Montserrat runs for District 49

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 3rd, 2026 by Mia Valeria Sifuentes, and was translated to English by Valery Martinez Rodriguez. 

Midterm elections will take place on November 3rd, 2026. This includes District 49 of the Texas House of Representatives, which includes downtown Austin, UT Main Campus, and West Campus. One of the candidates for the seat is Montserrat Garibay.

As a UT alum, Montserrat emphasizes the importance of seeing Latinos run for these positions and hopes to inspire other Latinos who wish to do the same. “I hope they see the potential that they can be in my position a few years from now, and realize that I am a resource and a mentor to them.”

Advertisement

34 years ago, Montserrat arrived to the United States undocumented and without knowing English, along with her mom and sister. Montserrat remembers the first time her mother brought her to UT, seeing all the students walking, and how beautiful the campus was.

“We didn’t speak English, but my mom kept saying, ‘Education is important. If you learn English and you are good at school, one day you will be at this university,’” said Montserrat.

And that is what she did. After completing her general coursework at Austin Community College, Montserrat graduated from UT with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Later, she went on to explain that she worked as a bilingual early-childhood teacher for 8 years in Austin Independent School District (AISD), and was eventually promoted to vice president of the teachers’ union “Education Austin”. Now, she hopes to represent the people of District 49, including the Latino population.

Montserrat speaks on the various challenges District 49 is facing, ranging from public transportation to the healthcare system. “These are issues that have always been important to the community, especially the Latino community, which sometimes lacks that representation,” Montserrat said.

“Being bilingual, I can reach those who aren’t receiving the information they need. Being in this position would enable me to bring their stories to the table, while also involving them in the importance of civic engagement.”

During her years working for Education Austin, Montserrat remembers being inspired by the work of Gina Hinojosa, first on the Austin ISD School Board and later as the representative for District 49. Gina Hinojosa, after serving as the District 49 representative for the past nine years, is now running for Texas Governor.

“I know those will be big shoes to fill, but it’s wonderful to be inspired by someone who has given so much to our community, and that is why it’s so important to have people who look like you and me in places where we don’t often see many of us. For me, Gina was that source of inspiration.”

More than anything, Montserrat expresses the importance of representation in District 49. She recognizes the significance of representing the district’s people, with a particular focus on students and the Latino community.

“I want people to know that I am one of them, that I am ready to serve and involve myself in the process… and that I will always keep in mind their stories, struggles, hopes, and dreams while I represent District 49.”