Background and Early Life

Julián Castro was born on September 16, 1974, in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised on the city's West Side by his mother, Maria "Rosie" Castro, a prominent Chicana activist. Castro and his twin brother, Joaquin, were strongly influenced by their mother’s dedication to civic engagement. During her historic campaign as the first Chicana to run for San Antonio City Council, Rosie taught her sons the importance of taking action to effect change in their community. This upbringing inspired both brothers: Joaquín Castro would go on to become a U.S. Congressman, and Julián would rise to national prominence as a Cabinet member.

Political Career and Public Service

Julián Castro's political ascent began when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council in 2001. In 2009, he became the mayor of San Antonio, where he served three terms. Castro delivered the keynote address at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a high-profile opportunity that highlighted his family's story and vision for America's future. His speech drew comparisons to the keynote address given by then-Senator Barack Obama in 2004.

In 2014, President Obama appointed Castro as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. During his tenure, he focused on expanding access to affordable housing and launched the ConnectHome initiative to increase broadband access in low-income communities. His appointment also addressed growing concerns about Latino representation in Obama's Cabinet, which advocacy groups like the National Council of La Raza had been highlighting. Castro became a symbol of high-quality Latino leadership within the federal government.

In June 2019, Castro participated in the first round of Democratic Presidential Debates, earning praise for his performance and his detailed policy proposals, particularly on immigration reform and housing policy.

Personal Life and Family

Julián Castro has been married to Erica Lira Castro since July 1, 2007. A fellow San Antonio native, Erica was raised in a working-class family; her father was a technician and her mother a secretary. Erica was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The couple met in 1999 while Julián was home for the summer after his first year at Harvard Law School. Erica has since become a dedicated educator and a supportive public partner throughout Castro’s political career, including during his 2020 presidential campaign.

They have two children: Carina Victoria, born in 2009, and Cristian Julián, born in 2014. Carina made a notable appearance during the 2012 Democratic National Convention when her father delivered his keynote address.