The son of immigrants, José Menéndez grew up working at his family’s small business located in San Antonio's West Side. During his terms in office, Menéndez passed over 245 bills that benefited children, seniors, veterans, and San Antonio families.
Senator Menéndez began his public service career in 1997 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council District 6 office, representing the city’s West Side. He was then elected to serve as State Representative for House District 124 in 2000. He was later entrusted with an appointment to the powerful Appropriations Committee where he secured millions of dollars for various crucial San Antonio initiatives. In his final session serving in the House, Menéndez was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs where he secured one of the state’s largest mental health programs for Veterans. Menéndez has served as State Senator since 2015. Menéndez currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus. Senator Menéndez serves on the Administration, Business & Commerce, Education, Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committees and the Senate General Investigating Committee on the July 2025 Flooding Events.
Senator Menéndez has distinguished himself as a commonsense problem solver, able to work with colleagues on all sides to serve the needs of Texas families. He has remained committed to improving the state’s public education system, utilities and energy infrastructure, as well as housing and economic development.
Senator Menéndez has received notable recognition for his work. Some of which include the 2025 Texas Municipal League Legislator of the Year, 2025 Communities in Schools Civil Servant Award, and the 2025 Texas Adult Protect Services Partnering to Protect Award. Among his many distinguished honors, Menéndez is also the proud recipient of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers ‘Lifetime Affordable Housing Hero’, the 'Leaders in Improving Mental Health Care' from the Center for Health Care Services, and 'Senator of the Year' from the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT), and recognition from the Fire and Police Pension Fund San Antonio.
