The son of immigrants, Jose Menendez grew up working at his family’s small business located in San Antonio’s West Side. During his terms in office, Menendez passed over 230 bills that benefitted children, seniors, veterans and San Antonio families.
Senator Menendez began his public service career in 1997 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council District 6 office, representing the city’s West Side. 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, Menendez 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. Menendez has served as State Senator since 2015. Menendez currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus. In the recently adjourned 89th legislative session, Senator Menendez served on the Administration, Business & Commerce, Education (K-16), and Veterans Affairs Committees.
Senator Menendez 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 remained committed to improving the state’s public education system, utilities and energy infrastructure, as well as housing and economic development.
Senator Menendez has received notable recognitions for his work. Some of which include the 2023 Outstanding Government Official Recognition during the 2023 Texas Energy Summit and 2023 Profile in Courage Award by Equality Texas.
Senator Menendez is married to his best friend Cehlia Newman-Menendez. They have three children, Dominic, Victoria, and Austin and are proud grandparents of their beautiful grandaughter and grandson, Adalisa and Elian.