Senator César J. Blanco Sworn in for Third Term as Texas Senator for District 29

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov
January 14, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Sworn in for Third Term as Texas Senator
for District 29
Austin, Texas – Today, the opening day of the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature, State
Senator César J. Blanco took his Oath of Office for his third term representing District 29 in the
Texas Senate. Senate District 29 is made up of Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff
Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves counties, including both rural and urban communities, as well
as more than 350 miles of the Texas-Mexico Border.
“From El Paso to Big Bend to the Permian Basin, the families of West Texas are hardworking,
resilient, and inspiring. It’s an honor to represent them in the Texas Senate,” said Senator
Blanco. “This session, I will continue putting people over politics and delivering real solutions
for our community. My priorities are clear: making Texas a safe, affordable place to live, work,
raise a family, and do business. I’ll also focus on creating opportunities for families to get ahead
and building the infrastructure needed to support our state’s growth and prosperity. Let’s get to
work!”
Senator Blanco is proud to announce his staff this legislative session:
Josh Reyna, Chief of Staff & General Counsel, graduated from St. Edward's University with a
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the University of Texas School of Law with a
Juris Doctorate (JD). Josh is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas and brings with him a
wealth of experience from his 15 years of working in the Texas Legislature. Josh has also
successfully managed political campaigns in the local, state, and federal arenas. Josh enters his
10th regular legislative session with 8 years of service to Senator Blanco and the communities of
El Paso and West Texas. Josh will continue to be an effective leader and aide in delivering
positive outcomes for the people of Senate District 29.
Cassandra Urrutia serves as the Legislative and District Director for Senator Blanco, bringing
six years of dedicated experience in the Texas Legislature. A proud graduate of New Mexico
State University and The University of Texas at El Paso, Cassandra is deeply committed to
serving her community and advocating for the people of West Texas as part of Senator Blanco's
team. Her work reflects a passion for public service and a steadfast dedication to making a
positive impact in the region.

Taylor Sanchez, Communications Director for Senator César Blanco, is a proud El Pasoan and a
graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in Political
Communications and Business Administration. She has dedicated her career to serving her
hometown, including working for Former Mayor Dee Margo and the El Paso Chamber. With
three years of experience in Senator Blanco's office, Taylor brings a deep passion for her
community and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Mayela Granados, Executive Assistant and Scheduler, is an El Paso native with nearly 20 years
of public service experience. Known for her commitment to excellence and organizational
expertise, Mayela plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations. She is dedicated to her
community, volunteering with the El Paso Humane Society and supporting local initiatives.
Rahul Vanchinathan, a Houston native and Rice University graduate with a Master’s in
Bioscience and Health Policy, serves as a Policy Aide for Senator Blanco. Rahul previously
worked as a Policy Analyst for Senator LaMantia and contributed to biological research in
various academic and clinical roles.
Alex Rodriguez, Legislative Aide, is a proud El Paso native and recent graduate of the
University of Texas at El Paso. During the 88th Legislative Session, Alex served as a Legislative
Intern as part of a semester-long fellowship, where he focused on Border Security, Health and
Human Services, and Transportation. His dedication to these critical issues reflects his strong
passion for serving the border community.
Paulina Prieto Chivardi, Legislative Aide, is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at
Austin, joining us through the Luna Scholar Program. A proud El Pasoan, she is excited to work
on policy this session and give back to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new
fitness classes and spending time with friends and family.
Bianca Perez, Legislative Aide, is a member of the Texas Leadership Scholars program in her
third year at The University of Texas at El Paso double majoring in Criminal Justice and
Psychology. She recently completed a semester in Washington, D.C., as part of the Bill Archer
Fellowship Program where she gained knowledge into federal policymaking and is joining us in
Austin as part of the UT System’s Texas Legislative Fellowship Program. Perez looks forward to
gaining critical insight into state-level policymaking and broadening her understanding of the
legislative process.
Arista Brianna Garcia, Arista Garcia, Digital Media Strategist, is a graduate of St. Edward's
University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Photography
and Media Arts. A proud McAllen native, Arista brings two years of experience with Senator

Blanco's office, using her passion for digital media to foster meaningful connections within
communities.
Alejandra Villarreal, a native of Socorro, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas at El
Paso, serves as Community Liaison for Senator Blanco. She earned a Bachelor's degree in
Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice and recently completed her Master's degree in
Legal Studies. With four years of dedicated service in Senator Blanco's office, Alejandra has
found her passion in public service and is deeply committed to supporting the community.
Arely Villalobos, a native of Socorro, Texas, and a graduate of Sul Ross State University, serves
as a Constituent Caseworker for Senator Blanco. At Sul Ross, she earned a degree in Biology
with a minor in Chemistry, while also excelling as a member of the Women's Soccer team.
During her two years of dedicated service to Senate District 29, Arely has cultivated a deep
passion for serving her community and ensuring constituents' voices are heard.
Lina Mendez, a native of Colombia, is an attorney licensed in both Colombia and the United
States. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Universidad Libre and is a proud graduate of the
University of Houston, where she earned her Master’s degree in U.S. Law and International
Law. Lina previously served as Legal Counsel for the Consulate of Colombia in Houston.
Passionate about public service, she is dedicated to using her expertise to advocate for and
empower the communities she serves.
Veronica Carrasco, District Representative in the rural counties for Senator Blanco, is a
passionate and driven individual from Fort Stockton, a graduate of Angelo State University,
where she earned her Bachelor's degree and is currently working on her Master's degree in Social
Work. She thrives on exploring new ideas and is always eager to learn and grow.