THE CANDIDATE
Meet Trey
“I’ve learned the lessons that guide my life right here in San Antonio, from my family and the people of this community."
Trey Martinez Fischer was born on the southside of San Antonio, the fourth of five children; Trey’s mom was a nurse at Santa Rosa Hospital and his father sold cars at Cavender Oldsmobile. The family later opened a small, 20-seat restaurant at Five Points — the Chili Bowl — where Trey worked as a dishwasher, alongside his mother at the cash register, his sisters waiting tables and his brother, the cook. At the Chili Bowl, Trey learned a lot about hard work and the value of a dollar.
Trey served as an altar boy at St. Luke Catholic Church and success on the football field led him from Catholic school to Oliver Wendell Holmes High School, where he played for the nationally-ranked Huskies and was named to the school’s Hall of Fame. After an injury while working at Oak Farms Dairy ended his college football career, Trey graduated from UTSA, becoming the first member of his family to graduate college. It was a proud moment, especially for Trey’s father, who lost his battle with cancer just days later.
with his parents shortly after graduating from UTSA.
While caring for his mother, Trey continued his education at the University of Texas, working his way through law school with an internship at the Attorney General’s office. Each step and each achievement taught Trey more about the values he lives by today — San Antonio values.
Trey was first elected to the Texas House in 2000, with his mom serving as his campaign manager. In his very first term in the House, he was voted “Freshman of the Year” by both his Republican and Democratic colleagues.
Through his 10 terms in the House, Trey has earned a reputation as a passionate voice for people who have none. Though often outnumbered by his opponents, Trey quickly became known as a leader who wouldn’t back down from his convictions. His legislative skills in standing up for children, veterans, and the disabled over special interests have become legendary.
Trey is the recipient of numerous recognitions for his ability – Texas Monthly named Trey “The Bull of the Brazos” in 2011 for his relentless efforts to stop the disastrous Republican agenda. Trey’s also been named one of the “10 Best Legislators” in Texas multiple times by Texas Monthly, a “heavy hitter… focused on shooting down the Republicans’ agenda” by the New York Times, one of the “20 Latino Democrats to watch over the next 20 years” by Hearst Newspapers, and a “Texas Influencer” by Campaigns & Elections Magazine.
Trey’s contributions to San Antonio have been undeniable. When Republicans slashed billions from school funding, it was Trey who stood up to them and got funding restored, becoming a major player in the negotiations that saw $3.9 billion returned to our public schools. His work on the “Boeing Bill”, which ensured that Boeing 787 Dreamliners would be built, tested, and repaired in San Antonio, brought hundreds of new jobs to Port San Antonio (formerly Kelly Air Force Base) and revitalized part of the local economy. When benefits to veterans were threatened, Trey stopped it. He’s been a champion for women and minority-owned businesses, authoring an amendment that would require the state Employee Retirement System to hire emerging fund managers, many from this community.
The list of accomplishments for the people of San Antonio goes on and on. Most recently, he was appointed to Chair the powerful House Committee on Business & Industry. With this position and a coveted position on House Ways & Means, the taxation committee of the House, Trey is in a better position than ever to bring real, substantive change to San Antonio and beyond. Trey’s reputation has been well-earned, and he’ll continue to fight for the people of San Antonio as long as he has the honor of serving in the Texas Legislature.
