Texas State Representative District 34
A Texas State Representative is an elected official who serves in the Texas House of Representatives. Their primary responsibilities include proposing, debating, and voting on state laws and policies. They represent the interests of their constituents by addressing local and statewide issues, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. State Representatives also work on budget allocations, oversee government agencies, and serve on legislative committees to review bills and policies. Additionally, they assist constituents with navigating state services and advocate for their concerns at the state level.
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Denise Villalobos
(Rep)
What motivated you to run for this office?
Describe your strongest competency and life experience that qualify you to hold this office.
During your campaign, what is the number one concern expressed to you by residents? What is your response to this concern?
Other than the issues previously addressed, what are your top three priorities, and, if elected, how would you address them?
Like many people in HD34, I grew up below the poverty line. My mother worked at a convenient store, and my father struggled with substance abuse, plus there was a lot of domestic violence in my home. Despite all of that, public school was my safe haven! I was able to get a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and break the generational poverty that plagued my family. Today over 73% of kids in HD34 are considered economically disadvantaged. The per capita income is $26,122 with over 20% of people living under the poverty line.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to run for office to make a positive impact helping as many kids who are growing up just the way I did.
I have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a masters degree in business and have worked in the oil & gas industry for over a decade. I understand the unique economy Corpus Christi has today and what it takes to grow more jobs in our community. I previously served on the Tuloso-Midway school board, and lead the charge to pass a $165 Million Bond for our district to help expand our CTE services to provide more skilled workforce to our students: welders, electricians, nurses, & law enforcements!
During my 1st term in the Texas Legislature, I was able to pass 11 bills and bring $52 Million back home to our community! More than any other freshman legislator accomplished. I worked across the aisle and fought for our community daily.
The number one issue expressed by my constituents is WATER. We are now in year 5 of drought and the Coastal Bend is in a true water crisis! In November 2026 we will hit Emergency Level 1 and that is when major water curtailments will begin. It will affect everyone from residential to commercial to industry. The Port of Corpus Christi is the economic engine for our region, state, and nation. Problems that effect our energy industry here have global impacts from jet fuel in DFW to LNG in the Netherlands.
During session I was able to bring $46 Million back home to implement several emergency water projects. This funded directly pushed back curtailment from August of 2025 to November 2026. I have not stopped working on the water issue.
1. A short term water solution is needed to get us out of the current crisis, but we also need to focus on a LONG TERM water solution that will keep us from reliving this emergency next time drought hits. Diversification of our water supply is extremely important & that the state helps financially.
2. Corpus Christi is one of the most vital economic hubs in Texas, and we must keep it growing. Building a strong skilled work force and creating more job opportunities is crucial to break the poverty cycles in our community.
3. HB2 brought home $90 Million directly to public schools in HD34. Those funds went to teacher raises, early literacy, special education, & CTE. This is great, but more needs to be done in terms of school finance.
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