MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Michelle Vallejo for Congress!
Meet Michelle Vallejo
Michelle Vallejo is a small business owner and fierce community advocate from South Texas. Coming from a big family of farm workers, immigrants, and entrepreneurs, Michelle believes that with integrity, hard work, and dedication, everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their version of the American Dream. Her deep commitment to community and economic development stems from her personal experiences growing up in the Rio Grande Valley.
Fighting for Working Families
Michelle’s parents, Maribel and Daniel, migrated from northern Mexico to South Texas in search of a better life. Growing up, Michelle watched her parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, they succeeded in launching their own business, inspiring Michelle’s drive to help others do the same. Alongside her dedication to economic development, Michelle is deeply passionate about affordable healthcare. Her mother, Maribel, passed away in 2010 after battling Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years. Due to a lack of healthcare options in South Texas, Michelle often traveled with her mother across the border for medical care. That experience drives her commitment to improving healthcare access for working families.
Community Leadership and Values
Today, Michelle co-owns Pulga Los Portales, a flea market in Alton that has served the community for nearly 25 years. The market has helped working-class entrepreneurs launch their own businesses and provided countless jobs. During the pandemic, Michelle adapted the flea market to a drive-thru model, saving jobs and keeping the community supported. The motto at the Pulga, “No somos pulgueros. Somos vecinos,” or “We’re not just vendors. We’re neighbors,” reflects Michelle’s deep sense of community and work ethic.
Michelle attended public schools in South Texas before studying political science and history at Columbia University. As the 2022 Democratic nominee for TX-15, she’s running for Congress to advocate for South Texans, reduce healthcare costs, support small businesses, and make education affordable for all.