Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman)
Rubén Hinojosa (b. August 20, 1940, in Edcouch,TX) is a formerDemocratic member of theU.S. House of Representatives from the state ofTexas. Hinojosa representedTexas' 15th Congressional District from 1997 to 2017.
Biography
After earning his bachelor's from the University of Texas, Hinojosa worked as an executive in a family-owned food business. He also earned his MBA from University of Texas-Pan America and went on to be an adjunct professor there.[1]
Career
Below is an abbreviated outline of Hinojosa's academic, professional, and political career:[2]
- 1997-2017: U.S. Representative fromTexas' 15th Congressional District
- 1993-1996: Chairman of the Board of South Texas Community College for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, TX
- 1974-1984: Texas state board of education
- 1980: Graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with an MBA
- 1962: Graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a B.B.A.
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2015-2016
Hinojosa served on the following committees:[3]
2013-2014
Hinojosa served on the following committees:[4]
- Committee on Education and the Workforce
- Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training (Ranking member)
- Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
- Committee on Financial Services
- Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
- Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises
2011-2012
Hinojosa served on the following House committees:[5]
- House Committee on Education and Labor
- Higher Education and Workforce Training SubcommitteeRanking member
- Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions
- House Committee on Financial Services
- Subcommittee on Capital Markets, and Government Sponsored Enterprises
- Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
Key votes
114th Congress
The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[6][7] For more information pertaining to Hinojosa's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[8]
Economic and fiscal
Trade Act of 2015
Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, theHouse rejected thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302.Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged withtrade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Hinojosa was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.[9][10]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, theHouse passed thetrade promotion authority (TPA) measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives thepresident fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent toCongress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill includingtrade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Hinojosa was one of 28Democrats to support the measure.[11][12]
Trade promotion authority second vote After thetrade adjustment assistance (TAA) andtrade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass theHouse together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment toHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except forTed Yoho (R-Fla.). Hinojosa was one of 28Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment.[13][14]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote TheHouse passedHR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. TheSenate packagedtrade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure inHR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along withtrade promotion authority (TPA), whichCongress passed as part ofHR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Hinojosa was one of 175Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[15][16]
Defense spending authorization
On May 15, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Hinojosa voted with 142 otherDemocrats and eightRepublicans against the bill.[17] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[18]
On November 5, 2015, theHouse passedS 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[19][20] Hinojosa voted with 134 otherDemocrats and 235Republicans to approve the bill.[21] On November 10, 2015, theSenate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[22]
2016 Budget proposal
On April 30, 2015, theHouse voted to approveSConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Hinojosa and four otherDemocrats did not vote on the resolution.[23][24][25]
2015 budget
On October 28, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[26] Hinojosa voted with 186Democrats and 79Republicans in favor of the bill.[27] It passed theSenate on October 30, 2015.[28] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.
Foreign Affairs
Iran nuclear deal
- See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015
On May 14, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required PresidentBarack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review.Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Hinojosa voted with 176Democrats to approve the bill.[29][30]
Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, theHouse rejectedHR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approvingthe nuclear agreement with Iran. Hinojosa voted with 161Democrats for the bill.[31][32]
Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, theHouse approvedHR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Hinojosa voted with 185Democrats against the bill.[33][34]
Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, theHouse passedH Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of theIran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. HouseRepublicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Hinojosa voted with 185Democrats against the resolution.[35][36]
Export-Import Bank
On October 27, 2015, theHouse passedHR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[37] Hinojosa voted with 185Democrats and 127Republicans in favor of the bill.[38]
Domestic
USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revisedHR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Hinojosa was one of fiveDemocrats who did not vote. It became law on June 2, 2015.[39][40]
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
On May 13, 2015, theHouse passedHR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposes prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus is determined to be 20 weeks or older. If a woman's life is in danger or her pregnancy is the result of rape or incest which has been reported to law enforcement or an appropriate government agency at any time, an abortion may be performed. Hinojosa was one of five members of the House who did not vote on the bill. The vote largely followed party lines.[41][42]
Cyber security
On April 23, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[43] Hinojosa voted with 134Democrats and 220Republicans to approve the bill.[44]
On April 22, 2015, theHouse passedHR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[45] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Hinojosa voted with 104Democrats and 202Republicans in favor of the bill.[46]
Immigration
On November 19, 2015, theHouse passedHR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.[47] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Hinojosa and five otherDemocrats did not vote.[48]
113th Congress
The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[49] For more information pertaining to Hinojosa's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[50]
National security
NDAA
Hinojosa voted against HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[51]
DHS Appropriations
Hinojosa voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[52]
CISPA (2013)
Hinojosa voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[53]
Economy
Farm bill
On January 29, 2014, theU.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,H.R. 2642, also known as theFarm Bill.[54] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[55][56] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[56] Hinojosa voted with 88 otherDemocraticrepresentatives in favor of the bill.
2014 Budget
On January 15, 2014, theRepublican-runHouse approvedH.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[57][58] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64Republicans and threeDemocrats voting against the bill.[58] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[59] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of theAffordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Hinojosa joined with the majority of theDemocratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[57][58]
Government shutdown
- See also:United States budget debate, 2013
On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[60] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen.Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[61] Hinojosa voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[62]
The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.[63] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Hinojosa voted for HR 2775.[64]
Federal Pay Adjustment Act
Hinojosa voted against HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.[65]
Immigration
Morton Memos Prohibition
Hinojosa voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[66] The vote largely followed party lines.[67]
Healthcare
Healthcare Reform Rules
Hinojosa voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[68]
Social issues
Abortion
Hinojosa voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[69]
Previous congressional sessions
Fiscal Cliff
Hinojosa voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[70]
Issues
Presidential preference
2016 presidential endorsement
✓ Hinojosa endorsedHillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S.presidential election.[71]
- See also:Endorsements for Hillary Clinton
Earmarks
AWashington Post investigation in February 2012 revealed that 33 members ofCongress helped direct more than $300 million in earmarks to public projects in close proximity to commercial and residential real estate owned by the lawmakers or their family members.[72] According to the report, Hinojosa obtained a $665,000 earmark to help widen a road next to a 3.7-acre commercial property that his family partnership was developing and near the family food processing plant in Mercedes, Texas.[73]
Elections
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpediarated this race as safely Democratic.Vicente Gonzalez (D) defeatedTim Westley (R),Vanessa Tijerina (G), andRoss Lynn Leone (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. A runoff for both parties was held on May 24, 2016. In the runoff primaries, Westley defeatedRuben Villarreal, and Gonzalez defeatedJuan Palacios Jr. IncumbentRuben Hinojosa did not seek re-election.[74][75]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Vicente Gonzalez | 57.3% | 101,712 | |
| Republican | Tim Westley | 37.7% | 66,877 | |
| Green | Vanessa Tijerina | 3.1% | 5,448 | |
| Libertarian | Ross Lynn Leone | 1.9% | 3,442 | |
| Total Votes | 177,479 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Westley | 45% | 13,164 | ||
| Ruben Villarreal | 32% | 9,349 | ||
| Xavier Salinas | 23% | 6,734 | ||
| Total Votes | 29,247 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Westley | 50.5% | 1,384 | ||
| Ruben Villarreal | 49.5% | 1,355 | ||
| Total Votes | 2,739 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicente Gonzalez | 42.2% | 22,151 | ||
| Juan Palacios Jr. | 18.9% | 9,913 | ||
| Dolly Elizondo | 16.9% | 8,888 | ||
| Joel Quintanilla | 11.7% | 6,152 | ||
| Ruben Ramirez Hinojosa | 6% | 3,149 | ||
| Rance Sweeten | 4.2% | 2,224 | ||
| Total Votes | 52,477 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicente Gonzalez | 65.7% | 16,071 | ||
| Juan Palacios Jr. | 34.3% | 8,379 | ||
| Total Votes | 24,450 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
2014
Hinojosa wonre-election to theU.S. House in 2014. He won the Democratic nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014, with no opposition. He defeatedEddie Zamora (R) andJohnny Partain (L) in the general election on November 4, 2014.[76]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ruben HinojosaIncumbent | 54% | 48,708 | |
| Republican | Eddie Zamora | 43.3% | 39,016 | |
| Libertarian | Johnny Partain | 2.7% | 2,460 | |
| Total Votes | 90,184 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State | ||||
2012
Hinojosa won re-election in the2012 election for theU.S. House, representingTexas'15th District. He defeatedJane Cross,David Cantu,Johnny Partain, andRoben Ramon Ramirez in the Democratic primary on May 29, 2012. He then defeatedDale Brueggemann (D) andRonald Finch (L) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[77][78]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ruben HinojosaIncumbent | 60.9% | 89,296 | |
| Republican | Dale A. Brueggemann | 36.9% | 54,056 | |
| Libertarian | Ron Finch | 2.3% | 3,309 | |
| Total Votes | 146,661 | |||
| Source:Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubén HinojosaIncumbent | 71.2% | 29,397 |
| David Cantu | 12.1% | 5,008 |
| Jane Cross | 10.2% | 4,208 |
| Ruben Ramon Ramirez | 4.9% | 2,012 |
| Johnny Partain | 1.7% | 687 |
| Total Votes | 41,312 | |
Full history
To view the full congressional electoral history for Rubén Hinojosa, click [show] to expand the section. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2010 On November 2, 2010, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Eddie Zamora (R) and Aaron Cohn (L) in the general election.[79]
2008 On November 4, 2008, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Eddie Zamora (R) and Gricha Raether (L) in the general election.[80]
2006 On November 7, 2006, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Paul Haring (R) and Eddie Zamora (R) in the general election.[81]
2004 On November 2, 2004, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Michael Thamm (R) and William Cady (L) in the general election.[82]
2002 On November 5, 2002, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He ran unopposed in the general election.[83]
2000 On November 7, 2000, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Frank Jones (L) and Israel Cantu (Write-in) in the general election.[84]
1998 On November 3, 1998, Ruben Hinojosa won re-election to theUnited States House. He defeated Tom Haughey (R) in the general election.[85]
1996 On November 5, 1996, Ruben Hinojosa won election to theUnited States House. He defeated Tom Haughey (R) and Rob Wofford (Natural Law) in the general election.[86]
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Campaign themes
2012
Hinojosa's campaign website listed the following issues:[87]
- Rebuilding our Economy
- Excerpt: "by investing in the future, providing access to capital and tax relief to our small businesses, strengthening our community banks, restoring the middle class and working to create jobs. "
- Investing in Education
- Excerpt: "by protecting the current funding of Pell Grants and direct federal college loans to make higher education affordable. "
- Honoring the Service of our Brave Veterans
- Excerpt: "by keeping faith with them when they return home and providing them the top-notch health care and educational opportunities for them and their spouses that they have earned. "
- Strengthening Our Commitment to Seniors Citizens
- Excerpt: "by preserving Social Security and Medicare for current and future generations of Americans. "
- Reducing the Cost of Gasoline
- Excerpt: "by safe domestic production like oil shale and promoting renewable energy sources. "
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.
| Year | Office | Status | Contributions | Expenditures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | U.S. House (Texas, District 15) | Won | $496,824 | N/A** |
| Grand total | $496,824 | N/A** | ||
| Sources:OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). | ||||
| ** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle | ||||
| Note: Totals above reflect only available data. | ||||
Personal Gain Index
- See also:Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)
- See also:Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)
ThePersonal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of theU.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:
PGI: Change in net worth
Based oncongressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available byOpenSecrets.org, Hinojosa's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $-5,287,942 and $680,995. That averages to$-2,303,473, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Hinojosa ranked as the 439th most wealthy representative in 2012.[88] Between 2004 and 2012, Hinojosa's calculated net worth[89] decreased by an average of 18 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[90]
| Ruben Hinojosa Yearly Net Worth | |
|---|---|
| Year | Average Net Worth |
| 2004 | $4,924,923 |
| 2012 | $−2,303,473 |
| Growth from 2004 to 2012: | −147% |
| Average annual growth: | −18%[91] |
| Comparatively, theAmerican citizen experienced a median yearlydecline in net worth of-0.94%.[92] | |
The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.
PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
Filings required by theFederal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated byOpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Hinojosa received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by theHealth Professionals industry.
From 1995-2014,28.49 percent of Hinojosa's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[93]
| Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman) Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $5,899,264 |
| Total Spent | $5,193,488 |
| Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
| Health Professionals | $511,150 |
| Lawyers/Law Firms | $419,377 |
| Commercial Banks | $289,200 |
| Real Estate | $232,250 |
| Public Sector Unions | $228,750 |
| % total in top industry | 8.66% |
| % total in top two industries | 15.77% |
| % total in top five industries | 28.49% |
Analysis
Ideology and leadership
Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship byGovTrack, Hinojosa was arank-and-file Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Hinojosa received in June 2013.[94]
Like-minded colleagues
The websiteOpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[95]
Hinojosa most often voted with: | Hinojosa least often voted with: |
Lifetime voting record
According to the websiteGovTrack, Hinojosa missed 1,340 of 12,705 roll call votes from January 1997 to September 2015. This amounted to 10.5 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[96]
Congressional staff salaries
The websiteLegistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Hinojosa paid his congressional staff a total of $1,070,016 in 2011. Overall,Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The averageU.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[97]
National Journal vote ratings
- See also:National Journal vote ratings
Each yearNational Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.
2013
Hinojosa ranked 162nd in the liberal rankings in 2013.[98]
2012
Hinojosa ranked 124th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[99]
2011
Hinojosa ranked 137th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[100]
Voting with party
The websiteOpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.
2014
Hinojosa voted with the Democratic Party90.1 percent of the time, which ranked 155th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[101]
2013
Hinojosa voted with the Democratic Party92.0 percent of the time, which ranked 163rd among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[102]
2016 Democratic National Convention
- Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)
- See also:Democratic National Convention, 2016
Ruben Hinojosa Democratic National Convention, 2016 Status: Superdelegate State: Texas Supporting: Hillary Clinton Delegates to the DNC 2016 Calendar and delegate rules overview •Types of delegates •State election law and delegates •Superdelegates by state Hinojosa wasa superdelegate to the2016 Democratic National Convention fromTexas.[103] Hinojosawas one of 29 superdelegates from Texas. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. Hinojosa supportedHillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.[104] Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president onJuly 26, 2016.[105]
What is a superdelegate?
Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[106]
Texas primary results
- See also:Presidential election in Texas, 2016
Texas Democratic Primary, 2016 Candidate Vote % Votes Delegates Hillary Clinton65.2% 936,004 147 Bernie Sanders 33.2% 476,547 75 Roque De La Fuente 0.6% 8,429 0 Calvin Hawes 0.1% 2,017 0 Keith Judd 0.2% 2,569 0 Star Locke 0.1% 1,711 0 Martin O'Malley 0.4% 5,364 0 Willie Wilson 0.2% 3,254 0 Totals 1,435,895 222 Source:Texas Secretary of State andCNN Delegate allocation
Texas had 251 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 222 werepledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state'spledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.[108][109]
Twenty-nine party leaders and elected officials served asunpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.[108][110]
Personal
Note: Pleasecontact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Hinojosa is married to Martha Lopez Hinojosa and has five children.[1]
Hinojosa hired his great-niece, Krista Hinojosa Garcia, as a constituent services representative. While House ethics rules prohibit the hiring of close family members, great-niece is not on the list of prohibited members.[111]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the termRubén + Hinojosa + Texas + House
See also
- United States House of Representatives
- United States congressional delegations from Texas
- Texas' 15th Congressional District elections, 2014
- Texas' 15th Congressional District
External links
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Political profiles:
- Financial (federal level):
- Interest group ratings:
- Issue positions:
- Legislation:
- Public statements:
- Voting record:
- Media appearances:
- Media coverage:
Footnotes
- ↑1.01.1Official House website, "Biography," accessed October 27, 2011
- ↑Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "HINOJOSA, Rubén, (1940 - )," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 20, 2015
- ↑CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
- ↑Official House website, "My Committees," accessed October 27, 2011
- ↑Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
- ↑Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
- ↑Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
- ↑Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
- ↑Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
- ↑Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
- ↑The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
- ↑The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
- ↑Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
- ↑Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
- ↑Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
- ↑Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - DHS Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑Politico, "House clears farm bill," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑56.056.1NY Times, "Senate Passes Long-Stalled Farm Bill, With Clear Winners and Losers," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑57.057.1CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
- ↑58.058.158.2U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
- ↑Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014
- ↑Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
- ↑Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
- ↑U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑Project Vote Smart, "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
- ↑U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
- ↑The Hill, "Race is on for 2016 endorsements," May 4, 2015
- ↑Washington Post, "Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers' properties," February 6, 2012
- ↑Washington Post, "Mapping the earmarks," February 6, 2012
- ↑Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed December 15, 2015
- ↑The New York Times, "Texas Primary Results," March 1, 2016
- ↑Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedhuffpost14 - ↑Texas Democrats, "2012 Candidate list," accessed May 10, 2012(dead link)
- ↑Texas Secretary of State, "Unofficial Democratic primary results," May 29, 2012
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑Campaign website, "Issues," accessed August 10, 2012
- ↑OpenSecrets, "Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
- ↑This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
- ↑This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
- ↑This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
- ↑This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see theCongressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
- ↑OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Ruben Hinojosa," accessed September 23, 2014
- ↑GovTrack, "Rubén Hinojosa," accessed July 21, 2014
- ↑OpenCongress, "Rubén Hinojosa," archived February 25, 2016
- ↑GovTrack, "Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D)," accessed October 2, 2015
- ↑LegiStorm, "Rubén Hinojosa," accessed September 17, 2012
- ↑National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 18, 2014
- ↑National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," March 7, 2013
- ↑National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
- ↑OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
- ↑OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
- ↑Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com inFebruary 2016 andMay 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email toeditor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑FiveThirtyEight, “The 2016 Endorsement Primary,” accessed July 6, 2016
- ↑To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us ateditor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
- ↑CNN, "Texas Exit Polls," March 1, 2016
- ↑108.0108.1Democratic National Committee, "2016 Democratic National Convention Delegate/Alternate Allocation," updated February 19, 2016
- ↑The Green Papers, "2016 Democratic Convention," accessed May 7, 2021
- ↑Democratic National Committee's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, "Unpledged Delegates -- By State," May 27, 2016
- ↑Legistorm, "Weekly newsletter," September 30, 2013
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Kika de la Garza | U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, 15th District 1997-2017 | Succeeded by Vicente González (D) |
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