Ambassador Antonio O. Garza, Jr. was confirmed on November 12, and sworn in on November 18, 2002. Ambassador Garza began his career in public service as Cameron County Judge, elected to serve in 1988 and re-elected in 1990. As the chief executive of Texas’ 10th largest county, Garza focused on a variety of issues, including improving the county’s bond rating, working on indigent healthcare issues, improving the colonias and overseeing the construction of an international bridge. In 1994, he was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush as Texas’ 99th Secretary of State and Senior Advisor. He also served as the state’s lead liaison on border and Mexico affairs. After serving 2-1/2 years as Secretary of State, Garza joined Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., a Houston-based law firm, as a partner in their Austin office.
In 1998, Ambassador Garza was elected Texas Railroad Commissioner, the agency tasked with regulating the state’s $60 billion a year oil and gas industry.
Released on November 18, 2002 |