Former El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar was elected this past November to replace Beto O’Rourke’s seat as Representative for Texas’s 16th Congressional District.

Veronica Escobar is a third generation El Pasoan and is dedicated to serving her community to make it a better place for everyone.

Escobar’s election also proved historic, her November win makes her the first woman in Congress for the city of El Paso and also makes her one of the first two Texas Latinas to serve in the House of Representatives.

Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke has expressed his admiration for Escobar, he supported her campaign throughout his own race for Senate.

The two share very similar political ideologies, Escobar has expressed her interest in supporting immigration reform that protects DACA and Dreamers, and equal opportunities for immigrants.

While on city council, Escobar fought to build El Paso’s first children’s hospital, extended health care benefits to domestic partners of LGBT city and county employees, and passed a resolution denouncing Texas’ “bathroom bill,” which would prevent transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice.

Escobar has been widely honored for her advocacy and humanitarian work.

She received the “Women of Integrity” award from the Women for an Ethical El Paso in 2007, the “2008 Elected Official of the Year” Award given by the National Association of Social Workers, according to the Feminist Majority Pac website.

Escobar also plans to be a strong voice for border communities during her time in Congress.

Recently, Escobar was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee.

The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over immigration and border security, admission of refugees, all matters concerning the United States Constitution, including amendments and constitutional rights, the Federal Criminal Code, drug enforcement, parole and pardons, internal and homeland security, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, prisons and criminal law enforcement, regulatory reform, commercial and antitrust law, and courts, intellectual property, and the internet.

She was also appointed to the House Armed Services Committee which has exclusive jurisdiction for defense policy generally, ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, counter-drug programs, security and humanitarian assistance of the Department of Defense, among other things.

Escobar believes in access to affordable health care and coverage for all, as well as improving the treatment of veterans and the elderly.

She also supports protecting and expanding the economy, and plans to open an Office of Border Economic and Public Policy to work to grow jobs and raise incomes for El Paso families.

According to the El Paso Times, Nancy Pelosi, the current Democratic Speaker of the House said, “Veronica embodies the values that unite us as a party. As a fighter for hard-working El Pasoans, Veronica will continue standing up for justice in the face of corruption, work to expand access to health care and protect border communities from (President Donald) Trump’s constant threats,” Pelosi said in the statement after hearing of Escobar’s win.

El Paso’s new Congresswoman will prove to be a key figure to watch in the 116th Congress.