The Mexican American Legislative Caucus was founded in 1973 in the Texas House of Representatives by a small group of lawmakers of Mexican American heritage for the purpose of strengthening their numbers and better representing a united Latino constituency across the state. MALC is the oldest and largest Latino legislative caucus in the United States. In the 1990s, recognizing the growth of the Hispanic population in Texas and anticipating a new ethnic majority, MALC opened membership eligibility to House members of any race or ethnicity who represent majority-Latino constituencies.
Mission
Latinos today represent Texas’ fastest growing political and economic sector. To meet the needs of this rapidly growing population, MALC serves as an information clearinghouse to Caucus members and non-members alike. By researching the implications of policy on Texas' Hispanic communities and by voting together, the Mexican American Legislative Caucus ensures that the interests of all Texans are represented. MALC’s educational outreach initiatives, conducted between bi-annual sessions of the Texas Legislature, strive to raise the level of Latino engagement in Texas government and politics.
Membership
In 2013, MALC has a membership of 40 House members from all parts of the state, and is the second-largest caucus in Texas. Members are on all but 3 House Committees in the Texas House of Representatives. MALC members vote as a bloc on consequential matters for Latino constituents. 2013 Officers Chairman Trey Martinez Fischer San Antonio Vice-Chairman Austin Secretary Weslaco Treasurer Mary Gonzalez El Paso Legal Counsel Ana Hernandez Luna Houston Dallas Houston Dallas Fort Worth Edinburg Houston San Antonio Austin San Antonio Houston Round Rock San Antonio Round Rock El Paso Hidalgo Rio Grande City San Antonio Robstown Eagle Pass Weslaco Kingsville San Benito El Paso San Antonio San Antonio El Paso Mission Elliott Naishtat Austin Eagle Pass Brownsville Houston El Paso Laredo San Antonio Jason Villalba Dallas San Antonio Houston
