Dan Barrios

Barrios grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and, according to his Ballotpedia survey, has lived in North Texas for over 25 years.[11][12] He earned an MBA in strategic management from the University of North Texas.[1][12] He worked in executive sales and business development in the food and beverage industry, including as an account manager handling key accounts such as Walmart.[1][4][13][12] Barrios later taught business courses, at the high school and college level according to his campaign website, including at Lake Highlands High School in the Richardson Independent School District; a May 2024 profile said he was finishing his fourth year of teaching.[4][1][12]

He describes volunteer work with the American Red Cross, where his campaign website says he held leadership roles, as well as the Arapaho Classical Magnet PTA, the YMCA board and a church program serving people experiencing homelessness; he says he managed a shelter after the 2015 Rowlett tornado.[13][1][12] Barrios sought the Richardson City Council Place 3 seat in 2019 and was elected to it in 2023, representing the city's District 3 on the west side of Richardson.[13][4][2][14] On July 13, 2026, he announced that he would resign from the council to focus on his congressional campaign; Daniel Burdette was appointed to the seat on September 28, 2026.[14][2]

Barrios won the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary over Anthony Bridges with 60.4% of the vote. His Ballotpedia survey lists endorsements from Rep. Julie Johnson and state Reps. Linda Garcia and Mihaela Plesa.[15][11] According to his Ballotpedia survey, he ran on education, affordable health care and support for small businesses.[11] He received 48.5% of the vote to Jace Yarbrough's 51.5%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[3]