By Dita Quinones
GN$F! RIP to TX Senator (D) Mario Gallegos, Jr., Harris County, TX first Latino Senator.
GANGSTA COOL FACTOR: Mario Gallegos, Jr., fought hard despite being hospitalized for liver complications. Senator Gallegos, Jr., obligated himself to be wheeled in on his hospital bed into Senate Chambers to vote against the Voter I.D. bill, which would disenfranchise many minorities and senior citizens. The bill was voted down in Texas – a major triumph in the movement against voter suppression.
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Texas State Senator Mario V. Gallegos, Jr. earlier today:
“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) joins the state of Texas, the Latino community, and the nation in mourning the passing of Texas State Senator Mario V. Gallegos, Jr.
“A Lifetime NALEO member and true pioneer in his community, Gallegos dedicated his life to serving others. He served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives before being elected to the State Senate in 1994, becoming the first Hispanic Senator to represent Harris County. Prior to entering public service, Gallegos served 22 years in the Houston Fire Department where he retired as Senior Captain.
“Gallegos’ unwavering commitment to the state of Texas and Harris County will be missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”