Eddie Morales

Eddie Morales is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, currently serving the 74th District. He has been in office since 2021 and is an attorney by profession. His district encompasses a significant portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, covering 11 counties, including Maverick County and El Paso County. Morales has a background in law and business, and he is actively involved in various community and legal organizations.

Early life and career

Eddie Morales was born on January 24, 1975, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. He moved to the United States at a young age and graduated from Eagle Pass High School in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 1993. Following his high school education, Morales pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science along with a double minor in Business and Spanish in 1997. His academic journey continued at St. Mary's University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2000.

After completing his legal education, Morales began his professional career at Langley & Bannack in Eagle Pass, where he has risen to the position of partner and member of the management board. His legal expertise has been complemented by his active participation in local legal communities; he previously served as president of the Maverick County Bar Association. In addition to his legal practice, Morales has held the role of City Attorney for both Eagle Pass and Brackettville, further establishing his presence in the legal landscape of the region.

In addition to his legal career, Morales is also an entrepreneur. He owns the Piedras Negras Tortilla Factory in Eagle Pass, a family business that he has been involved with since his high school years. This dual role as both an attorney and a business owner has provided him with a diverse perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing his community.

Legislative service

Eddie Morales announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in November 2019, seeking to represent the 74th District, a seat previously held by Poncho Nevárez. Nevárez's decision not to seek re-election opened the door for Morales to enter the race. He successfully won the election and took office in 2021, marking the beginning of his legislative career.

Since taking office, Morales has been appointed to significant roles within the Texas House. In 2023, he was appointed by Speaker of the House Dade Phelan to serve as Vice Chair of the House Energy and Resources Committee. He was reappointed to this role in 2025 by Speaker Dustin Burrows, indicating his growing influence within the legislative framework. Morales is also a member of the Transportation Committee, where he contributes to discussions and decisions regarding infrastructure and transportation policy in Texas.

His legislative service is characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in the 74th District, which includes a diverse range of communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Morales's work in the Texas House reflects his dedication to representing the interests of his district and advocating for policies that benefit his constituents.

Policy focus and district

Eddie Morales's policy focus is shaped by the unique needs and challenges of the 74th District, which spans 770 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and includes 11 counties, such as Maverick, Kinney, Val Verde, and El Paso. The district is home to several cities, including Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Alpine, and Pecos, each with its own set of issues and opportunities.

One of Morales's primary areas of focus is border security. He advocates for legal immigration and supports the expansion of worker visa permits, particularly for agricultural sectors. Morales emphasizes the importance of a controlled and secured border, proposing a combination of manpower, advanced technology, and physical barriers to enhance security while facilitating legal crossings.

Healthcare is another critical issue for Morales. He is a proponent of expanding Medicaid to ensure that all residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare. The 74th District faces significant healthcare challenges, with three counties lacking any physicians. Morales is also an advocate for improving mental health resources in West and South Texas, recognizing the importance of mental health services in overall community well-being.

Transportation infrastructure is a further area of concern for Morales. He believes that increased funding for transportation is essential for the safety and growth of communities within his district. Morales argues that modernized roadways are necessary for connecting communities and facilitating economic development. He has highlighted the financial constraints faced by cities and counties in the district, which often struggle to make significant infrastructure investments.

Through his legislative work, Eddie Morales aims to address these pressing issues while representing the diverse interests of his constituents in the 74th District. His background in law and business, combined with his commitment to public service, positions him as a significant figure in Texas politics, particularly in matters affecting border communities.