On The Record: Danny Noyola, Jr.

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Danny Noyola, Jr., Committeeman for Senate District 20 from Corpus Christi.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

Originally, I got started at a young age. My parents would take me to city council meetings and state party conventions. They showed me how to make a difference in the local party and community, and I grew a passion for it.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Corpus Christi?

As a public school teacher, I see education as an issue in our community. There are far too many students not getting past high school, and most of the community is Hispanic in our district. There are too many cracks to fall through and no foundation for these kids to make it through. There is a huge dropout problem, and it’s the responsibility for the nation and state play a bigger part everywhere. I teach in a low socioeconomic area, and the kids have lots of potential but no family structure. The lack of structure brings them down.

I tell them that they can make a difference, but they have to get an education first.

Do you have any ambition for higher office? Do you have plans to run for any other party office, or possibly even public office?

No, I already have the best job in the world as a public school teacher. My goal in life is to be the best school teacher and teach others how to make a difference.

Who are some of your political heroes?

I know a lot of people say Kennedy and Johnson, but they are a bit before my time. I know in my generation people tend to say Clinton is a hero of theirs, but I really liked his Vice President, Al Gore. He ran for President and didn’t win, but even in defeat he can champion a cause that affects so many people, like global warming.

People that are not in politics but still find a way to make a difference are my political heroes.

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

I have gone to the convention locally for years, and I notice there are few young people involved. The ones that are active go in optimistic about wanting to make a difference, and the older people who have been involved for years don’t take the young people seriously. My advice is to not get discouraged by others' negativity in the situation.

Create your own path. Learn from others experience, but use your own passion to make your own path.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?

There are many good candidates that end up not winning elections, but the better person will never be defeated and finds a way to make a difference. You don’t always have to win to make a difference.