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Member Biographies

Asw. Selena Torres

Assemblywoman Selena Torres (NV-3) is the youngest woman serving in the Nevada Legislature and is committed to creating policy that meets the needs of Nevada students. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Rep. Ina Minjarez

Representative Ina Minjarez (TX) is committed to using her time in office to continue fighting for women and children across Texas. By the end of her first full session, she was named Texas Monthly’s “Rookie of the Year.” She is a member of NHCSL's Executive Committee for the 2020-2021 term.

Sen. Cristina Castro

Senator Cristina Castro (IL-22) is the Midwest Region Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Prior to her election on December 5, 2019, she served as a member of the NHCSL Executive Committee. Senator Castro has served in the Illinois Senate since 2017.

Rep. Victoria Neave

Representative Victoria Neave (TX-107) was named "Freshman of the Year" by the Texas House Democratic Caucus in 2018 and "Legislator of the Year” by the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section in 2019. She runs her own law firm, Neave Law PC, where she represents individuals and businesses in civil litigation and employment law.

Rep. Jessica González

Representative Jessica González (TX-104) has dedicated her legislative time to reforming our criminal justice system, expanding voting rights, and fighting for affordable housing.

Rep. César Chávez

Arizona State Representative César Chávez was first elected in 2016 to represent the 29th Legislative District in the Arizona House of Representatives, with his district covering the areas of Maryvale, South Glendale, and Litchfield Park. He is in his second term in the Arizona State Legislature and is serving his first full term as Vice President for Membership at NHCSL.

Rep. Angel Cruz

State Rep. Angel Cruz has been a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2001. During his tenure, Rep. Cruz has drafted and had enacted several important pieces of legislation including Act 148 of 2014, which expanded newborn screening in Pennsylvania; helped to secure grants for numerous non-profit organizations and projects in his district; and played the leading role in the abduction investigation and return of Delamar Vera, a story which made international news and was depicted in a Lifetime Movie.

Rep. Mark Wheatley

Governors' Hispanic Advisory Council (member); Hispanic American Festival 2001-2003 (board member); Cooperation Education & Internship Association (past member); Mexican Civic Center 1994-1996 (board member); SOMOS President, U.S. West 1990-1992; National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (past member)

Rep. Juan Candelaria

Juan Candelaria has served New Haven’s 95th District since 2002. At the start of the 2017 General Assembly session, Rep. Candelaria was named to the leadership role of Deputy Speaker, the first Latino to hold the position. He is also a member of the Appropriations and Education committees.

Rep. Carlos Tobon

Carlos E. Tobon (D) was first elected in November 2014 to the House of Representatives from District 58 in Pawtucket. He serves as the first vice-chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and is a member of both the House Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He is the co-chairman of the Legislative Black and Latino Caucus.

Rep. David Gallegos

Representative David Gallegos (NM-61) is Senior Superintendent for Ramirez and Son’s Inc, his family’s fifth generation-Asphalt and Dirt Work Company. In 2012, He was the first Hispanic elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 61. He has traveled to China to increase trade with New Mexico and he works closely with Focus on the Family.

Rep. Angela Romero

Angela Romero has always had a passion to serve. Growing up in Tooele, Utah, Angela was raised by her grandparents. Their dedication to raising a hard-working, well-educated woman inspired her to pursue college, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah. In 2012, she won election to represent House District 26 at the Utah Legislature. In 2016, she was elected by her colleagues to serve as the House Democratic Assistant Whip. Her upbringing, paired with her education, gives Angela a unique perspective into the needs of Utah’s growing communities.