Gregorio Casar

Greg Casar is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Texas's 35th congressional district. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has been in office since 2023. Before his congressional tenure, Casar was an Austin City Council member, where he focused on a range of progressive issues. He is recognized for his activism and leadership within the Democratic Party, particularly as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Squad, a group of progressive lawmakers in the House.

Early life and career

Gregorio Eduardo Casar was born on May 4, 1989, in Houston, Texas, to Mexican immigrant parents. His father worked as a surgeon, and the family was raised in the predominantly Hispanic enclave of Bellaire. Casar attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, where he was involved in athletics, particularly track and field. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and social thought in 2011. During his time at university, he became actively engaged in social justice issues, notably organizing with Students and Workers United for a Living Wage, a group advocating for fair wages for university workers.

After completing his education, Casar took on the role of policy director for the Workers Defense Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of low-wage workers in Texas. In this capacity, he was instrumental in securing significant labor protections, including the implementation of mandatory rest and water breaks for construction workers, as well as initiatives aimed at combating wage theft. His work included organizing campaigns against major corporations to ensure that labor standards were upheld, particularly in relation to contracts awarded by the city of Austin.

House tenure

Casar's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Austin City Council in 2014, representing District 4. This election marked a significant shift in Austin's electoral process, as it was the first time council members were elected from geographic districts rather than through an at-large system. Casar won the election but faced a runoff against Laura Pressley, an anti-fluoride activist. He ultimately emerged victorious, despite Pressley contesting the results in court, a challenge that was later dismissed by the Texas Supreme Court.

In 2016, Casar was reelected to the City Council, and his tenure coincided with the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. His outspoken stance against Trump and his administration's policies garnered attention, as he publicly declared his commitment to resistance rather than reconciliation. Casar secured a third term in 2020, during which he continued to advocate for progressive policies, including affordable housing, paid sick leave, and criminal justice reforms.

Casar's leadership on the City Council was characterized by a focus on issues affecting marginalized communities. He represented a district known for its diversity, with a significant Latino population and a high percentage of residents living in poverty. His work included efforts to support immigrant rights and tenant organizing, reflecting the needs of his constituents. In November 2021, he announced his resignation from the City Council, effective February 2022, to pursue a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the 2022 election cycle, Casar declared his candidacy for Texas's 35th congressional district. His campaign received endorsements from prominent progressive figures, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Casar won the Democratic primary with a significant majority of the vote, which positioned him favorably for the general election in a district with a strong Democratic lean. He won the general election on November 8, 2022, defeating Republican candidate Dan McQueen with a substantial margin.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office in January 2023, Casar has been active in the U.S. House of Representatives, aligning himself with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He serves as the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a position that allows him to influence legislative priorities and advocate for progressive policies at the national level. His involvement in this caucus places him among a group of lawmakers committed to advancing a progressive agenda, including issues such as healthcare reform, climate change action, and workers' rights.

During his tenure, Casar has focused on various legislative initiatives that reflect his commitment to social justice and labor rights. He was one of the Democrats who voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, indicating his stance on fiscal policies that he believes do not align with the needs of working-class Americans. Additionally, he has led initiatives aimed at improving labor protections, including advocating for better heat protection for workers in Texas, which has been a pressing issue given the state's extreme weather conditions.

As a member of the Squad, Casar collaborates with other progressive lawmakers to push for comprehensive reforms that address systemic inequalities. His legislative efforts are informed by his background in community organizing and his experiences on the Austin City Council, where he championed policies that directly impacted the lives of his constituents.

Looking ahead, Casar has announced plans to seek reelection in a newly drawn congressional district, indicating his intention to continue his public service and advocacy for progressive causes. His evolving political career reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by working families and marginalized communities in Texas and beyond.