Texas Tribune: After Losing 12 Members, MALC Mulls New Makeup

By Julian Aguilar

The phrases “states’ rights” and “porous border” may be uttered in an unlikely place next session: the offices of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

Last week’s GOP rout included the election of five Hispanic Republicans to the Texas House, including several who prevailed over members of MALC. As Latinos, the winners are automatically eligible for membership in the group, which is focused on “matters of interest to the Mexican-American community,” according to its bylaws. MALC chairman Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, says he has reached out to four of the five thus far: Larry Gonzales, who beat Round Rock’s Diana MaldonadoRaul Torres, who defeated MALC member Solomon Ortiz, Jr. of Corpus Christi;Jose Aliseda, who knocked off Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles of Alice; and John Garza, who beat San Antonio’s David Leibowitz. Dee Margo, who beat another MALC member, El Paso’s Joe Moody, also claims Hispanic heritage.

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