State Representative Christian Manuel is a proud native of Southeast Texas. The eldest of six siblings, he grew up in a family active in political and community leadership, shaping his lifelong commitment to public service.

With two decades of experience in state government, Rep. Manuel began his career working for former State Representative Joe Deshotel at the age of 18 and went on to serve as his Chief of Staff for ten years. That experience prepared him to navigate the complex legislative process and deliver results for his community.

In his first term, Rep. Manuel was named Freshman of the Year by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus after passing several bills into law, including measures that boosted local economic development and expanded revenue opportunities for Southeast Texas. Additionally, he passed HCR 61 into law, officially designating Port Arthur as the Cajun Capital of Texas.

Now serving his second term, Rep. Manuel has earned a reputation as one of the most effective Democrats in the Texas House, authoring and passing landmark legislation to protect survivors of family violence and expand support for Texans with disabilities. He has also brought back millions in funding to the district.

His legislation includes HB 1188, which ensures that students receiving special education services are referred earlier to local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) and Medicaid waiver programs. By accelerating these referrals, the bill helps families access vital services sooner, improving long-term outcomes in education, employment, and independent living.

Rep. Manuel also authored HB 1194/SB 2196, extending emergency protective orders to safeguard victims of family violence, and HB 4155/SB 1946, creating the Texas Family Violence Victims Task Force to prevent family violence homicides. He further advanced survivor-centered measures such as HB 3745, expanding crime victims’ compensation for emergency financial assistance, and HB 1193, protecting the privacy of common-law marriage applicants.

Rep. Manuel serves as Vice Chair of the House Human Services Committee and as a member of the Redistricting Committee, and the Appropriations Committee, where he focuses on Article II. He also serves as Treasurer of the House Democratic Caucus and Second Vice Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

A lifelong resident and voter of Jefferson County, Rep. Manuel continues to champion policies that strengthen families, protect communities, and expand opportunities for Southeast Texans. He is to become the most senior member of the Jefferson County legislative delegation, providing leadership and continuity as neighboring senators and fellow state representatives transition out of office.