Esmeralda "Esmi" Cantu-Castle is the mother of slain Navy sailor Angelina Resendiz.

The Seat I'd Put Money On - by Michelle H. Davis - Lone Star Left

Texas House candidates | TCTA

Janie Lopez wins primary for District 37; Democrats head to runoff

Esmeralda "Esmi" Cantu-Castle is a student at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She lives in Harlingen, Texas

Esmeralda is an advocate who has worked for a decade helping people navigate systems that are designed to shut them out. She has also called for accountability from the military and advocated for survivors of sexual abuse.

Esmeralda works as a paralegal for a civil rights and employment law attorney. 

Esmeralda "Esmi" Cantu-Castle ran for Texas State Representative, District 37, in 2024 but did not win.

Esmeralda's campaign for state representative in Texas's House District 37 is her first run for public office.

Believes in creating good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and building economic opportunities.

Advocates for stable housing by addressing rising rents and property taxes to keep housing affordable.

- Believes in creating good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and building economic opportunities.
- Advocates for stable housing by addressing rising rents and property taxes to keep housing affordable.

Economy

As of April 1, 2026, Esmeralda "Esmi" Cantu-Castle’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Prioritizes increased veterans services following the death of her daughter and husband during their time in military service.

- Prioritizes increased veterans services following the death of her daughter and husband during their time in military service.

Healthcare

Plans to invest in education at every level and ensure access to quality schools, colleges, and training programs.

- Plans to invest in education at every level and ensure access to quality schools, colleges, and training programs.

Education

Promotes sustainable development for future generations by protecting natural resources.

- Promotes sustainable development for future generations by protecting natural resources.

Energy & the Environment

Voting & Elections

Ethics & Conduct

Esmeralda "Esmi" Cantu-Castle

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Texas House of Representatives. The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Texas State Legislature
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. 
- There are 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives, each representing a single district. Representatives must be at least 21 years old and reside in the state for at least two years before their election. 
- State representatives are elected to two-year terms during even-numbered years. There are no term limits. 
- State representatives make $7,200 annually in addition to a $221 payment per day during legislative sessions and mileage reimbursements.