Deliris Montanez

Deliris Montanez was born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Montanez served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2019 as a Field Grade Officer Joint Multinational Logistician. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey in 1992 and a graduate degree in management from Webster University in 2003. Montanez's career experience includes working as a detention and deputy sheriff, as a police officer, and as a federal border patrol agent for Customs and Border Protection under the Department of Homeland Security. She also served as a Casualty Assistant Officer and Honor Guard Member.[1][2]

Montanez has been an active member of the following local nonprofit organizations:[3]

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)

Dance for Dreams (Founder & President)

El Paso Downtown Lions Club

Zaragoza Rotary Club

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

American Legion

82nd Airborne Benavidez Chapter

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Montanez has been an active participant and advocate for:[3]

Veterans At Breakfast (VAB)

Save our Service Members (SOS)

End Workplace Abuse

Never Alone Advocacy

Protect our Service Members

Military Justice

The LIBRE Initiative (Selected Initiatives)

The El Paso Neighborhood Coalition (EPNC)

Community First Coalition El Paso (Selected Initiatives)

BLUE Help

COPLINE

Montanez has been a peer support certified member and advocate for:[3]

Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN)

First Responders Support Network (FRSN)

LEMIT – Post Critical Incident Seminar for First Responders

Onward Ops, ETS Sponsor

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Peer Support

Deliris Montanez did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteMontanez's campaign website stated the following:Mental Health AwarenessMental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects each individual differently in how we think, feel, and act. It has a tremendous effect on how we handle stress, relate to other human beings, and make healthy choices. Mental Health is treatable with the right tools and resources identified in a timely fashion. We must break the stigma associated with mental illness from its roots.Deliris Montanez encourages every voter to take the #Vote4MentalHealth pledge, and understand how our vote can impact people with mental health conditions.End Workplace AbuseSupport legislation at the local level to end workplace abuse – Our Equal Employment Opportunity Commission established laws have many gaps that must be addressed to protect the employees of our Nation. End Workplace Abuse legislation will fill that gap and will assist us in combating suicides and mental illness within our community.Deliris Montanez supports the Workplace Psychological Safety Act to end workplace abuse.Pro-EconomyDecrease constituents’ taxes and financial burden through local economic development – Local leaders must gather together at a table and prioritize measures to reduce the burden on our constituents.Pro- Life (Abortion)Abortions should not be legal (with some exceptions such as rape); oppose Roe v. Wade.Pro-HealthcareI support universal healthcare. I strongly support of government involvement in healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid. Support Obamacare. Not everyone can afford astronomic private health insurance cost.Pro-Border SecurityI support offering a pathway to residency/citizenship to – certain documented/undocumented immigrants. e.g. those with no criminal record, who have lived in the U.S. for 5+ years and have proven to be an asset to our society. Penalties imposed on employers who violate immigration laws. Do not support open borders, but I do support the need to reform our immigration laws for asylum seekers to plead their cases and have a fair chance. Improve diplomatic alliances in other countries to prevent illegal immigration.Pro-God (Faith)I support freedom of religion. We must bring religion back to our schools. Prayer is food for the soul.Pro-Law EnforcementAll people matter. I do not support de-funding law enforcement agencies, but I do support Justice in Policing. No one is above the law. Additional transparency and accountability of allocated funds must exist until they regain the American public trust.Climate ChangeProtecting the environment should be a top priority for our country’s leaders. Failing to address regulations to address climate change will lead to greater financial costs and higher energy prices. As a country, we must invest in solar power, wind, and natural gas to prevent the disturbance of the earth. Some of the new environmental and energy laws designed to reduce global warming will not hurt the economy if we teach our people on needed skill sets and the benefit of those laws. At the end of the day, it should be a choice, not a mandate, as not everyone can afford these expenses.— Deliris Montanez's campaign website (February 11, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

DMB was born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, and has lived in the El Paso area for 24+ years. She attended school from Pre-K through grade 12 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and graduated with a BBA in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Puerto Rico. Her MA in Management is from Webster University, Fort Bliss. She also attended leadership programs at the US Army Command and General Staff College and the Defense Language Institute English Language Center.

She spent 29 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring in 2019. Much of her Army career involved training and operations, logistics, and administrative duties within the battalions to which she was assigned. She has served in multinational joint logistics task forces around the world. She has represented the United States Army Reserve with the British Forces in a logistics exchange program, and she was handpicked on many occasions for key assignments ahead of her peers. She is the recipient of many awards and medals for her honorable military service.

Her second and full-time career from 2000 to 2020 was as a Federal Agent. She was assigned to the El Paso Sector, serving in a senior agent leadership position. She applied and enforced complex criminal provisions of the INS laws, apprehended illegal immigrants and smugglers, and worked to stop drug smuggling operations.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Illegal immigration encourages and funds human and child trafficking. I am extremely fortunate that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. On the same token, I am very understanding and sympathetic with the challenges our immigrants face in their country of origin. Living in El Paso offers a unique perspective on illegal immigration and how it affects the livelihood of all American citizens. We MUST secure our border to keep bad immigrants out and to encourage 100% LEGAL immigration. I am committed to enforce the already established laws and conduct oversight on every funding given to our federal agencies to secure our nation.Our Veterans have put everything on the line to protect the America we all love dearly, now we owe it to them to ensure they have the necessary care and resources they deserve. From job training to life long quality healthcare, our Veterans need a voice in Washington who will never back down. Our only response will be a FIGHT response and will NEVER wave the white flag.

I am ready to fight for our Veterans to ensure they never struggle to get what they need from our government agencies.Mental Health awareness aims to reduce stigma around mental illness and mental health conditions by sharing personal experiences. As a Mental Health survivor myself, I promise you all we can save a life by listening closely and stop being judgemental. I am, and will always be a Mental Health Candidate advocating for resources to dramatically reduce our number of suicides in trauma patients. One life lost is way too many. With the amount of funding Congress have pushed, our numbers should be close to zero.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Pro-Mental Health. Pro-Term Limits. Pro-Life. Pro-Economy. Pro-Law Enforcement. National Security. Border Security. Pro-Military. End Workplace Abuse. Pro-God. Pro-Small Businesses. Government Transparency, Accountability, Justice, and Oversight. Judicial System Reform. Military Judicial System Reform. Protecting Social Security. Caring for our Veterans. Protecting Women's Sports. Parenting Empowerment. School Choice. Investing in Our Future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Leave this world better than how I found it for the generations to come.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

House Joint Resolution 11 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting Representatives to three terms and Senators to two terms. I have pledged to uphold and fight for term limits in Congress.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

DMB is running a grassroots campaign and even though endorsements are welcome and appreciated, she has decided not to ask for endorsements.

Note: Montanez submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on July 20, 2024.

Show past responsesHide past responses

August 23 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Deliris "DMB" Montanez was born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Montanez served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2019 as a Field Grade Joint Multinational Logistician on several task forces in the U.S. and abroad. She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey in 1992 and a graduate degree in Management from Webster University in 2003. Montanez's career experience includes but is not limited to working as a Detention Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, and Federal Border Patrol Agent for Customs and Border Protection under the Department of Homeland Security. She is the CEO/Owner of Equestrian Holistic Retreat Getaway for Those Who Serve US, LLC, whose mission is to provide an equine holistic approach to those battling with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Injury in her community at the borderland. She is the Founder/President of Dance for Dreams, a 501 (c) (3) Public Charity, whose mission is to provide scholarships to the youth within her community who are involved in organized sports events. Her goal is to keep her community youth off the streets while providing them an avenue to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. She is affiliated with the Zaragoza Rotary Club, the El Paso Downtown Lions Club, National Alliance of Mental Illness, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the 82nd Airborne Benavidez Chapter, and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We MUST protect our borders from illegal immigration while providing individuals the basics needs and due process to safeguard our National Security.Emotional, mental, and physical welfare MUST be a priority for our workforce to be able to perform their jobs at optimal performance. We MUST held violators accountable according to the established laws.Justice Reform and Military Justice Accountability are crucial for our first line of defense and protectors to regain trust and respect in our government. The Feres Doctrine MUST be overturned to bring justice in our broken military judicial system.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Immigration Policy

Government Policy - Judicial System

Politics Policy - Election Integrity

Social Issues

Foreign Policy

Education Policy

Health Policy

Economic Development Policy

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

There are numerous and countless characteristics and principles most important for an elected official. Some are but not limited to:

Integrity

Honesty

Good listener

Trust

Respect

Team Player

Maturity

Approachable

Decision Maker

Critical Thinker

Prepared

Organized

Selfless Service

Dedicated

Courageous

Bold

Decisive

Good Communicator

Knowledgeable

Visionary

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I possess many qualities I believe would make me a successful officeholder. To begin with, I am a soldier for life and I live and breathe the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Among many others, Honesty, Good Listener, Trustworthy, Respectful, Team Player, Maturity, Approachable, Decision Maker, Critical Thinker, Prepared, Organized, Dedicated, Courageous, Bold, Decisive, Good Communicator, Knowledgeable, Visionary.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am planning to: (1) Optimize my time on this planet called Earth and live it with purpose; (2) Leave the office better than how I found it; (3) Enjoy my journey while educating, training, mentoring, and developing our future generation among much more.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

If I remember correctly, my first job was as an aerobics instructor in a local studio. I stayed in that job for a few years while attending university.

What is your favorite book? Why?

None. Books are gems.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I still would want to be me.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

None in specific. If I like the tune, it gets stuck in my head.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Life is not easy, it was not meant to be easy. There are tons of obstacles and challenges, but God gave us the freedom to make our own choices. Good choices, and bad choices, but the most important learning experience is to own the outcome and become a better version of oneself.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives qualities that make it unique as an institution are: make, pass, and enforce federal laws.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

In my humble opinion, it is beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government but not in politics. We need representatives who do not sell their souls to any of the political parties and work diligently to serve and protect the land and the people as per the U.S. Constitution.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our National Security is at risk and our adversaries are watching very closely. Our armed forces are demoralized and trust and respect towards our government is non-existent. Our border security is becoming weaker and having the right leadership is paramount.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that four years is the right term length for representatives.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits at every level within our government. We must educate, train, mentor, and develop the next generation.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

There are many representatives whom I would grasp positive traits from but I am a very unique candidate for elected office and would rather make a name for myself.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard many touching, memorable, and impactful stories within my district but if I had to choose one it would be our volunteer "missing" soldier from Fort Bliss, Texas, PVT Richard Halliday. No one goes missing from a highly secured and guarded installation, no one. We the people will get answers in God's timing: https://www.facebook.com/findrichardhalliday

Tell us your favorite joke.

Honestly, I am more on the serious conservative side. Down to business.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I do believe compromise is necessary and crucial for policymaking. Both political parties must get into agreements for the benefit our our nation. Too much at stake to accept mediocrity.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Bills for raising revenue are crucial and must be a priority for every single representative but not at the expense of our people.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House must use its investigative powers by enforcing established federal laws and performing oversight of the same. Accountability, transparency, and justice are a MUST.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Team DMB will not be actively looking for endorsements and plans to run a grassroots campaign.

Campaign website

Montanez’s campaign website stated the following:

On the Issues

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects each individual differently in how we think, feel, and act. It has a tremendous effect on how we handle stress, relate to other human beings, and make healthy choices. Mental Health is treatable with the right tools and resources identified in a timely fashion. We must break the stigma …

End Workplace Abuse

Support legislation at the local level to end workplace abuse – Our Equal Employment Opportunity Commission established laws have many gaps that must be addressed to protect the employees of our Nation.

Pro-Economy

Decrease constituents’ property taxes and financial burden through local economic development.

Pro- Life (Abortion)

Abortions should not be legal (with some exceptions such as rape); oppose Roe v. Wade.

Pro-Healthcare

I support universal healthcare. I strongly support of government involvement in healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Pro-Border Security

I support offering a pathway to residency/citizenship to – certain documented/undocumented immigrants. e.g. those with no criminal record, who have lived in the U.S. for 5+ years and have proven to be an asset to our society.

Pro-God (Faith)

I support freedom of religion. We must bring religion back to our schools. Prayer is food for the soul.

Pro-Law Enforcement

All people matter. I do not support de-funding law enforcement agencies, but I do support Justice in Policing. No one is above the law.

Climate Change

Protecting the environment should be a top priority. Failing to address regulations to address climate change will lead to greater financial costs and higher energy prices.[4]

—Deliris Montanez’s campaign website (2024)[5]

City council election

Deliris Montanez did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Congressional election

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

On the 2022 ballot, I will be recognized as DMB Deliris Montanez Berrios. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, but have been an active member of our El Paso County community since 2000 when I relocated to accept employment with the United States Border Patrol currently known as Customs and Border Protection. I retired on November 30, 2020. I am single, with no children, as I was committed to my careers. I served 29 years in the United States Army as a multinational/joint logistician. Handpick for key leadership positions and selected among my reservist peers to represent the United States Army Reserves in a Logistics Exchange Program with the British Forces. Founder and president of Dance for Dreams, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) classified as a 509 (a) (2) Public Charity since 2012 benefitting our Sun City youth. Woman Veteran Disabled Small Business owner of Equestrian Holistic Retreat Getaway for those who Serve US, LLC serving our community mental health needs with an emphasis on first responders, veterans, and service armed forces members. Former international natural figure competitor 2008-2015. Committed to our Sun City community and service member for life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Capitol Hill is in urgent need of citizens, like you and I, with the proper knowledge, training, and experience to represent our constituents in the best possible humanly way possible to make powerful changes. I am fully committed to my community and my nation with tangible actions, not words. Constituent's respect to elected representatives is earned not given.Acquired knowledge without meaningful actions and refusal to share with others is fruitless with time and resources wasted. Life experiences, education, training, and upbringing will display a shining light on my daily actions and interactions with others. Consideration of others is paramount as my primary role is to serve our people and preserve our land.El Paso is recognized as the Sun City for a reason and our Franklin Mountain Star must shine as far as the horizon for others to emulate. Future generations, our children, need us to set the example to prevent them from committing the same mistakes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

(IN NO PATICULAR ORDER)

Transparency, Accountability, and Justice in all areas of our government

Constitution and Bill of Rights

Federal Whistleblower Protection Laws

Uniform Code of Military Justice Reform

Military Justice Improvement Act

Justice in Policing

Immigration Reform

Mental Health

HealthCare (Medicare for all)

Education (Quality and accessibility)

Employment/Jobs

Homeless Veterans

Green New Deal (Environment)

Housing

Religion

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My parents. I have followed my dad’s steps from serving in the Army, working as a police officer in the streets, and serving the community via meaningful education.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I have gained a tremendous amount of insight from so many films that it would be extremely difficult to pick just one.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Humble

Empathy

Devotion

Commitment

Fighter

Loyalty

Kindness

Compassionate

Leader

Courageous

Bold

Loyalty

Hard Worker

Sincere

Engage

Integrity

Selfless Service

Self-control

Duty

Patient

Generous

Determination

Persistent

Open-minded

Optimistic

Spiritual

Self-awareness

Tolerant

Caring

Mindful

Vigilant

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Creative thinking

Teamwork

Team builder

Positive realistic attitude

Face pace

Responsibility

Ability to delegate

Laser focus on the end state

Influencer

Able to see the big picture

Fighter for fair and equal justice

Mind, body, and soul connection

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Serving the constituents within her/his congressional district.

Introduce bills and resolutions.

Offer amendments.

Serve on committees.

Implement the checks and balances that keep all three branches functioning and prevent any single branch from abusing its power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That my life matter not just to my family members, but friends, colleagues, and all circles of friends that I am involved with on a daily basis. My value on earth is beyond measure and my biggest contributions will impact our future generations. Our Almighty will prepare a table for humanity to witness his powers and promises to all humankind.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Memories of me wearing a bandana at the zoo watching the hippopotamus with my parents always come to mind. I have great memories of growing up with my parents and siblings.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

If I remember correctly, I worked as a community Aerobics Instructor. I performed that job while in high school as a source of income for my personal expenses. Community service has always been a staple in my life development.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I am not an avid reader. The Bible. It speaks to me daily as I know it speaks to others delivering the same message.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman or Batichica.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Strong Enough from Matthew West among many others.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Jealousy and envy from non-believers. Backstabbing from the same ones. Having to accept injustices because is how it has been for centuries.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Transparency, Accountability, and Justice in all areas of our government.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely. Not necessarily in politics, we have plenty of politicians/lobbyists, but it is a must to have adequate experience in how the government operates.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Retention and recruiting efforts in the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

Quality of education in schools and colleges.

Qualified medical personnel in hospitals.

Increase of unemployment.

Bipartisan support enacting government legislature.

Morale within our armed forces.

Climate change if not addressed.

Riots on the streets if Congress doesn't hold agencies accountable.

Waste, fraud, and abuse on government funding if whistleblower protection laws are not made stronger.

People's trust in our government......

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

US House Armed Services Committee

Department of Homeland Security Committee

Judiciary Committee

Veteran Affairs Committee

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I will say at a minimum of three to four years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I totally support term limits. There comes a time for individuals to retire for the better of their constituents.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

U.S House of Representatives Jackie Speier

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

#IamVanessaGuillen

IamThae Phyu

IamBrandonCasserta

IamRichardHalliday

and so many others.

Tell us your favorite joke.

For the most part, I am a serious and focused individual but I always laugh at the thoughts and memories I keep of the first time I went skiing and ended up with my head stuck in the snow and my legs up to the sky.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Totally. Bipartisan support is paramount for the growth of our country. One must compromise in a marriage to make it work. It is not 50/50, it is what is necessary to make it work for the parties involved and the affected parties.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House of Representatives represents the will of the people. My oath has, is, and always will be to serve our constituents and protect our land.

Campaign website

Montanez's campaign website stated the following:

Economy

I support livable wages and progressive taxation, i.e., higher tax rates for higher income brackets. Believe taxes shouldn’t be increased for anyone (including the wealthy).

Social and Human Rights

I support community and social responsibility according to the Constitution and Bill of Rights which needs to be amended.

Gay Marriage

I support same sex marriage. Who are we to judge?

Abortion

Abortions should not be legal (with some exceptions such as rape); oppose Roe v. Wade.

Cap