Garibay ready to lead on education in Texas House 49

February 10, 2026 - 03:43

With a unique blend of grassroots and national experience, Montserrat Garibay is stepping into the Texas House ready to tackle the state's most pressing educational challenges. Her background as a former classroom teacher, vice president of the Texas AFL-CIO, and a U.S. Department of Education official provides a multifaceted perspective on the issues facing public schools.

Garibay is expected to be a central voice in the upcoming legislative debates, which are anticipated to include contentious battles over public school funding, teacher pay raises, and the expansion of voucher-like programs that would divert state funds to private institutions. Her firsthand experience in education, coupled with her advocacy work, positions her as a staunch defender of the public school system and its educators.

Her priorities are clear: fighting for increased investment in neighborhood schools, supporting the teaching workforce to address chronic shortages, and ensuring all Texas children have access to a quality education. As the legislative session progresses, Garibay's voice will be a key one in shaping the future of education policy for millions of students across the state.