The son of immigrants, José Menéndez grew up working at his family’s small business located in San Antonio’s West Side.
Senator Menéndez began his public service career in 1997 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council District 6 office, representing that same West Side of San Antonio. He was then elected to serve as State Representative for House District 124 in 2000. He was later entrusted with an appointment to the powerful Appropriations Committee where he secured millions of dollars for various crucial San Antonio initiatives. In his final session serving in the House, Menéndez was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs where he secured one of the state’s largest mental health programs for Veterans. Elected to the Senate in 2015, Senator Menéndez is currently the Vice-Chair of the Local Government committee, and a member of the Administration, Business and Commerce and Education Committee.
Menéndez has passed hundreds of bills that benefit children, seniors, veterans, and San Antonio families. One of his bills that passed unanimously in the Senate, David’s Law, empowers students, parents, schools, and law enforcement to combat and prevent cyberbullying. Senator Menéndez is a strong advocate for job growth, community and business development. Along with his successful pieces of legislation, Senator Menéndez has secured millions of dollars for advancements in education, healthcare, parks, veterans services, and additional funding developments.
One of his bills that passed unanimously in the Senate, David's Law, empowers students, parents, schools, and law enforcement to combat and prevent cyberbullying.
Senator Menéndez has distinguished himself as a commonsense problem solver, able to work with colleagues on all sides to serve the needs of Texas families. He has continued to remain committed to improving the state’s public education system, utilities and energy infrastructure, as well as housing and economic development. Menéndez also served a vital role in advocating for the strength of the Texas electric grid and protecting ratepayers.
Senator Menéndez graduated from Central Catholic High School before earning degrees in Business Administration and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University. He has been married to his best friend Cehlia Newman-Menéndez since 1995. They have three children, Dominic, Victoria, and Austin as well as a granddaughter, Adalisa. As a husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong Texan, Senator Menéndez is extremely grateful to be able to serve the people of District 26 and the state of Texas.