TX-23: John Lira (D)
John Lira is the son of a Mexican American family of four in southeast San Antonio, a United States Marine Corps veteran, a father and husband and a proud Texan. Over the past twenty years, Lira has journeyed from military bases and foreign battlefields to higher education institutions and through federal agencies building the skills, knowledge, and commitment to public service needed to be an effective leader fighting for working Texans.
After the tragic loss of his great uncle Alfonso Valdez, who was among the 167 government workers who perished in the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Lira witnessed firsthand the honor and sacrifice of public service. Four years later, his own journey of service would begin as he raised his right hand and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
Lira served for 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, on active duty, and in the reserves, including two combat tours in Iraq. In 2003, he participated in the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Marine Division and volunteered for a second deployment with 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines a year and a half later.
After returning to civilian life, he used his G.I. Bill benefits to earn an associate’s degree from San Antonio College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University.
He worked for the Corporation for National and Community Service, where he empowered community organizations to support veterans and military family transitions. At the U.S. Small Business Administration he helped reverse the generational decline of veterans’ entrepreneurship. He also worked at the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, created by Sens. John McCain and Jack Reed.
He is married to Dr. Michelle Espino Lira and has a teenage daughter named Rozlyn.
The biographical information above was sourced from the candidate’s campaign website, see links above for more information.