Washington, D.C. — Today, Latino Victory Fund announced that it endorsed John Lira, the Democratic candidate running for Texas’s 23rd Congressional District.
Texas is a top priority state for Latino Victory and Democrats in the 2022 election. If Lira is elected, he will flip the 23rd District from Republican to Democrat, increasing Latino representation in Congress and defeating a GOP incumbent who has turned his back on his constituents—from voting against pandemic relief for working Latino families and small business owners to being part of a GOP that attacks reproductive rights that disproportionately affect Latinas in Texas.
Statement by Nathalie Rayes, Latino Victory Fund President and CEO:
“We are proud to support John Lira because we need more Latinos in Congress who are committed to public service and who will put the people before politics. John’s a proud veteran, proud Mexican-American, and an experienced public servant who’s ready to work for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Electing John will mean that the district will have a relentless advocate for small business support, voter protection rights, long-term immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship, and access to quality, affordable health care. It’s time for a voice like John’s to represent Texas’ 23rd District, and Latino Victory Fund is ready to up the ante to see him join the Texas delegation in Congress.”
Meet John Lira
Lira is the son of a Mexican American family of four in southeast San Antonio, a United States Marine Corps veteran, a dedicated father and husband, a devoted parishioner at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, and a proud Texan. Although his father worked graveyard shifts to earn extra night differential pay and his mother took on two jobs, money was still tight and like many, his family was able to qualify for free lunches and low-cost health insurance which kept his small family healthy. Eager to help support his family, Lira got his first job at 16 bussing tables at a restaurant on the Riverwalk.
Lira served for 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, on active duty, and in the reserves, including two combat tours in Iraq. After returning to civilian life, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to earn an associate’s degree from San Antonio College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University.
Lira also worked at the Corporation for National and Community Service, where he empowered community organizations to support veterans and military family transitions. At the U.S. Small Business Administration, he helped reverse the generational decline of veterans’ entrepreneurship. John also worked at the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, created by Senators John McCain and Jack Reed to develop policies to revive an ethos of service in America. From busboy to emerging policy leader, Lira’s experience developing, helping to pass, and implementing national policies has fueled his desire to continue working to address the nation’s needs.
To learn more about John Lira’s campaign, please click here.
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The Latino Victory Fund is a progressive political action committee with the mission of growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government – from the school board to the Senate to the White House.
