His parents had moved to Austin so that his father could attend the University of Texas Law School. Peña's mother worked at the Capitol as a secretary to help support the family. Peña spent the first few years of his life in a home on the banks of Waller Creek two blocks from the Capitol.
After two years in Austin, the family moved to the Rio Grande Valley
Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley or the Lower Rio Grande Valley, informally called The Valley, is an area located in the southernmost tip of South Texas...
in South Texas and settled in the city of Edinburg. "Little A" is the nickname given to Aaron as a young child.
Peña grew up in Edinburg and graduated in 1977 from Edinburg High School. Thereafter, Peña attended Pan American University before heading back to Austin where he received a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
from the University of Texas in May 1984. Like his father before him, Peña studied to be a lawyer, receiving his Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
in May 1987 from Texas Southern University School of Law in Houston
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
. Peña immediately returned to Edinburg to rear his family and to practice law. In May 1988, he was licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. In December 1995, Peña became board certified by the State Bar of Texas in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Peña served on the State Bar of Texas's governing board for Labor and Employment attorneys. After seventeen years of working almost exclusively as a plaintiff's lawyer, Peña in April 2005 began work exclusively as a civil defense lawyer. In both capacities, Texas Monthly
Texas Monthly
Texas Monthly is a monthly American magazine headquartered in Austin, Texas. Texas Monthly is published by Emmis Publishing, L.P. and was founded in 1973 by Michael R. Levy, Texas Monthly chronicles life in contemporary Texas, writing on politics, the environment, industry, and education...
twice recognized Peña as a "Super Lawyer."
On May 31, 2009, as Representative Peña was about to turn 50 years of age, he was commissioned a Major in the Texas State Guard. The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the Texas military forces. Major General Chris Powers administered the oath for the commission directed by Governor
Governor of Texas
The governor of Texas is the head of the executive branch of Texas's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature, and to convene the legislature...
Rick Perry
Rick Perry
James Richard "Rick" Perry is the 47th and current Governor of Texas. A Republican, Perry was elected Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1998 and assumed the governorship in December 2000 when then-governor George W. Bush resigned to become President of the United States. Perry was elected to full...
and the Adjutant General. The Representative serves as a Staff Judge Advocate serving in the Command Headquarters in Austin.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Capitol on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Speaker Joe Straus
Joe Straus
Joseph R. Straus, III, known as Joe Straus , is the current Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. He represents District 121, which comprises northeastern Bexar County, including part of San Antonio, Texas, and several surrounding communities...
and Brigadier General, Raymond Peters joined family members on the rostrum during the ceremony.
State legislature
Representative Peña was first elected in 2002 and has served four terms in the Texas Legislature.Early in his legislative career, Peña was selected to serve on the Appropriations Committee. Later, in his third term, Peña served as the Chairman of House Committee of Criminal Jurisprudence. In his fourth term, the Representative served as the Vice-Chairman of the Elections Committee.
As a legislator, Peña has served as a strong advocate for education. Examples of his commitment include legislation that aimed for increases in public school teacher pay. He has also worked to assist in the growth of the University of Texas-Pan American. Peña sponsored legislation to authorize construction of a Student Wellness and Recreation Center and a Fine Arts Academic and Performance Complex.
At his arrival to the Texas Legislature
Texas Legislature
The Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
, Peña pioneered the use of an internet journal to bring Texas government closer to his constituents. His internet journal, "A Capitol Blog", has had numerous features in national magazines and newspapers. In 2006 Capitol Inside named the Representative's website one of the Top 5 in the state. The National Conference of State Legislatures
National Conference of State Legislatures
The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan non-governmental organization established in 1975 to serve the members and staff of state legislatures of the United States...
and the Council of State Governments
Council of State Governments
The Council of State Governments is a nonpartisan non-profit organization in the United States serving the state governments. It serves state legislatures, state courts, and executive branch officials and agencies, and is the only multi-branch organization of state governments in the United...
have invited Peña to present seminars at annual meetings to highlight his approach to communicating with constituents. As internet media evolves, the Representative continues to pioneer its use.
In his initial session, the Representative was a member of the so-called "Killer D's
Killer D's
The Killer Ds are a group of Texas House Democrats who left Texas for Ardmore, Oklahoma during the week of May 12, 2003. The Killer Ds left to prevent House consideration of the redistricting legislation that would have benefited Texas Republicans. The Texas Constitution requires 100...
", a group of Texas House Democrats who left the state of Texas for Ardmore
Ardmore, Oklahoma
Ardmore is a business, cultural and tourism city in and the county seat of Carter County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 24,283, while a 2007 estimate has the Ardmore micropolitan statistical area totaling 56,694 residents...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
during the week of May 12, 2003 and prevented a quorum
Quorum
A quorum is the minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly necessary to conduct the business of that group...
in the House. The Killer D's left to prevent House consideration of the redistricting legislation.
Peña also discusses legislative matters as a frequent guest and political analyst on TV and talk radio, serving as a regular guest of Ron Whitlock Reports and KURV Talk Radio.
On December 14, 2010, Peña stated that Texas Democrats have strayed too far from his conservative views thus causing him to run in the next election as a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
in Hidalgo County which has never before elected a Republican to office. Peña and State Representative Allan Ritter of Nederland
Nederland, Texas
Nederland is a city in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. The population was 17,547 at the 2010 census.The city is adjacent to the Southeast Texas Regional Airport in Port Arthur, which serves the nearby cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur. It is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur...
in Texas's 21st district have switched political parties giving the Republican Party a 101-49 supermajority
Supermajority
A supermajority or a qualified majority is a requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level or type of support which exceeds a simple majority . In some jurisdictions, for example, parliamentary procedure requires that any action that may alter the rights of the minority has a supermajority...
in the Texas House of Representatives.
On January 24, 2011, the Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas was formed. Representative Peña was elected the founding chairman of the organization; and on February 2, 2011 was formally sworn in by Texas Attorney General
Texas Attorney General
The Texas Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Texas.The department has offices at the William P. Clements State Office Building at 300 West 15th Street in Austin.-History:...
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott
Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott is the Texas Attorney General, and is the second Republican since Reconstruction to serve in that role. Abbott was sworn in on December 2, 2002, following John Cornyn's election to the U.S. Senate...
. The Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas was formed to represent the interests of districts with a significant percentage of Hispanic populations represented by Republican legislators.
Legislative achievements
A state operated drug treatment center in South Texas was one of the primary objectives Peña sought to achieve when he initially ran for public office. In 2007, the representative secured funding to bring such a facility to Edinburg.The University of Texas - Pan American has seen continued growth in part because of the successful legislative projects championed by the Representative. These include a $40 Million dollar Fine Arts Center, a $25 Million dollar Student Wellness Center, $5 Million additional dollars for the Regional Academic Health Center at UT - Pan American, as well as continued growth in the university's operating budget.
An increase in state funding for local parks in South Texas has always been a priority. In 2007, the Representative secured significant increases in parks funding for his community. Of particular interest was the development of the Will Looney Memorial Park at the Museum of South Texas History.
The Children's Health Insurance Program could see 127,000 additional children brought to the program in 2007 as a result of legislation (HB 109) championed by Rep. Peña.
After repeated attempts, Peña successfully passed legislation granting the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of the Texas Military Forces. This includes Air National Guard, Army National Guard, and State Guard...
to Edinburg hero Freddy Gonzalez
Freddy González
Freddy González Fonten is a male long-distance runner from Venezuela. He represented his native country at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He set his personal best in the men's 5,000 metres on July 3, 2004 in San Sebastián.-Achievements:-References:*...
in 2007. Similarly, during the 81st Legislative session, Peña successfully passed HCR 5, which awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor
The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of the Texas Military Forces. This includes Air National Guard, Army National Guard, and State Guard...
to another Edinburg war hero, Pedro Cano
Pedro Cano
Pedro Cano was born June 19, 1920 in La Morita, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He moved to the United States into the small community of Edinburg, Texas when he was 2 months old. There he served as a farm laborer until he volunteered to serve in the Army during World War II...
.
During the 81st Legislative session, Peña sponsored legislation that gave birth to a much-needed medical school in the Rio Grande Valley.
During the 82nd Legislative session, Peña successfully negotiated the placement of a call center providing 400 jobs in his home town.
Noteworthy speeches and appearances
- August 19, 2006: Peña gave the Commencement Speech (see video, text) at the University of Texas–Pan AmericanUniversity of Texas–Pan AmericanThe University of Texas–Pan American , founded as Edinberg College, is a state university located in Edinburg, Texas. Founded in 1927, it is a component institution of The University of Texas System. The university serves the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas with baccalaureate,...
. - Peña's final argument speeches from his work as a trial attorney are published in Million Dollar Arguments for sale to attorneys around the country.
- May 28, 2004: Peña appeared on NOW with Bill MoyersBill MoyersBill Moyers is an American journalist and public commentator. He served as White House Press Secretary in the United States President Lyndon B. Johnson Administration from 1965 to 1967. He worked as a news commentator on television for ten years. Moyers has had an extensive involvement with public...
to discuss migrant farmworkers from South Texas. - Peña was elected and served as a national delegate to the Democratic National ConventionDemocratic National ConventionThe Democratic National Convention is a series of presidential nominating conventions held every four years since 1832 by the United States Democratic Party. They have been administered by the Democratic National Committee since the 1852 national convention...
in 2004 (Boston) and 2008 (Denver). Peña also served on the national Democratic Party's platform committee that drafted the national platform adopted at the 2000 (Los Angeles) Democratic National Convention.
Committee assignments
Representative Peña has achieved committee chairman status in three sessions, to the House Committee for Criminal Jurisprudence, House Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness, and House Committee on Technology. Below is a list of Peña's committee assignments in the 78th, 79th, 80th, 81st, and 82nd Texas Legislative Sessions.78th Session
- Criminal Jurisprudence
- Pensions & Investments
- Sex Offenders Statutes (select committee)
79th Session
- Criminal Jurisprudence - Chairman of Budget & Oversight
- Appropriations
- Subcommittee on Criminal Justice
- Subcommittee on Government Efficiency & Operations
- Binational Alcohol and Substance Abuse Committee
- House Administration
- Interim Committee on Power of Eminent Domain
80th Session
- Chairman of Criminal Jurisprudence
- Ways & Means
- Joint Select Committee on the Texas Youth Commission
81st Session
- Vice Chairman of Elections
- Ways & Means
- Redistricting
- Chairman of Select House Committee on Emergency Preparedness
82nd Session
- Chairman of Technology
- Redistricting
- Voter Identification and Voter Fraud
- Homeland Security and Public Safety
Awards and honors
2011- McAllen Chamber of Commerce Teddy Roosevelt Award
- Texas Federation of Republican Women Champion of Freedom Award
2010
- TLR Civil Justice Leadership Award
- South Texas Health Systems Community Leader Appreciation Award
2009
- Boys and Girls Clubs, Edinburg 2009 Legislative Partner Award
- Texas State Firemen's and Fire Marshalls' Association Fire Service of Texas Appreciation Award
2008
- Malayalee Association of the Rio Grande Valley Community Service Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions in social, economic and cultural development of the Rio Grande Valley.
2007
- Texas District and County Attorneys AssociationTexas District and County Attorneys AssociationThe Texas District and County Attorneys Association, or TDCAA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Texas prosecutors and attorneys in government representation...
(TDCAA) Law & Order Award in recognition of service to the Texas criminal justice system during the Regular 80th Session. As Chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, he exhibited a respect for the victims of crime while maintaining a balanced approach for a fair and effective criminal justice system. - Texas Association of Realtors Honor Roll for his work protecting private property rights in the 80th Legislative Session. Peña championed legislation reducing property taxes and worked to protect South Texas ranch lands and private property owners from the excesses of eminent domain.
- Capitol Inside Top Negotiator The non-partisan news site, Capitol Inside, identified Representative Peña as a top House negotiator of the 80th Legislative Session. Peña was named to more conference committees than any other member of the Texas House of Representatives. As a result, the Valley representative mediated many of the important pieces of legislation of that session, according to the news site.
- The Texas Humane Legislation Network The Texas Animal Humanitarian Award The non-profit organization that speaks on behalf of animal welfare agencies in Texas awarded Rep. Peña their highest award for his efforts to address the growing problems of animal cruelty, dog fighting, and the criminal activity surrounding these events. As Chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, his leadership, as noted by the President of the organization, was crucial to making the legislative session "a landmark year for the animals of Texas."
2005
- The Century CouncilThe Century CouncilThe Century Council is a Virginia-based American not-for-profit organization founded in 1991 and funded by a group of distillers that aims to fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision-making regarding alcohol use....
's State Legislative Award The Century Council is an advocacy group promoting responsible alcohol use. Rep. Peña received the award for his "outstanding commitment to fight drunk-driving and underage drinking". Each December, the Representative makes considerable effort to participate in "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month".
Family history
- Representative Peña's great uncle, Juan AlamiaJuan AlamiaJuan Alamia was an American soldier who served as a Rough Rider in the Spanish American War. He later died in the Mexican Revolution....
, served as a Rough Rider with President Theodore RooseveltTheodore RooseveltTheodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
in the Spanish-American WarSpanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
. - Early Rio Grande Valley pioneers Jose Roman Alamia and Olivia Vela Alamia are the representative's great grandparents. Alamia served as Hidalgo County's first tax assessor and collector and participated in the development of Hidalgo County. On October 14, 1908, Alamia along with other elected officials on horseback forcibly moved the county seat from the City of Hidalgo by placing the county records on four wagons pulled by mule teams to an undeveloped parcel of land now known as Edinburg. Edinburg has since been the capitol of county government for Hidalgo County.
- Jose Roman Alamia, Jr. was elected Hidalgo County District Attorney in 1950 and later served as the District Judge of the 92nd District Court of Hidalgo County. In 1972, he served as the Administrative Judge of the 5th Judicial District, which covers most of South Texas.
- Lionel Aron Peña, the representative's father, served as an Edinburg City Commissioner and City Attorney in the early seventies.