My name is Alexandra Guio, and I am running to represent State House District 114 to advocate for every voice in our community. I’ve been fighting on the sidelines through community organizing, marching in demonstrations, and testifying in Austin only to watch our efforts be ignored. I decided to run as a final form of advocacy in order to ensure that the voices of our community will be amplified.

My parents sacrificed everything to bring me and my sisters to the United States from Bogota, Colombia, when I was 4 years old. They wanted the American Dream for all of us, especially my mother, who needed brain surgery in Houston. My mother and father taught me the value of an education, the importance of giving back to the community, and the need to advocate for those less fortunate.

These values helped me persevere through the challenges of growing up as an undocumented immigrant and the struggle we all faced in reaching for the American dream. I studied diligently in school, graduated in the top 10% of my high school class in Katy, Texas and received a scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. After my father re-married, my stepmother sponsored my application to become a U.S. permanent resident.

In 2013, I proudly became a citizen of the United States and celebrated my right to vote and fully participate in my community. Also that year, I graduated from the SMU Dedman School of Law and became the first attorney in my family. I was hired as an Assistant District Attorney at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in 2013, where I practiced until August 2021.

When the quality of life of all members of our community are improved through education, quality healthcare, and meaningful representation, our communities are strengthened and our economic future is secured.