Mario Gallegos Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mario Gallegos Jr.
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Gallegos in 2012
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| Member of the Texas Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office 1995–2012 |
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| Preceded by | Dan Shelley |
| Succeeded by | Sylvia Garcia |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 143rd district |
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| In office 1991–1995 |
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| Preceded by | Albert Luna, III |
| Succeeded by | Gerard Torres |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mario Valentin Gallegos Jr.
September 8, 1950 |
| Died | October 16, 2012 (aged 62) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery Houston, Texas |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Houston, Texas |
| Alma mater | Univ. of Houston–Downtown |
| Profession | Firefighter |
Mario Valentin Gallegos Jr. (born September 8, 1950 – died October 16, 2012) was an important American politician from Texas. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as a state senator for District 6 in the Texas Senate, which covers part of Harris County. Before becoming a senator, he was a firefighter and a state representative.
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Mario Gallegos's Political Career
Mario Gallegos Jr. grew up in the Magnolia Park area of Houston. He worked for the Houston Fire Department for 22 years and retired as a Senior Captain.
Serving in the Texas House of Representatives
In 1990, Gallegos was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. This is one of the two main groups of lawmakers in Texas. He represented District 143 for two terms, from 1991 to 1995.
Becoming a State Senator
In 1994, Mario Gallegos Jr. decided to run for a seat in the Texas Senate. This is the other main group of lawmakers in Texas. He ran against two other people from his own party, including Yolanda Navarro Flores. Since no one won more than half the votes, Gallegos and another candidate, Roman O. Martinez, had a second election called a "runoff." Gallegos won the runoff election.
Because there were no other candidates from other parties, Gallegos became the first Mexican American elected to the Texas Senate from Harris County. This was a big step for his community.
Later Years in the Senate
Gallegos was reelected to the Senate without any opponents in 1998 and 2002. In 2004, he faced Yolanda Navarro Flores again in the primary election and won. He also won the main election that year.
During his time in the Senate, Gallegos was known for being very passionate about issues. Sometimes, magazines like Texas Monthly wrote about his strong opinions. In 2007, he was honored by being sworn in as Governor for one day, which is a special tradition for the Senate President Pro Tem.
Mario Gallegos's Personal Life
Mario Gallegos Jr. went to the University of Houston–Downtown (UHD). He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences in 2001.
He was very dedicated to his work as a politician. In 2012, Gallegos became sick and was hospitalized. He passed away on October 16, 2012.
See also
- History of the Mexican-Americans in Houston
- Ninfa Laurenzo
- Rick Noriega
- Ben Reyes
- South Park Mexican
- Felix Tijerina
