Mothers of Texas: Rosie Castro

The mom of twin politicians reflects on their service they’ve done in the community since they were kids.  

By Leah Scarpelli & Rhonda FanningMay 2, 2016 2:33 pm

The Standard interviewed mothers of famous Texans for Mother’s Day 2016.

Maria Castro, known as Rosie, is the mother of twins: Julián, who’s the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Joaquín, who’s a Texas representative in Congress.

“One of my favorite memories when my sons were young was getting them to read by tricking them into doing it,” says Castro. “For example they love wrestling, so I would buy them the wrestling magazines.”

Castro, who lives in San Antonio, says her sons were very active in the community at a very young age. In high school, Julián worked with the elderly and Joaquín loved participating in debates.

“They always were involved – I feel that by exposing them to the electoral process, exposing them to issues and talking about our community,” she says, “that helped them to realize that every individual has a role to play in their community, that all of us can make a difference for the better.”

Castro says her sons stay connected to her, even though both of them spend much of their time either on the road or in Washington.

“Although I’m not always with them on Mother’s Day they’re always there,” she says.