Pete Saenz
Pedro Ignacio “Pete” Saenz Jr. is an American attorney and politician who served as the mayor of Laredo, Texas, a position which he assumed on November 12, 2014. He was term-limited and left the position on December 28, 2022.
Family background
Pete Saenz was born to Pedro Ignacio Saenz and Maria del Refugio Saenz. Pete Saenz has two living siblings. Another sister is deceased.
Education
Saenz was educated at the Roman Catholic St. Joseph's Academy in Laredo. He thereafter obtained Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Animal Science and Range Management, respectively, from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, then known as Texas A&I University, located near Corpus Christi in Kingsville.
Community life
For twelve years, Saenz was a member of the Laredo Community College board of trustees. He also served a stint as the board president. During his tenure on the board, the Laredo [Community College South Campus|South Campus] was established, and most buildings on the main campus on West Washington Street were renovated. He is a former president of the South Texas Food Bank and the Laredo Affordable Housing Corporation.
A third mayoral candidate was current city councilman Carlos Alberto "Charlie" San Miguel. Saenz then handily won the runoff contest with 13,972 votes to Vela's 7,694.