Table of Contents Categories
  • DNC delegates Texas, 2016
  • DNC superdelegates, 2016
  • DNC Clinton delegates, 2016
    •   Encyclosphere.org ENCYCLOREADER
      supported by EncyclosphereKSF

    Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman)

    From Ballotpedia - Reading time: 35 min
    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png
    This page was current at the end of the official's last term in office covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
    Rubén Hinojosa
    Image of Rubén Hinojosa

    Democratic Party

    Prior offices
    Texas State Board of Education
    U.S. House Texas District 15

    Compensation

    Net worth

    (2012) $-2,303,473

    Education

    High school

    Mercedes High School, TX

    Bachelor's

    University of Texas, Austin

    Graduate

    University of Texas, Pan America

    Contents

    Rubén Hinojosa (b. August 20, 1940, in Edcouch, TX) is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Texas. Hinojosa represented Texas' 15th Congressional District from 1997 to 2017.

    Biography[edit]

    After earning his bachelor's from the University of Texas, Hinojosa worked as an executive in a family-owned food business. He also earned his MBA from University of Texas-Pan America and went on to be an adjunct professor there.[1]

    Career[edit]

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

    • 1997-2017: U.S. Representative from Texas' 15th Congressional District
    • 1993-1996: Chairman of the Board of South Texas Community College for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, TX
    • 1974-1984: Texas state board of education
    • 1980: Graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with an MBA
    • 1962: Graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a B.B.A.

    Committee assignments[edit]

    U.S. House[edit]

    2015-2016[edit]

    Hinojosa served on the following committees:[3]

    2013-2014[edit]

    Hinojosa served on the following committees:[4]

    2011-2012[edit]

    Hinojosa served on the following House committees:[5]

    Key votes[edit]

    114th Congress[edit]

    CongressLogo.png

    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.[6][7] For more information pertaining to Hinojosa's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[8]

    Economic and fiscal[edit]

    Trade Act of 2015[edit]
    See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

    Trade adjustment assistance
    Nay3.png 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. Hinojosa was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill.[9][10]
    Trade promotion authority
    Yea3.png 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. Hinojosa was one of 28 Democrats to support the measure.[11][12]
    Trade promotion authority second vote
    Yea3.png 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.). Hinojosa was one of 28 Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment.[13][14]
    Trade adjustment assistance second vote
    Yea3.png 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. Hinojosa was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295.[15][16]

    Defense spending authorization[edit]

    Nay3.png 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." Hinojosa voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill.[17] 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.[18]

    Yea3.png 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.[19][20] Hinojosa voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill.[21] 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.[22]

    2016 Budget proposal[edit]

    Neutral/Abstain 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 will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, voted against the resolution. Hinojosa and four other Democrats did not vote on the resolution.[23][24][25]

    2015 budget[edit]

    Yea3.png 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.[26] Hinojosa voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill.[27] It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015.[28] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

    Foreign Affairs[edit]

    Iran nuclear deal[edit]
    See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

    Yea3.png 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. Hinojosa voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill.[29][30]


    Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
    Yea3.png 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. Hinojosa voted with 161 Democrats for the bill.[31][32]


    Suspension of Iran sanctions relief
    Nay3.png 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." Hinojosa voted with 185 Democrats against the bill.[33][34]


    Presidential non-compliance of section 2
    Nay3.png 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. Hinojosa voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution.[35][36]

    Export-Import Bank[edit]

    Yea3.png 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.[37] Hinojosa voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill.[38]

    Domestic[edit]

    USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit]

    Neutral/Abstain 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." Hinojosa was one of five Democrats who did not vote. It became law on June 2, 2015.[39][40]

    Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act[edit]

    Neutral/Abstain On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposes prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus is determined to be 20 weeks or older. If a woman's life is in danger or her pregnancy is the result of rape or incest which has been reported to law enforcement or an appropriate government agency at any time, an abortion may be performed. Hinojosa was one of five members of the House who did not vote on the bill. The vote largely followed party lines.[41][42]

    Cyber security[edit]

    Yea3.png 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.[43] Hinojosa voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill.[44]

    Yea3.png On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116.[45] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Hinojosa voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill.[46]

    Immigration[edit]

    Neutral/Abstain On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137.[47] The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Hinojosa and five other Democrats did not vote.[48]

    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.[49] For more information pertaining to Hinojosa's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[50]

    National security[edit]

    NDAA[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa voted against 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.[51]

    DHS Appropriations[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[52]

    CISPA (2013)[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[53]

    Economy[edit]

    Farm bill[edit]

    Yea3.png On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[54] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various 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.[55][56] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[56] Hinojosa voted with 88 other Democratic representatives in favor of the bill.

    2014 Budget[edit]

    Yea3.png 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.[57][58] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[58] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[59] 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. Hinojosa joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill.[57][58]

    Government shutdown[edit]

    See also: United States budget debate, 2013

    Nay3.png 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.[60] 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.[61] Hinojosa voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[62]

    Yea3.png 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.[63] 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. Hinojosa voted for HR 2775.[64]

    Federal Pay Adjustment Act[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[65]

    Immigration[edit]

    Morton Memos Prohibition[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[66] The vote largely followed party lines.[67]

    Healthcare[edit]

    Healthcare Reform Rules[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[68]

    Social issues[edit]

    Abortion[edit]

    Nay3.png Hinojosa 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.[69]

    Previous congressional sessions[edit]

    Fiscal Cliff[edit]

    Yea3.png Hinojosa voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[70]


    Issues[edit]

    Presidential preference[edit]

    2016 presidential endorsement[edit]

    ✓ Hinojosa endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[71]

    See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton


    Earmarks[edit]

    A Washington Post investigation in February 2012 revealed that 33 members of Congress helped direct more than $300 million in earmarks to public projects in close proximity to commercial and residential real estate owned by the lawmakers or their family members.[72] According to the report, Hinojosa obtained a $665,000 earmark to help widen a road next to a 3.7-acre commercial property that his family partnership was developing and near the family food processing plant in Mercedes, Texas.[73]

    Campaign themes[edit]

    2012[edit]

    Hinojosa's campaign website listed the following issues:[74]

    • Rebuilding our Economy
    Excerpt: "by investing in the future, providing access to capital and tax relief to our small businesses, strengthening our community banks, restoring the middle class and working to create jobs. "
    • Investing in Education
    Excerpt: "by protecting the current funding of Pell Grants and direct federal college loans to make higher education affordable. "
    • Honoring the Service of our Brave Veterans
    Excerpt: "by keeping faith with them when they return home and providing them the top-notch health care and educational opportunities for them and their spouses that they have earned. "
    • Strengthening Our Commitment to Seniors Citizens
    Excerpt: "by preserving Social Security and Medicare for current and future generations of Americans. "
    • Reducing the Cost of Gasoline
    Excerpt: "by safe domestic production like oil shale and promoting renewable energy sources. "

    Elections[edit]

    2016[edit]

    See also: Texas' 15th Congressional District election, 2016

    Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Vicente Gonzalez (D) defeated Tim Westley (R), Vanessa Tijerina (G), and Ross Lynn Leone (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. A runoff for both parties was held on May 24, 2016. In the runoff primaries, Westley defeated Ruben Villarreal, and Gonzalez defeated Juan Palacios Jr. Incumbent Ruben Hinojosa did not seek re-election.[75][76]

    U.S. House, Texas District 15 General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngVicente Gonzalez 57.3% 101,712
         Republican Tim Westley 37.7% 66,877
         Green Vanessa Tijerina 3.1% 5,448
         Libertarian Ross Lynn Leone 1.9% 3,442
    Total Votes 177,479
    Source: Texas Secretary of State

    U.S. House, Texas District 15 Republican Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngTim Westley 45% 13,164
    Green check mark transparent.pngRuben Villarreal 32% 9,349
    Xavier Salinas 23% 6,734
    Total Votes 29,247
    Source: Texas Secretary of State
    U.S. House, Texas District 15 Republican Runoff Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngTim Westley 50.5% 1,384
    Ruben Villarreal 49.5% 1,355
    Total Votes 2,739
    Source: Texas Secretary of State
    U.S. House, Texas District 15 Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngVicente Gonzalez 42.2% 22,151
    Green check mark transparent.pngJuan Palacios Jr. 18.9% 9,913
    Dolly Elizondo 16.9% 8,888
    Joel Quintanilla 11.7% 6,152
    Ruben Ramirez Hinojosa 6% 3,149
    Rance Sweeten 4.2% 2,224
    Total Votes 52,477
    Source: Texas Secretary of State
    U.S. House, Texas District 15 Democratic Runoff Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngVicente Gonzalez 65.7% 16,071
    Juan Palacios Jr. 34.3% 8,379
    Total Votes 24,450
    Source: Texas Secretary of State

    2014[edit]

    See also: Texas' 15th Congressional District elections, 2014

    Hinojosa 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 Eddie Zamora (R) and Johnny Partain (L) in the general election on November 4, 2014.[77]

    U.S. House, Texas District 15 General Election, 2014
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRuben Hinojosa Incumbent 54% 48,708
         Republican Eddie Zamora 43.3% 39,016
         Libertarian Johnny Partain 2.7% 2,460
    Total Votes 90,184
    Source: Texas Secretary of State

    2012[edit]

    See also: Texas' 15th Congressional District elections, 2012

    Hinojosa won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 15th District. He defeated Jane Cross, David Cantu, Johnny Partain, and Roben Ramon Ramirez in the Democratic primary on May 29, 2012. He then defeated Dale Brueggemann (D) and Ronald Finch (L) in the general election on November 6, 2012.[78][79]

    U.S. House, Texas District 15 General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRuben Hinojosa Incumbent 60.9% 89,296
         Republican Dale A. Brueggemann 36.9% 54,056
         Libertarian Ron Finch 2.3% 3,309
    Total Votes 146,661
    Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"
    U.S. House, Texas District 15 Democratic Primary, 2012
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngRubén Hinojosa Incumbent 71.2% 29,397
    David Cantu 12.1% 5,008
    Jane Cross 10.2% 4,208
    Ruben Ramon Ramirez 4.9% 2,012
    Johnny Partain 1.7% 687
    Total Votes 41,312

    Full history[edit]


    Campaign donors[edit]


    Comprehensive donor history[edit]

    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent 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, and 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.


    Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman) campaign contribution history
    Year Office Result Contributions
    2014 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $496,824
    2012 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $592,032
    2010 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $609,898
    2008 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $616,104
    2006 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $681,521
    2004 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $603,046
    2002 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $294,746
    2000 U.S. House (Texas, District 15) Won $496,742
    Grand total raised $4,390,913
    Source: [[88] Follow the Money]


    2016[edit]

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    2014[edit]

    Hinojosa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Hinojosa's campaign committee raised a total of $496,824 and spent $466,828.[89] This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.[90]

    Cost per vote[edit]

    Hinojosa spent $9.58 per general election vote received in 2014.

    U.S. House, Texas District 15, 2014 - Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman) Campaign Contributions
    Total Raised $496,824
    Total Spent $466,828
    Total Raised by Election Runner-up $124,871
    Total Spent by Election Runner-up $129,149
    Top contributors to Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman)'s campaign committee
    Link Group$10,400
    L&F Distributors$10,200
    American Crystal Sugar$10,000
    American Federation of Teachers$10,000
    Border Health$10,000
    Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
    Health Professionals$74,700
    Insurance$33,800
    Public Sector Unions$30,500
    Securities & Investment$25,500
    Beer, Wine & Liquor$23,200

    Below are Hinojosa's FEC reports.[91]

    2012[edit]

    Hinojosa won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Hinojosa's campaign committee raised a total of $592,033 and spent $849,921.[100] This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.[101]

    Cost per vote[edit]

    Hinojosa spent $9.52 per vote received in 2012.


    2010[edit]

    Hinojosa won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Hinojosa's campaign committee raised a total of $609,898 and spent $622,521.[102]


    Personal Gain Index[edit]

    Congressional Personal Gain Index graphic.png
    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:

    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
    Net Worth Metric graphic.png

    Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Hinojosa's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $-5,287,942 and $680,995. That averages to $-2,303,473, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Hinojosa ranked as the 439th most wealthy representative in 2012.[103] Between 2004 and 2012, Hinojosa's calculated net worth[104] decreased by an average of 18 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.[105]

    Ruben Hinojosa Yearly Net Worth
    YearAverage Net Worth
    2004$4,924,923
    2012$-2,303,473
    Growth from 2004 to 2012:-147%
    Average annual growth:-18%[106]
    Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[107]
    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). Hinojosa received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Health Professionals industry.

    From 1995-2014, 28.49 percent of Hinojosa's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.[108]

    Donation Concentration Metric graphic.png
    Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman) Campaign Contributions
    Total Raised $5,899,264
    Total Spent $5,193,488
    Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
    Health Professionals$511,150
    Lawyers/Law Firms$419,377
    Commercial Banks$289,200
    Real Estate$232,250
    Public Sector Unions$228,750
    % total in top industry8.66%
    % total in top two industries15.77%
    % total in top five industries28.49%

    Analysis[edit]

    Ideology and leadership[edit]

    See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

    Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Hinojosa was a rank-and-file Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Hinojosa received in June 2013.[109]

    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.[110]

    Hinojosa most often voted with:

    Hinojosa least often voted with:


    Lifetime voting record[edit]

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

    According to the website GovTrack, Hinojosa missed 1,340 of 12,705 roll call votes from January 1997 to September 2015. This amounted to 10.5 percent, which was higher than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.[111]

    Congressional staff salaries[edit]

    See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

    The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Hinojosa paid his congressional staff a total of $1,070,016 in 2011. Overall, Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[112]

    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]

    Hinojosa ranked 162nd in the liberal rankings in 2013.[113]

    2012[edit]

    Hinojosa ranked 124th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[114]

    2011[edit]

    Hinojosa ranked 137th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.[115]

    Voting with party[edit]

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

    2014[edit]

    Hinojosa voted with the Democratic Party 90.1 percent of the time, which ranked 155th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.[116]

    2013[edit]

    Hinojosa voted with the Democratic Party 92.0 percent of the time, which ranked 163rd among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.[117]

    2016 Democratic National Convention[edit]

    Personal[edit]

    Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
    Hinojosa is married to Martha Lopez Hinojosa and has five children.[1]

    Hinojosa hired his great-niece, Krista Hinojosa Garcia, as a constituent services representative. While House ethics rules prohibit the hiring of close family members, great-niece is not on the list of prohibited members.[126]

    Recent news[edit]

    This section links to a Google news search for the term Rubén + Hinojosa + Texas + House


    Rubén Hinojosa News Feed

    See also[edit]

    External links[edit]

    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png
         		Suggest a link


    Footnotes[edit]

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Official House website, "Biography," accessed October 27, 2011
    2. ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "HINOJOSA, Rubén, (1940 - )," accessed February 5, 2015
    3. ↑ U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, "Committee Information," accessed February 20, 2015
    4. ↑ CQ.com, "House Committee Rosters for the 113th Congress," accessed March 3, 2013
    5. ↑ Official House website, "My Committees," accessed October 27, 2011
    6. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
    7. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
    8. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
    9. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 361," June 12, 2015
    10. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
    11. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 362," June 12, 2015
    12. ↑ Roll Call, "Deadline for TAA Do-Over Vote Extended to July 30 (Updated)," June 15, 2015
    13. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 374," June 18, 2015
    14. ↑ Politico, "Trade turnaround: House backs new power for Obama," June 18, 2015
    15. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 388," June 24, 2015
    16. ↑ The Hill, "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
    17. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
    18. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
    19. ↑ The Hill, "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
    20. ↑ Congress.gov, "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
    21. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
    22. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
    23. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
    24. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 183," accessed May 5, 2015
    25. ↑ The Hill, "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
    26. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
    27. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
    28. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
    29. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015," accessed May 16, 2015
    30. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 226," accessed May 16, 2015
    31. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3461," accessed September 11, 2015
    32. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 493," accessed September 11, 2015
    33. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 3460," accessed September 10, 2015
    34. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 494," accessed September 11, 2015
    35. ↑ Congress.gov, "H Res 411," accessed September 10, 2015
    36. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 492," accessed September 10, 2015
    37. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 597," accessed November 2, 2015
    38. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 576," accessed November 2, 2015
    39. ↑ Congress.gov, "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
    40. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 224," accessed May 26, 2015
    41. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," accessed May 16, 2015
    42. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "HR 36," accessed May 16, 2015
    43. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1731," accessed November 2, 2015
    44. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 173," accessed November 2, 2015
    45. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act," accessed November 1, 2015
    46. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 170," accessed November 1, 2015
    47. ↑ Congress.gov, "HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015," accessed November 20, 2015
    48. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 643," accessed November 20, 2015
    49. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
    50. ↑ Congressional Record, "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
    51. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1960 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    52. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 2217 - DHS Appropriations Act of 2014 - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    53. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 624 - CISPA (2013) - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    54. ↑ Clerk of U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 31: H.R. 2642," accessed February 12, 2014
    55. ↑ Politico, "House clears farm bill," accessed February 12, 2014
    56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 NY Times, "Senate Passes Long-Stalled Farm Bill, With Clear Winners and Losers," accessed February 12, 2014
    57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 CNN.com, "House passes compromise $1.1 trillion budget for 2014," accessed January 20, 2014
    58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote 21," accessed January 20, 2014
    59. ↑ Roll Call, "Omnibus Sails Through the Senate," January 16, 2014
    60. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
    61. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
    62. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
    63. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
    64. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
    65. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    66. ↑ The Library of Congress, "H.AMDT.136," accessed September 16, 2013
    67. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "H Amdt 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    68. ↑ 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
    69. ↑ Project Vote Smart, "HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act - Voting Record," accessed September 16, 2013
    70. ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
    71. ↑ The Hill, "Race is on for 2016 endorsements," May 4, 2015
    72. ↑ Washington Post, "Congressional earmarks sometimes used to fund projects near lawmakers' properties," February 6, 2012
    73. ↑ Washington Post, "Mapping the earmarks," February 6, 2012
    74. ↑ Campaign website, "Issues," accessed August 10, 2012
    75. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed December 15, 2015
    76. ↑ The New York Times, "Texas Primary Results," March 1, 2016
    77. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named huffpost14
    78. ↑ Texas Democrats, "2012 Candidate list," accessed May 10, 2012 (dead link)
    79. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Unofficial Democratic primary results," May 29, 2012 (timed out)
    80. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
    81. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
    82. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
    83. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
    84. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
    85. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
    86. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
    87. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013
    88. ↑ Open Secrets, "Career Fundraising for Rubén Hinojosa," accessed January 27, 2015
    89. ↑ Open Secrets, "Ruben Hinojosa 2014 Election Cycle," accessed April 1, 2015
    90. ↑ Open Secrets, "Winning vs. Spending," accessed April 1, 2015
    91. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Rubén Hinojosa Summary Report," accessed July 24, 2013
    92. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Rubén Hinojosa April Quarterly," accessed July 24, 2013
    93. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Rubén Hinojosa July Quarterly," accessed July 24, 2013
    94. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Rubén Hinojosa October Quarterly," accessed October 22, 2013
    95. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Ruben Hinojosa Year-End," accessed February 6, 2014
    96. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Ruben Hinojosa Pre-Primary," accessed April 20, 2014
    97. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Ruben Hinojosa April Quarterly," accessed April 20, 2014
    98. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Ruben Hinojosa July Quarterly," accessed July 23, 2014
    99. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Ruben Hinojosa October Quarterly," accessed October 20, 2014
    100. ↑ Open Secrets, "Rubén Hinojosa 2012 Election Cycle," accessed March 5, 2013
    101. ↑ Open Secrets, "Election 2012: The Big Picture Shows Record Cost of Winning a Seat in Congress," accessed June 19, 2013
    102. ↑ Open Secrets, "Ruben Hinojosa 2010 Election Cycle," accessed October 27, 2011
    103. ↑ OpenSecrets, "Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas), 2012," accessed February 18, 2014
    104. ↑ 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).
    105. ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
    106. ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth divided by the number of years for which there are net worth figures for each member.
    107. ↑ 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.
    108. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Rep. Ruben Hinojosa," accessed September 23, 2014
    109. ↑ GovTrack, "Rubén Hinojosa," accessed July 21, 2014
    110. ↑ OpenCongress, "Rubén Hinojosa," archived February 25, 2016
    111. ↑ GovTrack, "Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D)," accessed October 2, 2015
    112. ↑ LegiStorm, "Rubén Hinojosa," accessed September 17, 2012
    113. ↑ National Journal, "2013 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed July 18, 2014
    114. ↑ National Journal, "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," March 7, 2013
    115. ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
    116. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
    117. ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
    118. ↑ Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com in February 2016 and May 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
    119. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, “The 2016 Endorsement Primary,” accessed July 6, 2016
    120. ↑ To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
    121. ↑ Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
    122. ↑ CNN, "Texas Exit Polls," March 1, 2016
    123. ↑ 123.0 123.1 Democratic National Committee, "2016 Democratic National Convention Delegate/Alternate Allocation," updated February 19, 2016
    124. ↑ The Green Papers, "2016 Democratic Convention," accessed May 7, 2021
    125. ↑ Democratic National Committee's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, "Unpledged Delegates -- By State," May 27, 2016
    126. ↑ Legistorm, "Weekly newsletter," September 30, 2013
    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Kika de la Garza     		U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, 15th District
    1997-2017     		Succeeded by
    Vicente González (D)


    Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    John Cornyn (R)
    Ted Cruz (R)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    District 6
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    Al Green (D)
    District 10
    District 11
    District 12
    District 13
    District 14
    District 15
    District 16
    District 17
    District 18
    District 19
    District 20
    District 21
    Chip Roy (R)
    District 22
    District 23
    District 24
    District 25
    District 26
    District 27
    District 28
    District 29
    District 30
    District 31
    District 32
    District 33
    District 34
    District 35
    District 36
    District 37
    Vacant
    District 38
    Vacant
    Republican Party (25)
    Democratic Party (13)
    Vacancies (2)


    Flag of Texas
    v • e
    State of Texas
    Austin (capital)
    Elections

    What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2021 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

    Government

    Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy

    This article is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
    Original source: /Ruben Hinojosa (Texas congressman)
    Status: article is cached
    Encyclosphere.org EncycloReader is supported by the EncyclosphereKSF