Power Players features state lawmakers rising through the ranks or making a notable mark on the 87th Texas legislative session. Each week, Capital Tonight will feature an elected official to give you a chance to get to know the person behind the powerful position.
TEXAS — South Padre Island reminds Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, of family. It is his favorite part of his Rio Grande Valley district because of a beloved pastime they shared. Lucio told Spectrum News 1 he considers himself not just a “fisher of men.”
“I love fishing. My dad loved fishing. We spent a lot of time together. As we were growing up the whole family ... we run low on groceries, we go fishing,” Lucio said.
Lucio has served Texas State Senate District 27 for 30 years, and before that he worked two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. The senator’s long legislative career all started because of his father.
“I saw my dad served the public. As you know the Valley is high in poverty. They needed someone to be understanding and caring and my dad was very much that,” he said.
It was Lucio’s dad who inspired the Brownsville native to first run for public office at the age of 24. They ended up going to work together in Cameron County. The former Cameron County treasurer and commissioner recalled one memory he has with his father early on in his career.
“I said, ‘Dad, the courthouse opens up at 8,’ and he says, ‘No, pick me up at 6.’ I thought he wanted to go get a taquito, you know, go and go get breakfast or something. No, he took me to church,” Lucio said.
In a way, history is repeating itself. Lucio’s son, Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Harlingen, is a member of the House. It is the first time the Legislature has seen a father-son duo as colleagues in decades.
“I was walking him down the aisles in the House of Representatives in 1987, as a 9-year-old. They used to call him "governor" and just play around with him. But, he became a state representative. Now, he’s my colleague besides being my wonderful son,” Lucio said.
The elder Lucio is a Democrat who votes against abortion, which is something that often leaves the devout Catholic splitting with his party.
“I value life, the sanctity of life, and I will do anything to help the unborn,” Lucio said.
Around his Capitol office are reminders of his devotion to his religious convictions. He has an image of Pope John Paul II, given to him from the late Sen. Frank Madla. There is also a large painting on the wall of Lucio’s office that was given to him by a Houston-based artist who appreciated Lucio’s stance against the death penalty. Lucio also converted his office closet into a prayer room.
“I sit down here and pray a little each day for all of us, for my family, my constituents, everyone. I believe in the power of prayer, and it’s helped me a lot to get through the day, and I still have energy at the end of the day because of it,” Lucio said.
Among Lucio’s legislative priorities this session are a recommitment to public education, and he is especially hoping to see the Senate’s seven anti-abortion bills reach the governor’s desk.
“I don't want to see our kids, anyone go to bed hungry. I would like a safer world. I would like for us to respect life more,” Lucio said.
A longtime state lawmaker whose legislative decisions are guided by family and faith.
