Monica De La Cruz
Monica De La Cruz (born November 11, 1974)[1] is an American politician and businesswoman. Since 2023, she has been serving as the U.S. representative for Texas's 15th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, De La Cruz is also the first woman and Republican to represent the district since 1903.[2][3]
Monica De La Cruz | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Official portrait, 2023 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 15th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Vicente Gonzalez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Monica De La Cruz November 11, 1974 Brownsville, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
Johnny Hernandez
(m. 2015; div. 2021) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Texas, San Antonio (BBA) |
| Website | Campaign website House website |
Early life and education
changeMonica De La Cruz was on on November 11, 1974 in Brownsville, Texas. She was raised by a single mother and she is the granddaughter of a Mexican farm worker. Monica attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After graduation, she enrolled at La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México to study Spanish.
U.S. House of Representatives
changeElections
change2020
changeIn 2020, De La Cruz ran in Texas's 15th congressional district, and lost to incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez.[4]
2022
changeDe La Cruz ran again in the 15th district in 2022, she defeated Democratic nominee Michelle Vallejo in the general election.[5][6][7][8][9]
Caucus memberships
changeCommittee assignment
changePersonal life
changeDe La Cruz divorced from her second husband, Juan Gabriel Hernandez in 2021.[12][13] De La Cruz also has two children and is an Episcopalian.[14]
References
change- ↑ "Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) Research Report" (PDF). October 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-06-15. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ↑ Herrera, Jack. Monica De La Cruz Defeats Michelle Vallejo, Flipping a South Texas Seat for the GOP, Texas Monthly, November 8, 2022.
- ↑ Gonzalez, Valerie. Calculated move: Texas Republicans drew District 15 to fit their needs, MyRGV, November 12, 2022.
- ↑ Taylor, Steve (June 5, 2022). "De La Cruz: I do not care which Democrat I face in CD 15 general election". Rio Grande Guardian.
- ↑ Choi, Matthew (August 24, 2022). "In Texas' most competitive congressional race, neither candidate is running toward the center". The Texas Tribune.
- ↑ Recio, Maria. "Latina candidates reshaping South Texas politics in 3 key congressional races". Austin American-Statesman.
- ↑ Gamboa, Suzanne (October 22, 2022). "South Texas Democrats push back as Latina Republicans close in". www.nbcnews.com.
- ↑ "Texas Republicans hope to send their first Latina to Congress". NBC News. March 9, 2022.
- ↑ Neukam, Matthew Choi and Stephen (9 November 2022). "Monica De La Cruz becomes first Republican to win in 15th Congressional District in South Texas". The Texas Tribune.
- ↑ "Candidates". RMSP PAC. Retrieved 2022-12-26.
- ↑ "Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy". Financial Services Committee. U.S. House of Representatives. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ↑ Scherer, Michael (November 9, 2021). "Top GOP congressional candidate in Texas accused of abusing teenage daughter of estranged husband". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
- ↑ Scherer, Michael (January 12, 2022). "GOP House candidate Monica De La Cruz will be allowed to return to her Texas home in April amid legal fight with her estranged husband". Washington Post. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ↑ "Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress" (PDF). Pew Research Center. January 3, 2023.