Meet Mike

Michael Apodaca is a life-long resident of the Grandview subdivision in District Two, located in Central El Paso. Michael was raised by his mother Gloria, a long-time realtor, from whom he learned the importance of hard work by accompanying her to open houses and helping to promote her business. For the past few years, Michael has been hard at work for the great state of Texas. He has traveled many miles across the state, organizing and engaging folks in the political process to better their communities. When introducing himself, Michael always says that he is from and for El Paso and he wants to bring his organizing skills to serve the people of District Two.

Michael attended local schools from Rusk Elementary to Austin High School. Being involved in numerous service organizations during his younger years was the spark in Michael needed to start his journey in public service. After graduating from Austin High School in 1999, Michael attended the University of Texas at El Paso. Once at UTEP, Michael decided that students needed to be more politically active. He took the initiative to address this problem by founding the University Democrats. The group’s purpose was to encourage young people to get more involved in their community and this was accomplished through multiple initiatives. From becoming active in local elections, registering voters, or demonstrating against ASARCO’s re-opening, he led this coalition of students to reach the highest honors and recognitions at UTEP and the Democratic Party. Through this, Michael was entrusted with representing the Democratic Party in Austin from 2004 to 2010 as a State Democratic Executive Committeeman. Due to his strong leadership and dedication, he was also elected treasurer of the Texas Democratic Party.

During his time at UTEP and after graduation, Michael has been a volunteer and staff on numerous local and state campaigns. Michael’s most prominent campaign work occurred in 2012, when he was tapped to be the State Field Director for Organizing for America, President Obama’s grassroots campaign for re- election. Either working locally in El Paso or traveling the state, Michael has learned it is necessary to listen to the voice of the people. Putting the purpose of re-electing the President or other candidates aside, Michael values the stories and ideas he hears from everyday citizens. Whether Michael is block walking in Northeast El Paso or talking to people over the phone in Florida, hearing their struggles and hopes motivates him to represent his home and district in City Council. Michael wants to make sure that your concerns and issues are heard in our city government and he will do everything in his power to fight for your interests.