Joaquin Castro

Democratic Party

U.S. House Texas District 20

Tenure

2013 - Present

Term ends

2023

Years in position

Predecessor

Charles A. Gonzalez

Prior offices

Texas House of Representatives

* * *

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Net worth

(2012) $150,500

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Stanford University

Law

Harvard Law School

Personal

Profession

Attorney/Professor

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Joaquin Castro (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 20th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2013. His current term ends on January 3, 2023.

Castro (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 20th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Castro began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represented District 125 from 2003 to 2013.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Castro is an average Democratic member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Democratic Party on the majority of bills.

## Contents

* 1 Biography
* 2 Career
* 3 Committee assignments
* 3.1 U.S. House
* 3.1.1 2017-2018
* 3.1.2 2015-2016
* 3.1.3 2013-2014
* 3.2 Texas House
* 3.2.1 2011-2012
* 3.2.2 2009-2010
* 4 Key votes
* 4.1 Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020
* 4.2 Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress
* 4.3 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018
* 4.4 114th Congress
* 4.4.1 Economic and fiscal
* 4.4.1.1 Trade Act of 2015
* 4.4.1.2 Defense spending authorization
* 4.4.1.3 2016 Budget proposal
* 4.4.1.4 2015 budget
* 4.4.2 Foreign Affairs
* 4.4.2.1 Iran nuclear deal
* 4.4.2.2 Export-Import Bank
* 4.4.3 Domestic
* 4.4.3.1 USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
* 4.4.3.2 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
* 4.4.3.3 Cyber security
* 4.4.4 Immigration
* 4.5 113th Congress
* 4.6 National security
* 4.6.1 NDAA
* 4.6.2 DHS Appropriations
* 4.6.3 CISPA (2013)
* 4.7 Economy
* 4.7.1 Farm bill
* 4.7.2 2014 Budget
* 4.7.3 Government shutdown
* 4.7.4 Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination
* 4.8 Immigration
* 4.8.1 Morton Memos Prohibition
* 4.9 Healthcare
* 4.9.1 Healthcare Reform Rules
* 4.10 Social issues
* 4.10.1 Abortion
* 5 Issues
* 5.1 Sponsored legislation
* 6 Elections
* 6.1 2020
* 6.2 2018
* 6.3 2016
* 6.4 2014
* 6.5 2012
* 6.6 2010
* 6.7 2008
* 7 Campaign themes
* 7.1 2020
* 8 Presidential preference
* 8.1 2020
* 8.2 2016
* 9 Campaign donors
* 9.1 Comprehensive donor history
* 9.2 2018
* 9.3 2016
* 9.3.1 Cost per vote
* 9.4 2014
* 9.4.1 Cost per vote
* 9.5 2012
* 9.5.1 Cost per vote
* 9.6 2010
* 9.7 2008
* 10 Personal Gain Index
* 10.1 PGI: Change in net worth
* 10.2 PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
* 11 Analysis
* 11.1 Like-minded colleagues
* 11.2 Lifetime voting record
* 11.3 National Journal vote ratings
* 11.3.1 2013
* 11.4 Voting with party
* 11.4.1 2014
* 11.4.2 2013
* 12 See also
* 13 External links
* 14 Footnotes

## Biography[edit]

Email editor@ballotpedia.org to notify us of updates to this biography.

Castro is an attorney and visiting professor at Saint Mary's University School of Law. He earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and B.A. from Stanford University.[1]

## Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Castro's academic, professional, and political career:[2]

* 2013-present: U.S. Representative from Texas' 20th Congressional District
* 2000-present: Practicing lawyer
* 2002-2012: Texas House of Representatives
* 2000: Graduated from Harvard University with a J.D.
* 1996: Graduated from Stanford University with a B.A.

## Committee assignments[edit]

### U.S. House[edit]

#### 2021-2022

Castro was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

* Committee on Foreign Affairs
* International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact, Chair
* Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy
* Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select)
* Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation (C3) Subcommittee
* Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research Subcommittee
* Committee on Education and the Workforce
* Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee

#### 2019-2020

Castro was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

* Committee on Education and the Workforce
* Committee on Foreign Affairs
* Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select)

#### 2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Castro was assigned to the following committees:[3]

* Committee on Armed Services
* Committee on Foreign Affairs
* Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

#### 2015-2016[edit]

Castro served on the following committees:[4]

* Armed Services Committee
* Subcommittee on Readiness
* Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
* Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
* Foreign Affairs Committee
* Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

#### 2013-2014[edit]

Castro served on the following committees:[5]

* Committee on Foreign Affairs
* Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade
* Committee on Armed Services
* Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
* Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities

### Texas House[edit]

#### 2011-2012[edit]

Joaquin Castro served on the following Texas House of Representatives committees:

* Higher Education Committee Vice Chair
* Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

#### 2009-2010[edit]

* County Affairs Committee, Texas House
* Higher Education Committee, Texas House (Vice Chair)

## Key votes[edit]

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

### Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020[edit]

### Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

### Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

* Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018
Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.[6]

Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018
Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program.[7]

Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018
Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border.[8]

Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018
Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.[9]

Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017
Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.[10]

Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017
Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.[11]

Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017
Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.[12]

Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017
Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.[13]

* Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[14]

Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[15]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.[16]

Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.[17]

Voted Nay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018
Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act[18]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018
Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.[19]

Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018
Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[20]

Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018
Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.[21]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.[22]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.[23]

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017
Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.[24]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017
Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.[25]

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017
Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.[26]

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017
Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.[27]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017
Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)[28]

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017
Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.[29]

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017
Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.[30]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017
Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.[31]

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017
Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.[32]

Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017
Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.[33]

Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017
Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.[34]

* Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018
Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities[35]

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018
Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.[36]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017
Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.[37]

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017
Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.[38]

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017
Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.[39]

Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017
Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.[40]

Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017
Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.[41]

Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017
Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.[42]

Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017
The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.[43]

### 114th Congress[edit]

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[44][45] For more information pertaining to Castro's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[46]

#### Economic and fiscal[edit]

##### Trade Act of 2015[edit]

See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

Trade adjustment assistance
On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Castro was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.[47][48]
Trade promotion authority
On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Castro was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure.[49][50]
Trade promotion authority second vote
After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Castro was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment.[51][52]
Trade adjustment assistance second vote
The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Castro was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[53][54]

##### Defense spending authorization[edit]

On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Castro voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.[55] The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[56]

On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.[57][58] Castro voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.[59] On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.[60]

##### 2016 Budget proposal[edit]

On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Castro, voted against the resolution.[61][62][63]

##### 2015 budget[edit]

On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.[64] Castro voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.[65] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[66] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

#### Foreign Affairs[edit]

##### Iran nuclear deal[edit]

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Castro voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.[67][68]

Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Castro voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.[69][70]

Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Castro voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.[71][72]

Presidential non-compliance of section 2
On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Castro voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.[73][74]

##### Export-Import Bank[edit]

On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods.[75] Castro voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.[76]

#### Domestic[edit]

##### USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Castro was one of five Democrats who did not vote. It became law on June 2, 2015.[77][78]

##### Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Castro voted with 179 Democrats against the bill.[79][80]

##### Cyber security[edit]

On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies.[81] Castro voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.[82]

On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[83] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Castro voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.[84]

#### Immigration[edit]

On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137.[85] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Castro voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill.[86]

### 113th Congress[edit]

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[87] For more information pertaining to Castro's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[88]

### National security[edit]

#### NDAA[edit]

Castro voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[89]

#### DHS Appropriations[edit]

Castro voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[90]

#### CISPA (2013)[edit]

Castro voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[91]

### Economy[edit]

#### Farm bill[edit]

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill.[92] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[93][94] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[94] Castro voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill.

#### 2014 Budget[edit]

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[95][96] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[96] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[97] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Castro joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[95][96]

#### Government shutdown[edit]

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[98] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[99] Castro voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[100]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[101] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Castro voted for HR 2775.[102]

Castro said he would give up his pay in the event of a shutdown.[103]

"I hope you will ask Senator Ted Cruz why he refuses to give up his pay during a shutdown he pushed for," he added.[103]

#### Federal Pay Adjustment Elimination[edit]

Castro voted against HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.[104]

### Immigration[edit]

#### Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

Castro voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.[105] The vote largely followed party lines.[106]

### Healthcare[edit]

#### Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

Castro voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[107]

### Social issues[edit]

#### Abortion[edit]

Castro voted against HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[108]

## Issues[edit]

### Sponsored legislation[edit]

Castro sponsored the following legislation while a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

* HB 741 - Relating to health education curriculum and instruction in public schools.
* HB 1689 - Relating to the creation of additional judicial districts in Bexar County.
* HB 2385 - Relating to the punishment for the offense of prohibited sexual conduct.
* HB 2754 - Relating to a central database containing information about certain offenders who have committed offenses involving family or dating violence.[109]

## Elections[edit]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2020

Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

##### General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro defeated Mauro Garza and Jeffrey Blunt in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Joaquin Castro (D)  |

64.7

| 175,078

| Mauro Garza (R) |

33.1

| 89,628

| Jeffrey Blunt (L)  |

2.2

| 6,017

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 270,723

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary runoff election

#####  Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 20

Mauro Garza defeated Gary Allen in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 20 on July 14, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Mauro Garza |

60.1

| 7,162

| Gary Allen |

39.9

| 4,762

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 11,924

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro defeated Justin Lecea and Rob Hostetler in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Joaquin Castro |

92.1

| 61,861

| Justin Lecea |

4.5

| 3,047

| Rob Hostetler |

3.4

| 2,252

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 67,160

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

#####  Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Mauro Garza and Gary Allen advanced to a runoff. They defeated Dominick Dina, Anita Kegley, and Tammy Orta in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Mauro Garza |

33.3

| 7,720
✔ |

| Gary Allen |

26.9

| 6,230

| Dominick Dina |

22.6

| 5,242

| Anita Kegley |

9.5

| 2,210

| Tammy Orta |

7.7

| 1,786

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 23,188

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

#####  Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 20

Jeffrey Blunt advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 21, 2020.

Candidate

|

✔ |

| Jeffrey Blunt (L)

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race.

|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Adam Jonasz (Independent)
* Adam Martinez-Gomez (Independent)
* Dan McQueen (R)
* Joshua Carrizales (R)

### 2018[edit]

See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

##### General election for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro defeated Jeffrey Blunt in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 20 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Joaquin Castro (D)  |

80.9

| 139,038

| Jeffrey Blunt (L)  |

19.1

| 32,925

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 171,963

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

#####  Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20

Incumbent Joaquin Castro advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 20 on March 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Joaquin Castro |

100.0

| 32,189

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 32,189

|
|

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Joaquin Castro (D) defeated Paul Pipkin (G) and Jeffrey Blunt (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Castro faced no opposition in the Democratic primary on March 1, 2016. No Republican candidates filed to run in the race.[110][111]

U.S. House, Texas District 20 General Election, 2016

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Joaquin Castro Incumbent | 79.7% | 149,640
| Libertarian  |  Jeffrey Blunt  | 15.5% | 29,055
| Green  |  Paul Pipkin  | 4.8% | 8,974
Total Votes | 187,669
Source: Texas Secretary of State

### 2014[edit]

See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District elections, 2014

Castro won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He won the Democratic nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014, with no opposition. He defeated Jeffrey Blunt (L) in the general election on November 4, 2014.[112]

U.S. House, Texas District 20 General Election, 2014

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Joaquin Castro Incumbent | 75.7% | 66,554
| Libertarian  |  Jeffrey Blunt  | 24.3% | 21,410
Total Votes | 87,964
Source: Texas Secretary of State

### 2012[edit]

See also: Texas' 20th Congressional District elections, 2012

Castro won election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 20th District. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on May 29, 2012. He defeated David Rosa (R), A.E. Potts (L) and Antonio Diaz (G) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[113][114]

U.S. House, Texas District 20 General Election, 2012

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Joaquin Castro | 63.9% | 119,032
| Republican  |  David Rosa  | 33.5% | 62,376
| Libertarian  |  A.E. Potts  | 1.7% | 3,143
| Green  |  Antonio Diaz  | 0.9% | 1,626
Total Votes | 186,177
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

### 2010[edit]

See also: Texas House of Representatives elections, 2010

Castro won re-election in District 125. He was unopposed in the March 2 Democratic primary and defeated Libertarian Jeffrey Blunt in the November 2 general election.[115]

Texas House of Representatives, District 125
2010 General election results

Candidates  |  Votes  |  Percent
Joaquin Castro (D)  |  16,590 |  78.49%
Jeffrey Blunt (L)  |  4,545  |  21.5%

### 2008[edit]

On November 4, 2008, Castro won re-election to the Texas House of Representatives from the 125th District, receiving 36,003 votes without opposition.[116] He raised $100,536 for his campaign.[117]

Texas House of Representatives, District 125

Candidates  |  Votes  |  Percent
Joaquin Castro (D) |  36,003 |  100.00%

## Campaign themes[edit]

### 2020[edit]

#### Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Joaquin Castro did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

## Presidential preference[edit]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2020 and Democratic National Convention, 2020

Castro initially endorsed Julian Castro (D) and then Elizabeth Warren (D) in the 2020 presidential election.[118][119]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2016 and Democratic National Convention, 2016

Castro endorsed Hillary Clinton (D) in the 2020 presidential election.[120]

## Campaign donors[edit]

### Comprehensive donor history[edit]

* * *

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

* * *

Joaquin Castro campaign contribution history

Year | Office | Result | Contributions
2018 | U.S. House Texas District 20 |  ✔ | $937,439
2016 | U.S. House, Texas District 20 |  ✔ | $1,187,623
2014 | U.S. House (Texas, District 20) |  ✔ | $1,296,471
2012 | U.S. House Texas District 20 |  ✔ | $1,494,023
Grand total raised | $4,915,556

Source: Follow the Money

### 2018[edit]

U.S. House Texas District 20 2018 election - Campaign Contributions

Top industry contributors to Joaquin Castro's campaign in 2018
Labor | $133,250.00
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | $97,430.50
General Business | $64,950.00
Lawyers & Lobbyists | $56,900.00
Communications & Electronics | $48,500.00
Total Raised in 2018 | $937,438.85
Source: Follow the Money

U.S. House Texas District 20 2018 election - Campaign Contributions

Top individual contributors to Joaquin Castro's campaign in 2018
VAN BUREN, TONI-MARIE | $5,900.00
STARR, MATTHEW T | $5,400.00
STARR, JODI M. | $5,400.00
GARZA-COX, SANJIE | $5,000.00
MILMO, ALBERTO F | $4,843.00
Total Raised in 2018 | $937,438.85
Source: Follow the Money

### 2016[edit]

Castro won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Castro's campaign committee raised a total of $1,187,623 and spent $1,291,434.[121] This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.[122]

#### Cost per vote[edit]

Castro spent $8.63 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 20, 2016 - Joaquin Castro Campaign Contributions

Total Raised | $1,187,623
Total Spent | $1,291,434
Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $0
Top contributors to Joaquin Castro's campaign committee
New Democrat Coalition| $16,400
Kirkland & Ellis| $11,350
Duty Free Americas| $11,100
Akerman LLP| $10,000
American Crystal Sugar| $10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms| $125,901
Real Estate| $47,400
Building Trade Unions| $40,000
Public Sector Unions| $38,500
Insurance| $36,500
Source: Open Secrets

### 2014[edit]

Castro won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Castro's campaign committee raised a total of $1,296,471 and spent $1,147,967.[123] This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.[124]

#### Cost per vote[edit]

Castro spent $17.25 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 20, 2014 - Joaquin Castro Campaign Contributions

Total Raised | $1,296,471
Total Spent | $1,147,967
Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $0
Top contributors to Joaquin Castro's campaign committee
Nustar Energy| $16,250
Mednax Inc| $11,250
Capital Group Companies| $10,000
Dell Inc| $10,000
Kirkland & Ellis| $10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms| $140,750
Real Estate| $51,117
Health Professionals| $45,550
Insurance| $43,750
Oil & Gas| $40,500

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.

|

Breakdown of the source of Castro's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Castro's FEC reports.[125]

Joaquin Castro (2014) Campaign Finance Reports

Report| Date Filed| Beginning Balance| Total Contributions
for Reporting Period| Expenditures| Cash on Hand
April Quarterly[126]| April 15, 2013| $147,054.23| $121,329.00| $(103,991.37)| $164,391.86
July Quarterly[127]| July 15, 2013| $164,391.86| $175,438.18| $(97,772.63)| $242,057.41
October Quarterly[128]| October 15, 2013| $242,057.41| $167,619.08| $(120,329.23)| $289,347.26
Year-End[129]| January 31, 2014| $289,347| $117,342| $(98,322)| $308,366
Pre-Primary[130]| February 20, 2014| $308,366| $103,301| $(59,693)| $351,974
April Quarterly[131]| April 15, 2014| $351,974| $123,611| $(88,986)| $386,600
July Quarterly[132]| July 15, 2014| $386,600| $151,386| $(180,910)| $357,075
October Quarterly[133]| October 15, 2014| $357,075| $240,065| $(178,575)| $418,565
| | | Running totals|
| | | $1,200,091.26| $(928,579.23)|

### 2012[edit]

Castro won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Castro's campaign committee raised a total of $1,494,023 and spent $1,346,968.[134] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.[135]

#### Cost per vote[edit]

Castro spent $11.32 per vote received in 2012.

| U.S. House, Texas District 20, 2012 - Joaquin Castro Campaign Contributions

Total Raised | $1,494,023
Total Spent | $1,346,968
Total Raised by Election Runner-up | $54,402
Total Spent by Election Runner-up | $57,952
Top contributors to Joaquin Castro's campaign committee
Blue Cross/Blue Shield| $18,500
Communications Workers of America| $15,000
Escamilla, Poneck & Cruz| $15,000
NuStar Energy| $15,000
Zachry Construction| $11,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms| $153,187
Real Estate| $80,916
Oil & Gas| $64,550
Health Professionals| $57,949
Building Trade Unions| $43,500

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.

|

Breakdown of the source of Castro's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

### 2010[edit]

Castro raised a total of $120,245 in 2010. Below are Castro's top five campaign contributors in the 2010 election:[136]

Contributor  |  2010 total

|

Valero Energy  | $3,500
International Bank of Commerce  | $2,500
Cedillo, Ricardo  | $2,500
Watts, Mikal  | $2,500
Wallae, John  | $2,500
Texas Association of Realtors  | $2,500

### 2008[edit]

Castro raised $100,536. His top five campaign contributors are listed below.[137]

Contributor  |  2008 total

|

Contender Consulting & Rene Barrientos  | $8,300
San Antonio Fire Fighers  | $3,500
Joe V Lamantia III  | $3,500
Texas Assoc of Realtors  | $3,000
San Antonio Police Officers PAC  | $2,500

## Personal Gain Index[edit]

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

* Changes in Net Worth
* The Donation Concentration Metric

### PGI: Change in net worth[edit]

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Castro's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $51,002 and $249,999. That averages to $150,500, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Castro ranked as the 364th most wealthy representative in 2012.[138] Between 2011 and 2012, Castro's calculated net worth[139] increased by an average of 11 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[140]

Joaquin Castro Yearly Net Worth

Year| Average Net Worth
2011| $135,242
2012| $150,500
Growth from 2011 to 2012:| 11%
Average annual growth:| 11%[141]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[142]
The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

### PGI: Donation Concentration Metric[edit]

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Castro received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 2011-2014, 25.69 percent of Castro's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[143]

Joaquin Castro Campaign Contributions

Total Raised | $2,454,051
Total Spent | $2,061,975
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms| $273,987
Real Estate| $107,100
Oil & Gas| $99,550
Health Professionals| $88,899
Building Trade Unions| $61,000
% total in top industry| 11.16%
% total in top two industries| 15.53%
% total in top five industries| 25.69%

## Analysis[edit]

### Like-minded colleagues[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.[144]

Castro most often votes with:

* Mark Takano
* Chris Gibson

Castro least often votes with:

* Jim Matheson
* Justin Amash

|

### Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Castro missed 45 of 1,736 roll call votes from January 2013 to September 2015. This amounted to 2.6 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[145]

### National Journal vote ratings[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

#### 2013[edit]

Castro ranked 123rd in the liberal rankings in 2013.[146]

### Voting with party[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

#### 2014[edit]

Castro voted with the Democratic Party 93.3 percent of the time, which ranked 97th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[147]

#### 2013[edit]

Castro voted with the Democratic Party 94.9 percent of the time, which ranked 117th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[148]

## See also[edit]

2020 Elections

Who is on my ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislature State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

Coronavirus Weekly Updates Documenting America's Path to Recovery The Daily Brew The Tap Daily Presidential News Briefing The Heart of the Primaries The Ballot Bulletin Bold Justice Union Station Checks and Balances

## External links[edit]

* Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 20

* Website
* Facebook
* Twitter
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Officeholder

U.S. House Texas District 20

* Website
* Facebook
* Twitter
* Instagram
* YouTube

Personal

* Facebook
* LinkedIn

|
|

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Rep. Castro," accessed August 13, 2011
2. ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "CASTRO, Joaquin, (1974 - )," accessed February 5, 2015
3. ↑ U.S. House Clerk, "Official Alphabetical List of the House of Representatives of the United States One Hundred Fifteenth Congress," accessed February 2, 2017
4. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 20, 2015
5. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
6. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed December 13, 2018
7. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 284," June 21, 2018
8. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 282," June 21, 2018
9. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed March 12, 2019
10. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 549," October 3, 2017
11. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 344," June 29, 2017
12. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 342," June 29, 2017
13. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 256," May 4, 2017
14. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 405," September 26, 2018
15. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 399," September 13, 2018
16. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 313," June 28, 2018
17. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 257," June 8, 2018
18. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 216," May 22, 2018
19. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 127," March 22, 2018
20. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 69," February 9, 2018
21. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 60," February 6, 2018
22. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 44," January 22, 2018
23. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 33," January 18, 2018
24. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 708," December 21, 2017
25. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 692," December 19, 2017
26. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 670," December 7, 2017
27. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 637," November 16, 2017
28. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 589," October 26, 2017
29. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 557," October 5, 2017
30. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 528," September 14, 2017
31. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 480," September 8, 2017
32. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 441," September 6, 2017
33. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 299," June 8, 2017
34. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 249," May 3, 2017
35. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 230," May 24, 2018
36. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 49," January 30, 2018
37. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 631," November 14, 2017
38. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 435," July 27, 2017
39. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 413," July 25, 2017
40. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 437," July 28, 2017
41. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 407," July 24, 2017
42. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 378," July 14, 2017
43. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 136," March 8, 2017
44. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
45. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
46. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
47. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
48. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
49. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
50. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
51. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
52. ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
53. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
54. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
55. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
56. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
57. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
58. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
59. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
60. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
61. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
62. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
63. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
64. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
65. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
66. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
67. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
68. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
69. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
70. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
71. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
72. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
73. ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
74. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
75. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
76. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
77. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
78. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
79. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
80. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
81. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
82. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
83. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
84. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
85. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
86. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
87. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
88. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
89. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
90. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - DHS Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
91. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
92. ↑ Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
93. ↑ Politico, "House clears Farm Bill," accessed February 12, 2014
94. ↑ 94.0 94.1 New York Times, "Senate passes long-stalled Farm Bill, with clear winners and losers," accessed February 12, 2014
95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
96. ↑ 96.0 96.1 96.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
97. ↑ Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014
98. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
99. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
100. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
101. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
102. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
103. ↑ 103.0 103.1 Washington Post, "Which lawmakers will refuse their pay during the shutdown?" accessed October 2, 2013
104. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
105. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013
106. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
107. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
108. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
109. ↑ Texas Legislature, "Bills Authored/Joint Authored by Rep. Castro," accessed August 21, 2011
110. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed December 15, 2015
111. ↑ The New York Times, "Texas Primary Results," March 1, 2016
112. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `huffpost14`
113. ↑ Texas Democrats, "2012 Candidate list," accessed May 10, 2012 (dead link)
114. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Unofficial Democratic primary results," May 29, 2012 (timed out)
115. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Official Texas Election Results," November 2, 2010 (timed out)
116. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 24, 2014
117. ↑ Follow the Money, "District 125 Texas House candidate funds, 2008," November 4, 2008
118. ↑ Dallas News , "Former San Antonio mayor Julián Castro joins crowded 2020 Democratic race for president," January 12, 2019
119. ↑ Twitter , "New: @JoaquinCastrotx is joining his brother @JulianCastro in endorsing @ewarren for president.," January 14, 2020
120. ↑ The Hill , "The Hill's 2016 presidential endorsement list," April 21, 2015
121. ↑ Open Secrets, "Career Fundraising for Joaquin Castro," accessed May 16, 2017
122. ↑ Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed March 22, 2016
123. ↑ Open Secrets, "Joaquin Castro 2014 Election Cycle," accessed April 1, 2015
124. ↑ Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed April 1, 2015
125. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro Summary Report," accessed July 24, 2013
126. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro April Quarterly," accessed July 24, 2013
127. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro July Quarterly," accessed July 24, 2013
128. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro October Quarterly," accessed October 22, 2013
129. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro Year-End," accessed February 6, 2014
130. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro Pre-Primary," accessed April 20, 2014
131. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro April Quarterly," accessed April 20, 2014
132. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro July Quarterly," accessed July 23, 2014
133. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Joaquin Castro October Quarterly," accessed October 20, 2014
134. ↑ Open Secrets, "Joaquin Castro 2012 Election Cycle," accessed March 5, 2013
135. ↑ Open Secrets, "Election 2012: The Big Picture Shows Record Cost of Winning a Seat in Congress," accessed June 19, 2013
136. ↑ Follow the Money, "2010 Campaign contributions," accessed August 2, 2011
137. ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 Campaign contributions," accessed August 1, 2011
138. ↑ OpenSecrets, "Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
139. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
140. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
141. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
142. ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
143. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Joaquin Castro," accessed September 23, 2014
144. ↑ OpenCongress, "Joaquin Castro," archived February 25, 2016
145. ↑ GovTrack, "Rep. Joaquin Castro (D)," accessed October 2, 2015
146. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 18, 2014
147. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
148. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014

Political offices

Preceded by
Charles Gonzalez | U.S. House of Representatives - Texas District 20
2013-present  |  Succeeded by

Preceded by
'  | Texas House District 125
2003–2013  |  Succeeded by

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Louis Gohmert (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Van Taylor (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Kevin Brady (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Kay Granger (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Sheila Lee (D)

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Michael Burgess (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Eddie Johnson (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Colin Allred (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Filemon Vela (D)

District 35

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Vacant

District 38

Vacant

Republican Party (25)

Democratic Party (13)

Vacancies (2)

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