Joaquin Castro

# Joaquin Castro

Who / What

Joaquin Castro is an American lawyer and Democratic politician serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. He represents Texas’s 20th congressional district, which encompasses part of San Antonio.

Background & History

Born on **September 16, 1974**, Joaquin Castro is a native Texan whose political career began in local government before advancing to state and federal offices. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he entered politics as a city councilman in San Antonio (2003–2005) before serving as a Texas State Senator (2006–2013). His tenure in Congress has been marked by progressive advocacy on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform.

Why Notable

Castro is recognized for his leadership on foreign affairs, intelligence, and civil rights. As chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, he has driven discussions on global human rights and climate change. His work on LGBTQ+ equality earned him national attention, including a 2016 *Out* magazine profile.

In the News

Recently, Castro has emphasized bipartisan cooperation in addressing geopolitical crises, such as Ukraine’s war and China’s influence in Africa. His advocacy for climate action remains prominent amid global environmental debates, aligning with his role on the House Intelligence Committee.

Key Facts

**Type:** Person (politician)

**Also known as:** None listed beyond first name

**Born:** September 16, 1974, in San Antonio, Texas, USA

**Key dates:**

2003–2005: San Antonio City Council member

2006–2013: Texas State Senator (District 25)

2013–present: U.S. Representative for Texas’s 20th District

**Geography:** Native of San Antonio, Texas; currently represents the 20th congressional district in Texas.

**Affiliation:** Democratic Party

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaquin_Castro)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Joaquin Castro (born September 16, 1974) is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who has represented Texas's 20th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2013. The district includes just over half of his native San Antonio. He currently serves on the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.