Aaron Peña is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin where he studied government. He attended law school at Texas Southern University where he graduated in 1987. He was licensed in 1988. A few years later in 1995 Peña obtained his board specialization certification.

Aaron Peña has over 33 years of practicing law as a trial lawyer. Aaron was recognized twice by Texas Monthly as a “Super Lawyer” for his work as a civil defense and plaintiff’s attorney. He was awarded the Law and Order Award by the Texas District & County Attorney’s Association (TDCAA) in recognition of his exceptional service to the Texas justice system.

Aaron Peña is a former member of the Texas House of Representatives where he served for 10 years. He served as Chairman of the Committee of Criminal Jurisprudence, the Chairman of the Committee on Technology and as Chairman of the Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness.

Aaron Peña has been a staunch champion of military veterans throughout his legislative and post-legislative career. On March 14-20, 2009, Peña marched 250 miles from his home on the border to the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. The march that was sponsored by a handful of local veterans living in the Rio Grande Valley succeeded in drawing attention to the need for better healthcare access for veterans. He further authored legislation to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez and Private Pedro Cano. His efforts contributed to the Congressional Medal of Honor being awarded to Private Pedro Cano. Aaron joined the Cano family at the White House ceremony posthumously awarding them the recognition. To this day he continues to work with veterans across the state to see that they have access to benefits awarded by the State of Texas. Aaron himself served as a major in the Texas State Guard and served as a Staff Judge Advocate at the command headquarters in Austin, Texas.

Aaron has consistently served as an advocate for his community and state. One of his more meaningful efforts was his advocacy against the rise of drugs and addiction due to increased trafficking along the Texas-Mexico border. In 2007 the representative secured funding to bring a drug treatment facility to South Texas. Due to his efforts the John Austin Peña Memorial Center opened on October 4, 2011. Since 2005 in conjunction with the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals over $50,000 dollars in scholarship checks are awarded to individuals fighting the rise of drug addiction.