Julian Villarreal

Julian Villarreal was born in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in 2007. His professional experience includes working as a scientific consultant. He has also worked as a lecturer in physics and researcher at UTSA. Villarreal has been affiliated with the Bexar County Green Party and Climate Action SA.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in San Antonio. My family has deep roots in south Texas and northern México. I am a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where I earned my bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering. I also possess a PhD in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. I have worked as a scientific consultant, as well as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I serve as an election judge and volunteer deputy registrar in Bexar County. I am also represent the Bexar County Green Party as a member of the Climate Action SA environmental coalition that advocates for just climate action and a rapid transition to 100% clean renewable energy.

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?

I am running for the Texas Senate in order to give voters a real progressive choice and raise awareness of key issues, such as climate change, that affect us all, but which the Texas Legislature has largely ignored.Unlike my opponent, I do not accept any political contributions from corporate PACs, lobbyists, wealthy donors, or special interest groups. If elected, I promise never to place the interests of the few over the good of the many, and I will push for campaign finance reforms such as a cap on political contributions.I ask for the support of the voters so that together we can show the two corporate parties that the issues matter and that we will no longer accept the complacency of elected officials on critical issues, such as climate change. The People have the power and our representatives must listen to us, not their donors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

If elected, I will be a strong advocate in the Texas Senate for just climate action and environmental justice, and I will sponsor legislation to ensure that Texas makes a rapid and just transition to 100% clean renewable energy. I will work for a just recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that includes an expansion of Medicaid and increased funding for healthcare so that millions more Texans can enjoy affordable, quality healthcare. I will oppose any efforts to undermine or cut funding to our public schools. I will advocate for high-quality, tuition-free public education for all Texans from pre-K thru university.

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

I believe the senator for district 26 must use their office to serve the people, to magnify their voices, especially those who have been ignored and underserved. Some of the poorest communities in Bexar County are located in district 26. Our senator must do everything possible to empower those who have the least power, including the poor, the disabled, children, Black, and Indigenous people. Our senator must work to educate the people about key issues so that they are informed about how the Legislature impacts them. Our senator must also work to undue the decades of harm caused by racial and economic inequalities. We have a part-time legislature and oftentimes our senator is nowhere to be found when it comes to key issues affecting people's lives. If elected, I will continue working in the community and for the community to build more grassroots people-power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As an educator who has taught hundreds of students of the years, I believe my legacy is having helped my students succeed in their education and advance in their knowledge of science. Beyond the education needed for a career, I have tried to instill in my students a scientific curiosity and love of learning that will serve them well for their whole lives.

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

My very first job was as a library assistant at the San Antonio Public Library. I was in high school at the time and it was a summer job. I love libraries and reading, so it was natural fit for me.

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

"Mi regalo más bonito" by La Ross María

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The most important difference between the Texas House and Senate is that the latter is presided over by the lieutenant governor who has broad power to control which bills advance and which fail. Unfortunately the current lieutenant governor has used his power to advance extremist legislation such as SB 4.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Climate change. Texas already suffers from some of the worst, most costly natural disasters in the United States. We must act rapidly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to clean renewable energy for all sectors. We need a just transition that places the needs of the most vulnerable communities first. Such a transition can also be a catalyst for economic recovery and renewal for the poorest communities in the state by creating millions of good paying jobs, as well as help us revitalize aging infrastructure.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I favor an independent citizen commission for redistricting. We must take redistricting out of the hands of partisan politicians and give it to the people.