State Representative Terry Canales announced today that he will seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives for District 40, reaffirming his commitment to fighting for the Rio Grande Valley and ensuring South Texas has a strong voice in Austin.

“The past year has brought serious challenges—not just in public life, but personally. I’ve faced health issues, and several members of my family have as well. Through it all, I’ve felt the strength of my community and the deep responsibility that comes with public service. That’s why I’m running for re-election.”

Canales, who has served in the Texas House since 2013, reflected on the sacrifice that public service demands—not only from elected officials but also from their families.

“Serving as a state representative is one of the greatest honors of my life. But it comes with great sacrifice—not just for me, but for my wife and our five beautiful children. Still, we know this work matters. The Rio Grande Valley is changing. Texas politics is changing. And we need steady, effective leadership more than ever.”

As the first Latino to have chaired the powerful House Transportation Committee, Canales has earned a reputation for bipartisan leadership and delivering results for his district. His top accomplishments include:

• Expanding infrastructure investment across the Rio Grande Valley and securing long-overdue highway funding
• Championing water infrastructure and flood mitigation in underserved regions
• Advocating for fair funding in public education, ensuring rural South Texas schools aren’t left behind
• Pushing for affordable healthcare and mental health services in low-income communities
• Promoting government transparency, open government, and accountability to the people

Looking ahead, Canales says there is much more to do in the Texas Legislature.

“We still have families who can’t access clean drinking water. We still have rural communities being left behind in jobs and economic opportunity. Our teachers are overworked and underpaid. Our healthcare system is strained and underfunded. The work is far from done.”

Canales says his priorities for the next term include:

• Investing in infrastructure and mobility to meet the needs of a fast-growing Valley
• Expanding access to affordable healthcare, including mental health and border security debt relief
• Strengthening public education and increasing pay for teachers and underserved communities
• Fighting for the rights of working families

“Now more than ever, the Valley deserves leaders who show up, speak up, and deliver. I’m proud of what we’ve done—but I’m even more inspired by what we still need to accomplish.”

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, currently serves as Chair, Transportation Committee; on Transportation, Calendars, and Homeland Security & Public Safety Committees. He represents House District 40, which includes portions of Hidalgo County, including Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, and portions of McAllen, Pharr, San Carlos, and Weslaco.