About Raymond Peña Raymond - Texas State Representative
Raymond Peña Raymond
Rep. Raymond Peña Raymond
His Story

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO STATE LEADERSHIP

Raymond Peña Raymond is the State Representative for the 42nd District in Texas, serving the proud community of Laredo and Webb County. Born in Alice, Texas on October 27, 1960, and raised in the small town of Benavides (population 1,900), Raymond learned early the values of hard work, family, and fighting for what's right.

At a very young age, Raymond became involved in politics with a noble purpose: fighting political corruption in his home county of Duval. This early experience shaped his commitment to integrity and accountability in public service that continues to define his career today.

Representative Raymond received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Government and minoring in History. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the prestigious University of Texas School of Law, equipping himself with both the knowledge and skills to serve the people of Texas effectively.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE

  • Worked for U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen from Texas
  • Staff member for U.S. Senator Paul Simon from Illinois
  • Served with Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro
  • Worked for Texas Railroad Commissioner Bob Krueger

In 1992, Raymond first ran for and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, representing seven rural South Texas counties including Duval, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Wilson, Atascosa, McMullen, and La Salle. He served with distinction for six years before running for Texas Land Commissioner in 1998. Although he received nearly 1.5 million votes as the Democratic Party nominee, he lost to Republican David Dewhurst.

But Raymond wasn't finished serving Texas. In January 2001, he was again elected to the Texas House of Representatives, this time by the voters of Laredo, and has served continuously in the House since then, building a legacy of effective leadership and meaningful legislation.

Raymond Peña Raymond is a businessman from Laredo, Texas, and a proud father of three childen , Aren ✟ ,Eva, Raymond, both his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Throughout his legislative career, Representative Raymond has authored and passed numerous bills regarding job creation, higher education, transportation, health care, public safety, and property tax relief.

At The Capitol

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Where Raymond puts his experience to work for District 42 in the Texas House.

Member

STATE AFFAIRS

Critical legislation affecting state governance.

Member

ELECTIONS

Protecting voting rights for all Texans.

Vice Chair

CIVIL DISCOURSE

Freedom of speech in education.

What Drives Him

CORE VALUES

As a public, Raymond demonstrated an unwavering

INTEGRITY

From fighting corruption in Duval County to serving in the Texas House, Raymond has never wavered in his commitment to doing what's right.

HARD WORK

Raised in a small town, Raymond learned that there's no substitute for hard work. He brings that tireless ethic to the Texas House.

FAMILY

As a proud father, Raymond understands that strong families build strong communities and a stronger Texas.

SERVICE

Over three decades of public service demonstrate Raymond's unwavering commitment to serving others and making Texas better.

STAND WITH RAYMOND

Join the fight for property tax relief, quality education, and economic opportunity for every family in District 42.