Meet Robert
Education
• Juris Doctor Degree with Distinction - St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio - 1981
• Bachelor of Science Degree with Highest Honors - University of Texas at Austin - 1978, Distinguished College Scholar
• Associate in Arts Degree - Southwest Texas Junior College - 1976, Valedictorian
• High School Diploma - BrackettVille High School - 1975
​
Professional Background
• Law practice - state and federal courts - 1981 to present
• City Attorney - City of Del Rio, Texas 1982-1987
Public Service
• Mayor of Del Rio; 2014-2018
• City Councilman-at-Large - Del Rio; 1996-2004; Former Mayor Pro Tem
• School Board - San Felipe Del Rio C.I.S.D.; 1988-1994; Former President, Vice President, Secretary
• City Councilman - Brackettville; 1980-1982; Former Mayor Pro Tem
Family Background
Robert’s family history in the USA dates back to the early 1900's and reflects a traditional story involving the pursuit of the American dream. His grandparents, the late Rafael Garza and Natalia Garza, immigrated to the USA in 1918 from the Monterrey, Mexico area. Rafael and Natalia had 4 children, the late Petra D. Hernandez, Carolina Longoria, Aurora Perea and Joe N. Garza, Sr. Rafael had no formal education but started a small fruit stand and operated small businesses in Kinney County during his life.
Robert’s parents, the late Joe N. Garza, Sr. and Petra D. Garza, had 4 children who were raised in and attended the public schools in Kinney County, Texas. Their children included the late Gloria Garcia, a retired public school teacher, Joe N. Garza, Jr., a retired school superintendent, the late Diane Bravo, a retired health care worker, and Robert, your candidate for the Texas State Senate. The late Joe N. Garza, Sr. expanded the original fruit stand into a full service grocery store and operated other businesses during his entire life in Brackettville and later served in various elected public offices in Kinney County, Texas.
Robert grew up working in the family businesses in KinneyCounty. After attending law school on an academic scholarship, Robert returned to live briefly in Brackettville and then moved to Del Rio, Texas. He has lived and practiced law in Del Rio for more than 40 years. Robert has 5 adult children - Nichole, Robert Daniel, Raphael, Natalia and Joseph David - and 4 grandchildren who have attended or presently attend the public schools in Del Rio, Texas.
​
Children
Robert Garza believes that education & hard work are the keys to the success of the individual and the community. He has strived to pass these basic values to his children. Robert Garza is the proud father of 5 children - his 4 older children have earned degrees in multiple professional disciplines and his youngest child continues to pursue his college education.
​
​
Nichole Garza Rodriguez
Robert’s oldest child, Nichole, earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree as a Physician’s Assistant from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. She has practiced and worked for various health care clinics of local doctors in the Del Rio area for the past 20 years. Nichole has 4 children, Stephen, David, Abby, and Joshua. Her oldest child, Stephen, works for the U.S. Border Patrol and her younger children are attending public schools in Del Rio.
Nichole is married to Roland Rodriguez, III, from Miami, Florida. Roland earned a degree in psychology from the Ohio Dominican University and has worked as a U.S. Border Patrol agent following graduation from college.
​
Robert Daniel
Robert’s oldest son, Robert Daniel, earned a Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a Master’s in Law degree in intellectual property law from the University of Houston Law Center. He currently practices intellectual property law in Austin.
Robert Daniel is married to Devon Blackman from New York City. Devon earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
​
Raphael Antonio
Robert’s third child, Raphael, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. He currently practices probate & estate law in Houston.
Raphael is married to the former Kathleen McStravick from Tomball, Texas. Kathleen earned a Bachelor's degree from Texas A & M University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She currently practices insurance and compliance law in Houston.
​
Natalia Garza-Philpott
Robert’s youngest daughter, Natalia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin and the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Natalia completed the residency program in pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Natalia currently practices medicine as a clinical physician with Emory + Children's Pediatric Institute and serves as a member of the faculty of the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Natalia is married to David C. Philpott from Houston, Texas. David earned a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Baylor University, a Master's Degree in epidemiology from The University of Texas at Houston and the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed the residency program in pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. David is in the second year of a fellowship program in public health.
​
Joseph David
Joseph David is Robert’s youngest child. He currently attends the San Antonio College. Joseph is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. His passion is the church and writing.
​
