29 Apr A Richardson City Council Member’s Bold Leap to Congress
Jeff Crilley interviews Dan Barrios, a Richardson City Council member and congressional candidate, about his journey from Brownsville to public service and his vision for Texas District 32.
A Seat at the Table
Dan Barrios, a current member of the Richardson City Council, stands in the studio, a testament to his dedication to public service. He has taken the significant step of running for Congress in Texas' 32nd District, a move that reflects a deeper commitment to his community.
Barrios's journey began far from the bustling North Texas suburbs. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, he moved to North Texas over twenty years ago to study and found a place to call home. He met his wife and settled in Richardson, a city he describes as a "melting pot" with a diverse population of over 123,000 residents.
Building Bridges
Upon joining the Richardson City Council, Barrios encountered a hurdle: a council member couldn't directly add items to the agenda. "One of the first questions I asked when I joined the city council is how do I get something on the agenda?" Barrios recalled. "And I was told, well, you had to ask the mayor."
Frustrated by this limitation, he worked to create a process that allowed any city council member to bring issues before the council, ensuring broader representation. He also initiated "Breakfast with Barrios," a personal campaign initiative where he would cook breakfast for constituents in their front yards on Saturday mornings. This provided an informal platform for people who typically didn't attend council meetings to engage directly with their elected representative.
Access and Engagement
Barrios's platform is built on the principle of "access of government." He believes that people feel disconnected because they don't feel the government is working for them, a sentiment reflected in voter turnout. "I think people are disconnected because they feel government is working for them," he explained. "I think throughout my service, whether it was on a local level, the local PTA, whether it was on the Richardson City Council as chair of the business committee, I what I stand for, it's about access and people get involved in this experiment, in this the process of democracy."
He emphasizes that his commitment to public service is a full-time endeavor, often requiring forty to forty-five hours a week on the city council, which he considers a volunteer role. This dedication, he believes, resonates with people who are looking for representatives who are actively engaged and accessible.
A District Defined by Contrast
The 32nd Congressional District is a sprawling entity, covering eight counties and encompassing urban, suburban, and rural areas. Barrios acknowledges that the district was gerrymandered following redistricting, a move he believes was intended to make it difficult for Democrats to win.
Despite the challenges, Barrios sees the district as winnable. He points to past election data showing significant support for Democratic candidates and notes that the current lack of an incumbent further opens the door. "I think anybody that has seen this district and truly understands the numbers says, look, not only is this is a very winnable district," he stated. He also observes a growing sentiment among voters, even some Republicans, who feel traditional party platforms no longer align with their values, leading them to seek new representation.
The American Dream's Reach
Barrios's own story is deeply rooted in the pursuit of the American dream. His family has a long history in South Texas, stretching back to when Texas was part of Mexico. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, he recognizes the opportunities that his proximity to the border afforded him.
"If my life if I would have been born 1.2 miles to the west in Mexico, my life perhaps would have turned out very different," Barrios reflected. "That's because I was able to see the opportunity available to me as an American citizen. I was able to see the opportunity available jobs as a country." This foundational experience drives his commitment to ensuring that current and future generations have access to similar opportunities.
Concerns Echoed
On the campaign trail, Barrios hears a consistent message from constituents across the political spectrum. "They are telling me that one, thank you so much for running. They and I'm hearing that from D's and R's and they're they're excited because there is somebody running who truly who truly wants to serve people," he said.
Rising costs are a major concern, impacting everything from rent, with a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas County averaging $2,800, to groceries and gas. In rural areas of the district, infrastructure means access to gas pipelines and viable local hospitals and pharmacies, not just traffic flow. Small businesses are also struggling, with many shutting down due to market consolidation. These issues, Barrios argues, demonstrate the need for responsive representation in Washington.
A Call to Action
Barrios urges constituents to get involved, emphasizing the power of voting and engagement. "We need you. Not just my campaign, but we as a community, we as a nation need you," he stated. He believes that the strength of the nation lies in its everyday residents participating in democracy.
"So in order to make to continue to see our great nation last another two hundred fifty years, in order for us to continue to improve and see the best that America is, we need you to vote. We need you to speak out. We need you to be involved in this beautiful democracy," Barrios concluded.
Dan Barrios is a candidate for Congress and a member of the Richardson City Council. Learn more at danbarriosforcongress.com. This episode was produced by The Jeff Crilley Show.
Key Topics
- Breakfast with Barrios and community engagement
- the geography of Texas' 32nd Congressional District
- redistricting and electoral competitiveness
- rising cost of living and housing affordability
- rural infrastructure and hospital closures
- access to government for everyday residents
- Dan Barrios' border upbringing and American dream story
- supporting small and local businesses
About the Guest
Born and raised in Brownsville, Dan Barrios has proudly called North Texas home for over 25 years. He's a proud father, husband, and active community member. His heart for service, hard work, and desire to bring people together led him to be elected to the Richardson City Council in 2023, where he currently continues to serve. Now, he's running for Congress because he knows what good government can deliver when it's working for everyone — not the few.
Episode Timestamps
- 00:11 – Jeff Crilley introduces Dan Barrios and his run for Congress
- 01:42 – Dan Barrios shares his journey from Brownsville to North Texas
- 02:25 – Proudest accomplishment: creating agenda access for council members
- 02:57 – Breakfast with Barrios — cooking tacos to connect with constituents
- 04:04 – Mapping the massive 32nd District across eight counties
- 04:38 – Redistricting, gerrymandering, and why the district is still winnable
- 07:03 – Born 1.2 miles from Mexico — a first-generation graduate's story
- 08:06 – The squeeze on middle-class families: housing, food, and gas costs
- 09:31 – Rural Texas struggles: hospitals, pharmacies, and infrastructure gaps
- 10:29 – Dan Barrios' call to action: get involved and vote
Watch, Listen & Connect
Subscribe for more episodes!
Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:19 – Dan Barrios Enters the Race
- 01:38 – Background and Richardson's Diversity
- 02:25 – Accomplishments on City Council
- 03:21 – Core Platform and Vision
- 04:09 – Understanding District 32 and Redistricting
- 04:47 – Campaign Strategy and Voter Appeal
- 06:49 – Family Roots and the American Dream
- 08:06 – Economic Concerns and Access to Healthcare
- 08:41 – Constituent Feedback and Call to Action
- 11:16 – Concluding Remarks