Terry Canales | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theTexas House of Representatives from the40th district | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Aaron Peña |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1979-01-01)January 1, 1979 (age 47) Edinburg, Texas, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Erica Canales |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence | Edinburg, Texas |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Website | Campaign website |
Terry Canales is a Democratic member of theTexas House of Representatives, serving since 2013. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 to representDistrict 40, which encompasses the heart ofHidalgo County. The cities within District 40 include the cities ofEdinburg (Hidalgo County seat),Elsa, César Chávez, Murillo, La Coma Heights, San Carlos, La Blanca, Linn, Lopezville, and portions ofMcAllen,Pharr, and San Juan.[1]
Terry Canales was born in Hidalgo County and is a native of South Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government from theUniversity of the Incarnate Word. Following in the footsteps of his fatherTerry A. Canales, a former State District Judge, and his uncle Arnulfo Gonzalez Jr., he graduated fromSt. Mary's University School of Law, earning hisJuris Doctor by the age of 24. Upon passing the Texas State Bar Exam, Canales opened his own law practice inEdinburg, Texas. He specializes in Oil and Gas litigation, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Family Law, Real Estate, and Municipal Law.[1]
His father,Terry A. Canales, was the first Hispanic state representative to representJim Wells County, serving from 1973 to 1977.[2] His sisterGabriella "Gabi" Canales served in the Texas House from 2003 to 2005.[3] He is also the sixth member of his extended family to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. Canales's great uncle,José Tomás Canales, was aBrownsville Democrat who served a total of five terms between 1905 and 1921. He was a founding member of theLeague of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and is most famous for defending the Hispanic community against the injustices perpetrated by theTexas Rangers.[4]
In 2019, Canales was appointed by Texas Speaker of the HouseDennis Bonnen to serve as Chairman of the Texas House Committee on Transportation, the first Latino to hold that position.[5] In 2021 and again in 2023, he was appointed by Texas Speaker of the HouseDade Phelan to serve as Chairman of the Texas House Committee on Transportation.[6]
In 2025, Canales was appointed by Texas Speaker of the HouseDustin Burrows to serve as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation Funding.[7] Canales oversees funding sources, including the State Highway Fund, transportation debt financing, including the Texas Mobility Fund, and alternative transportation funding options.[8]
From 2021-2025, Canales served as a member of theTexas Sunset Advisory Commission.[9] He was the lead author on the Sunset bill for theTexas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), House Bill 1515, in the 89th Legislative Session.[10]
In 2023, Canales was one of the twelve House impeachment managers in the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney GeneralKen Paxton in theTexas State Senate.[11]
Canales is currently serving as a member of the following committees:[12]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 20,513 | 100.00 | 0.00 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 11,998 | 100.00 | 0.00 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 23,227 | 73.8 | −26.2 | |
| Republican | Mari De Leon | 8,225 | 26.2 | 0.0 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 24,252 | 100.00 | +26.2 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 34,576 | 100.00 | 0.0 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 8,662 | 100.00 | 0.0 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Terry Canales | 34,671 | 100.00 | 0.0 | |
Canales is married to Erica Canales, a realtor and member of the Hidalgo County Tax Appraisal District Board.[20] They have three sons and two daughters.[21]
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