+ − Contact Information
Phone: (512) 463-0532
Fax: (512) 463-7675
Office Address:
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
+ − Biography
State Representative Mike Villarreal was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He was the first in his family to finish college, receiving an economics degree at Texas A&M University and later earning a master's in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
Since 2000 he has served in the legislature, and is known as a lawmaker who listens to all sides, studies the issues, and reaches his own independent decisions. His legislative accomplishments include expanding funding for financial aid for college students, establishing state oversight of tax refund anticipation loans, and authorizing an innovative clean energy financing program. He has been recognized by Texas Monthly, Texas Observer, and the San Antonio Current readers as one of the state's best legislators. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Investments and Financial Services. He also serves on the House Committee on Public Education.
Mike's professional background is in finance. He has worked at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and JP Morgan Securities. His last position in public finance was directing the San Antonio office for Public Financial Management, the nation's leading public finance advisory firm.
In 1999, Mike launched a grassroots campaign for the Texas House of Representatives. His prior elected experience was serving as vice president of his neighborhood association in Beacon Hill. To win his election, Mike knocked on over 4,000 doors to meet his voters one-on-one. On election night, Mike won by one vote, defeating a judge backed by the local political establishment.
He is married to Jeanne Russell. They are raising two children, Bella and Marcos, and are active volunteers at their public school.
Representative Villarreal has announced that he will step down from the Texas Legislature in January in order to campaign full-time for Mayor of San Antonio.