Meet Beto

Beto Cardenas was born and raised in the heart of South Texas with a deep commitment to faith, family and education.  He attended Catholic and public schools in Laredo, graduating from Mary Help of Christians, United High School and Laredo College.  He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and the Texas Tech University School of Law.

His experiences in law enforcement, as a certified Texas Adult Probation Officer, summer law clerk to Chief United States District Judge George P. Kazen, Texas Field Director and Delegate Coordinator for  President Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign, combined with over a decade of dedicated service at both the Texas Tech University System and within the United States Congress honed his passion for public service.

Beginning in 2008, Beto worked as a counsel with the international, Houston-based, law firm of Vinson & Elkins, earning recognition for his effective legal representation on various client matters, including an exemplary record of pro-bono service.  He and his law partner launched BC Global LP, formed various business ventures in 2021, and continue their premiere legal work, particularly for renewable energy, Grid enhancement, and battery energy storage systems.

Beto’s passion for the Houston community is evident in his work with nonprofit, civic, and cultural organizations.   As a director of the Houston Parks Board, Beto was part of the leadership Team promoting Houston’s Bayou Greenways 2020 with a dedication toward building bridges, new trails, and park spaces in an equitable fashion within the Houston region.  The Houston Food Bank, America’s largest, was named Feeding America’s “Food Bank of the Year” in 2015, while Beto served as a director. He previously served as a director of BakerRipley, Interfaith Ministries and Crisis Intervention of Houston, and currently serves as a director of the Houston Zoo, the Texas Tech University School of Law Foundation, and as chairman of the board of directors of the Houston Botanic Garden.

Beto is laser-focused on solving problems and has demonstrated a talent for getting things done by bringing people together. As Chairman of the Harris County Housing Authority, he ushered in a change in administrative leadership, installed effective accountability measures, and made reforms in ethics, policies, and procedures. He has worked tirelessly to address the needs of his community, including representing new Americans and fighting to help Texas businesses grow and thrive.

Beto, his wife Norma, and their son Sebastian live in West University Place, Harris County, Texas.