Lauren Peña

An Austin native and mother of six, Lauren Peña describes surviving human trafficking.¹ She is a paralegal who has spoken about experiencing homelessness as a teenager and young adult.² She says faith and family helped her rebuild her life.¹

Peña earned a bachelor's degree and a paralegal certification after leaving school as a teenager, according to her interview with KUT.² She has lived in public housing since 2020 and talks about housing, job training and public benefits from the perspective of someone who uses those systems.²

Her proposed SAFE NIGHTS Act would require training, reporting information and accountability measures at nightlife and hospitality venues to combat trafficking.³ Her legislative outline would also classify venue workers as employees and require identity and age verification.⁴ She also proposes more federal support for trafficking survivors' housing, mental health services, legal help and return to employment.³

Her broader platform favors stronger border enforcement, lower federal spending, school choice, parental rights and support for police and veterans.¹ She has also called for improvements in Section 8 housing, food assistance and Medicaid.² She faces Democratic congressman Greg Casar for the 37th District.¹