In the 2026 election season, Texas has the first primary of the year, and since it is such a huge state, there are literally hundreds of federal, state, and local primary elections on that day. After Governor Greg Abbott, and Donald Trump directed the Texas Republican Party to perform mid-decade redistricting to maximize potential GOP gains, many district boundaries were changed and hundreds of races were thrown into disarray.

Today we are profiling Representative Erin Gamez (she/her), a millennial attorney from Brownsville, TX, at the very bottom tip of the state. A heavily Hispanic area, this part of Texas has been historically Democratic, but in the last couple of election cycles, Republicans have performed well due to Trump’s gains with the Hispanic community. An ardent litigative practicing attorney with a focus on Administrative, Business, Criminal, and Family cases, she also serves as the mental health diversion court attorney for Cameron County. In her personal life, she loves yoga, grilling, and the Texas Longhorns.

Where are you based?
I am based in Brownsville, Texas.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I am the incumbent Texas State Representative for House District 38, running for reelection this year.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
What’s best for our community is at the heart of every decision I make. That means strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable healthcare, investing in essential infrastructure like roads and water systems, and supporting economic development and workforce training so our community can thrive—now and in the future.

What inspired you to run?
A deep love for our community and a calling to public service guide me. I’m committed to making sure my neighbors and their families have the same opportunities as anyone else in this state—to stay here, build their lives, and thrive, rather than having to leave in search of a better future.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
For far too long, the Valley was overlooked. Many felt they had no choice but to leave because educational and economic opportunities were limited, making the American dream feel out of reach. Thankfully, that is changing—but there is still more work to do.

We must continue to grow by investing in education at every level, from pre-K and K–12 to trade schools and doctoral programs at our universities. Just as important, we must ensure that once people earn a high-quality education, there are good, high-paying jobs here at home so they can build a career, support their families, and stay in the Valley. To make these opportunities possible, we also need the infrastructure to support growth. That’s why I’m proud to serve on the House Committees on Transportation and Natural Resources, where I play a critical role in bringing millions of state dollars back to our community to invest in roads, water systems, and other essential projects.

Courtesy of Erin Elizabeth Gámez Campaign

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I was sworn into office in March 2022, after winning a special election. I’ve been proud to bring additional state funding back to our community—helping secure roughly $47 million for critical water projects in our county, increasing state support for our university and community colleges, and delivering $15 million over the past two legislative sessions for workforce development at our seaport.

But it’s not always about the biggest or flashiest dollar amounts. I was also able to secure $1 million for our Zoo. That investment may sound modest, but it matters deeply to me because of what the Zoo means to our community. Many families can’t afford trips to Disney or Six Flags, but we are fortunate to have a world-class zoo right here at home—one where children and create lasting memories together.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
As cliché as it may sound, it really does come down to the kitchen-table issues families are facing right now—making sure our children receive a quality education, having access to affordable healthcare, and earning a good-paying job that keeps up with the rising cost of living.

Regrettably, Texas often ranks near the bottom in per-pupil public education spending and has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. We need an economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. That’s why I will continue to fight for increased state funding for public education, push for Texas to finally expand Medicaid like 40 other states, and strengthen post-secondary education and training so people can gain the skills needed to build a career—not just scrape by with a job.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I represent and listen to all my constituents, no matter where they fall on the political spectrum. While we may have different perspectives, nearly everyone shares the same goal: wanting our community to thrive. We agree that getting there means ensuring our children have access to quality education, creating strong career opportunities, and building the infrastructure needed to support continued growth in the Valley.

We may not always agree on the specific policy options, but by focusing on what unites us—and recognizing that we all want the best for our community—we can bridge divides and work together to make real progress.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am deeply rooted in this community, and I understand the challenges we face. Like many others, I felt I needed to leave to further my education—but I am incredibly grateful that I was able to return home after undergrad and law school. Being able to pursue my dreams right here is something I want for everyone.

That lived experience gives me a unique understanding of the opportunities and resources our community needs, as well as a deep commitment to ensuring everyone has access to them. It’s one of the reasons I believe I am well suited for the privilege of serving our community in the Texas House.

What is your motto in life?
“Let’s Get After It!”

Where can we find out more about you?
Facebook: GamezForRep38
Instagram: @gamezstatereptx38
X: @RepErinEGamez

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Erin Gamez, Texas House of Representatives, District 38