Domingo García (politician) facts for kids

Domingo García is an American lawyer and politician who works to help people. He is currently the president of a group called the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Before this, he was a leader in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, serving on the city council and even as Mayor Pro Tem. He also worked in the Texas House of Representatives, helping to make laws for the state.

Domingo García: A Leader for His Community

Growing Up and Education

Domingo García was born on February 26, 1958. He grew up in Richardson, Texas, with his parents, Alberto "Beto" Garcia Perez and Manuela Garcia Cano, and his seven siblings. His father was a rancher and also owned a successful concrete company.

When he was young, Domingo was very active. He played soccer and football. He even won a Golden Gloves award in boxing one year! He was also involved in his high school's student council.

Domingo went to college at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. He then studied law at Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, getting his law degree in 1983. After finishing school, he became a lawyer, helping people with personal injury cases.

Starting in Politics

Domingo García began his political career in 1991 when he was elected to the Dallas City Council. He served on the council until 1995. In 1993, he was chosen to be the Mayor Pro Tem of Dallas. This made him the first Latino person to hold that important position in the city.

Helping Texas Students

Later, Domingo García served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives. While there, he helped create an important law called HB1403, also known as the Texas Instate-Tuition Act or the Texas Dream Act.

This law was the first of its kind in the United States. It allowed some undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools to pay the same tuition fees as other Texas residents at Texas State Universities. This helped many students afford to go to college.

In 2002, Domingo García ran for mayor of Dallas but did not win. He also ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 2012 but was not elected.

Leading LULAC

In 2018, Domingo García was elected president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). LULAC is the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States. It works to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans. As president, Domingo García leads the organization in its efforts to support and advocate for the Latino community across the country.