Jason Villalba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jason Villalba
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 114th district |
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| In office January 8, 2013 – January 8, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Will Ford Hartnett |
| Succeeded by | John Turner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 26, 1971 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Brooke Villalba |
| Children | 3 |
| Residences | Richardson, Texas |
| Alma mater | South Grand Prairie High School University of Texas School of Law |
| Occupation | Attorney |
Jason Villalba was born on March 26, 1971. He is an American politician and a lawyer. He is a member of the Republican Party. Villalba used to represent District 114 in Dallas County in the Texas House of Representatives. Today, he works for the law firm Frost Brown Todd.
In 2018, Jason Villalba ran for re-election but lost in the Republican primary election. The person who defeated him, Lisa Luby Ryan, then lost to John Turner, a Democrat, in the main election.
Contents
Early Life and School
Jason Villalba is a fourth-generation Texan, meaning his family has lived in Texas for many generations. His family also has Mexican roots. He went to South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie.
After high school, he studied economics and finance at Baylor University. Later, he earned his law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from The University of Texas School of Law in Austin.
Career in Law and Politics
Before entering politics, Villalba worked as a lawyer at several law firms. These included Haynes and Boone LLP, Gardere, and Foley and Lardner. He is currently a member of the Frost Brown Todd law firm in Dallas.
Starting in Politics
In 2012, a Republican representative named Will Ford Hartnett decided not to run for re-election. Jason Villalba then ran for the open seat in District 114. He won the Republican nomination after a close election. He was supported by important political figures like Mitt Romney and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.
In the main election, Villalba won against the Democratic candidate, Carol Kent. He received 33,970 votes (54.2 percent) compared to her 28,762 votes (45.8 percent).
Key Issues and Bills
Early in his time as a legislator, Villalba faced a challenge regarding a national health care law. This law was called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. After the U.S. Supreme Court said the law was constitutional, Villalba suggested that Texas should consider how to create its own health insurance marketplaces. This idea was met with some opposition from conservatives.
In 2014, Villalba proposed a change to the Texas Constitution. This change, called HJR55, aimed to protect religious freedom. However, it also would have removed local laws that protect people from discrimination. Many groups, including Democrats, some Republicans, and business leaders, did not support this idea. Villalba eventually withdrew the proposal.
In 2015, Villalba introduced another bill, House Bill 2918. This bill would have made it illegal to photograph or record police officers from closer than 25 feet. If someone had a license to carry a hidden handgun, the distance would be 100 feet. Only major news organizations would be exempt. This bill caused a lot of debate because many people believe citizens have a right to record police actions. Villalba received much criticism online for this bill.
Working with Other Leaders
Jason Villalba was a political ally of Joe Straus. Straus was the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives from San Antonio, a very important leadership role. Villalba believed that the Texas Senate would become very conservative in 2015. He thought that many bills from the Senate would not pass in the House because the House was more moderate.
Later Elections
In 2016, Villalba ran for re-election again. He won the Republican primary against Dan Morenoff. Then, in the general election, he defeated the Democrat Jim Burke.
In 2019, Jason Villalba ran for Mayor of Dallas. However, he did not win, receiving only 6% of the votes in the first round.
Personal Life
Jason Villalba lives in north Dallas with his wife, Brooke, and their three children. He is a member of the Methodist church.
