Aaron Peña

Lionel Aron Peña, Jr., known as Aaron, was born on June 8, 1959. He is an American attorney and politician from Edinburg, Texas, a lifelong Valley resident with over 33 years of legal experience. He currently serves as a justice of the Texas Court of Appeals since 2023.

Education

Peña earned his Bachelor's degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. He attended law school at Texas Southern University, graduating in 1987 and obtaining his law license in 1988. He later obtained his board specialization certification in 1995.

Political Experience

Peña represented Texas House District 40 as a member of the Republican Party from 2003 to 2013, serving five consecutive terms. He was first elected in 2002 and won all his races uncontested.

During his tenure in the Texas House, Peña held several significant committee positions:
- Chairman of the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
- Chairman of the Committee on Technology
- Chairman of the Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness

Notable Achievements

Peña championed legislation that sponsored a much-needed medical school in the Rio Grande Valley during the 81st Legislative Session. He secured significant increases in state funding for local parks in South Texas, particularly funding for the development of a park at the new Edinburg Boys and Girls Club facility in 2007.

He advocated strongly for property rights protection, championing legislation that reduced property taxes and protected South Texas ranch lands and private property owners from the excesses of eminent domain. His work earned him recognition on the Texas Association of Realtors Honor Roll during the 80th Legislative Session.