Orlando Lopez

Orlando Lopez earned a high school diploma from Hidalgo High School and a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 2015. His career experience includes working as a construction professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Texan, born and raised. My parents are both immigrants, with my maternal grandmother having been born and raised in Texas prior to moving South due to marriage. I am a product of Texas's public education system, graduating from a public high school and a public university. I am a construction professional that recognizes the importance and need for immigrants in our workforce and economy. My wife is a former public school teacher and counselor, currently taking time off to raise our young daughter.

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?

Texas is not the leader in public education that it should be. We have a budgetary surplus of +$20B that could be used to increase our educators' salaries, invest in more special education programs, and strengthen our public schools. Instead, our state leaders are passing legislation that hurts our public education system by taking the limited resources we have and giving access to private institutions. Essentially, our tax dollars are going towards funding private education for those that can already afford it. This is only the illusion of school choice.The Texas economy and workforce are driven largely by our immigrant communities. Several industries, like Tech, Education, Agriculture, and Construction, depend greatly on this strong workforce. I am not advocating for open borders; I am advocating for the need to have immigrants, with no criminal records, support our economy and workforce. By providing a path for immigrants to become citizens, they are able to contribute their tax dollars and increase revenue in our state. To deny immigrant workers is to deny growth in our economy.I owe my allegiance only to the people of my state and district. I am not bought or paid for, and never will be. I am running to support the needs of our working-class so that every family has the same opportunities to thrive. As a lifelong Texan, I've grown tired of out-of-touch state leaders that do not listen to their constituents, only their billionaire donors. I pledge to always place the needs of the many, above the wants of the few. True to the origin of Texas's name, I will be a friend and an ally to our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

- Strengthening public schools

- Supporting immigrants in our workforce

- Fighting for the working class

- Expanding infrastructure, especially in our fast-growing communities

- Protecting healthcare access and reproductive freedoms

- Ensuring equality for our LGBTQ+ community members

- Placing limits on utility costs and/or price-gouging

- Reforming property taxes, especially for working class families

- Keeping state and church separate to prevent leaders from exploiting your faith for their gain