Whether we like it or not, politics will be dominating the news cycles across the country for the rest of the year. Sadly, Texas is known for its extremely low voter turnout, having had only 28.5% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2014 midterm elections—second-worst in the entire country. Could 2018 be the year that Texans decide their vote on every election is crucial and show up en masse? One of Alamo City Moms Blog’s own contributors has tossed her hat into the political ring and is hoping so.
Celina Montoya has a long history of leading organizations and making an impact on her community, having been part of both a small business and nonprofit entities. A San Antonio native, she believes that growing up with six siblings instilled a strong work ethic and an understanding that everyone must pitch in. Her mother began cleaning houses and eventually grew it into a successful business, but Celina still remembers her mom being very present in her childhood. Celina also treasures growing up with a strong sense of community and San Antonio’s vibrant culture. For the past 10 years, she has been part of Junior League of San Antonio’s efforts to expand into both a training ground for leaders and a difference-maker across the city. Her term as President of JLSA ended in 2018, and she, along with her family, decided to set her sights on an even more challenging role: State Representative for District 121.
Upon learning that current Rep. Joe Straus would decline to seek re-election, Celina felt that this was the time to find a replacement who is experienced in working with folks on both sides of the aisle, as she had done in her work advocating on behalf of their family business at the Texas Capitol. Straus, a Republican, was elected in 2005, and there has not been a Democratic challenger on the ballot since then. In Montoya’s words, “I’m not pizza; not everybody is going to love me. You don’t always have to agree with me, but we can still work together.” In a diverse city like San Antonio, poised for expansive growth over the next three decades, she urges decision makers to understand the priorities and experiences of those they represent before passing legislation affecting everyone.
Though she acknowledges the campaign process is not for the faint of heart, Celina is grateful that she can share it with her family. Everyone helps out. Whether it be her mother making phone calls or her siblings knocking on doors to connect with voters, she is thrilled to have a network of family to be part of the journey. It has presented her with challenges, this need to ask for support in all of its many forms and motivate voters to make their voices heard. Fortunately, she also has a very focused and hardworking team of staffers to help keep her moving toward Election Day.
Montoya says the role of a State Representative who protects, informs, and uplifts people is exciting! She counts her friendship with other Texas political leaders like Diego Bernal (the current State Rep. for the neighboring district) as great encouragement, reminding her to keep her eyes on the goal of becoming the person to speak up for what is needed on behalf of the community. If elected, Celina says her top priorities would be fully funding public education, improving access to quality affordable health care, and strengthening a support system to engage and foster small businesses. You can read more about her platform on her website here. “We want to ensure that the quality of life for people in San Antonio remains high for years to come,” said Montoya.
Celina Montoya isn’t running for office in spite of being a mom. It is one of the many parts of her life that inspired her to run for State Rep. If you are a voter for House District #121, let me encourage you to give Celina a good look!
If you need more information on voter registration, check out VoteTexas.gov and the application process here. You must mail in your registration form no later than October 9 to vote in the November elections! To learn more about who all of your current elected officials are, check out the Texas Tribune’s directory by entering your zip code.
