Henry Bonilla, American broadcaster and politician

Henry Bonilla, born on January 2, 1954, is a notable former American politician who represented Texas's 23rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. A Republican, Bonilla holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic Republican elected from Texas to Congress, a role he commenced in 1993. He served six full terms, becoming a prominent voice for his diverse constituency.

His extensive tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 23rd district, which stretches across a vast and often politically competitive expanse of Texas, came to an end following the highly contentious 2006 election cycle. Bonilla was ultimately defeated in his bid for re-election by Ciro Rodriguez, a seasoned Democratic politician who had previously represented Texas's 28th congressional district.

The circumstances surrounding Bonilla's defeat were unique and historically significant. The election was not a standard general election but rather a special election runoff held on December 12, 2006. This extraordinary contest was necessitated by a landmark Supreme Court decision in June 2006, specifically the case of League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry (548 U.S. 399). The Court ruled that parts of the 2003 Texas congressional redistricting plan, orchestrated by Republicans, had illegally diluted minority voting strength in the 23rd district, violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This ruling mandated an immediate redrawing of the district's boundaries and a special "all-party" primary election to be held in November, followed by the runoff in December if no candidate secured a majority.

In the subsequent runoff election, Ciro Rodriguez emerged victorious, marking a significant political shift in the district. Henry Bonilla's term officially concluded on January 3, 2007, coinciding with the official commencement of the 110th Congress. His departure from Congress concluded a nearly 14-year career representing a pivotal Texas district.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Bonilla's Congressional Career

When was Henry Bonilla first elected to Congress?

Henry Bonilla was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, representing Texas's 23rd congressional district. He took office in January 1993.

Which political party did Henry Bonilla belong to?

Henry Bonilla is a Republican. He was notable as the first Hispanic Republican from Texas elected to Congress.

What was the significance of the 2006 election that led to Bonilla's defeat?

The 2006 election was a special election, triggered by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in LULAC v. Perry. The Court found that the 2003 Texas redistricting plan had unconstitutionally gerrymandered Texas's 23rd district, violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This ruling mandated a redraw of the district and a special election process, including an "all-party" primary and subsequent runoff.

Who defeated Henry Bonilla in the 2006 special election?

Henry Bonilla was defeated by Democrat Ciro Rodriguez in a special election runoff held on December 12, 2006. Rodriguez had previously served in Congress representing Texas's 28th congressional district.

When did Henry Bonilla's final term in Congress expire?

Henry Bonilla's term in the U.S. House of Representatives officially expired on January 3, 2007, marking the beginning of the 110th Congress.