CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — What was once celebrated as César Chávez Day was largely absent across Texas this year after events were called off earlier this month following newly surfaced allegations against the late labor leader.
The cancellations came after a report by The New York Times detailed allegations that César Chávez had sexually assaulted and abused women and girls. In response, some cities and organizations moved to cancel or reevaluate planned celebrations, while discussions also began around renaming sites that bear his name. Gov. Greg Abbott also announced plans to abolish the state holiday honoring César Chávez during the next legislative session.
Among those weighing in is U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, who is urging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to rename those sites after a South Texas civil rights leader.
In a letter to the governor, Gonzalez wrote that the sites should instead honor Hector P. Garcia, calling him a figure with a strong moral record and a lasting legacy.
Garcia, a Corpus Christi native, founded the American GI Forum, one of the oldest organizations advocating for Mexican American veterans in the United States.
Cecilia Garcia-Akers, president of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation and Garcia’s daughter, responded to the congressman’s request in a statement shared with 3NEWS.
She said the family appreciates the effort to bring additional recognition to her father and his contributions.
State officials have not publicly responded to the renaming request. It is also unclear whether any formal action will be taken regarding highways or other landmarks currently bearing Chávez’s name.
The 90th Texas Legislature will convene in January 2027.
Congressman Gonzalez’s full statement:
Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to rename sites, formerly memorializing the now-disgraced Cesar Chavez, in honor of legendary South Texan, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a Mexican-American physician, decorated World War II veteran, founder of the American GI Forum, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
“On March 18, 2026, the New York Times published an investigation with serious allegations of abuse perpetrated by Cesar Chavez, the former leader of United Farm Workers of America,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “In response to these allegations, many public entities are considering removing or have already removed Cesar Chavez’s name from streets, buildings and schools. As you consider renaming some of these establishments, I ask that you rename them in honor of a great South Texas hero, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a civil rights leader with an impeccable record of hard work and strong moral leadership.”
As a child, Dr. Garcia migrated with his family to Mercedes, Texas, in 1917. His father quickly realized that education would be the key to his children’s success, though that proved to be an arduous journey for Dr. Garcia due to systemic racism and discrimination. Despite these barriers, Dr. Garcia would go on to become a Doctor of Medicine before joining the Army and serving in World War II, where he rose to the rank of Major and was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.
Upon his return to South Texas, Dr. Garcia continued his service by advocating for Hispanic and veteran communities. In 1948, he founded the American GI Forum in Corpus Christi, Texas, an organization that remains a powerful force in ensuring Hispanic military veterans can access the benefits they earned. In recognition of his significant contributions to our nation, President Ronald Reagan presented Dr. Garcia with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1948, making him the first Mexican American awarded with the nation’s highest civilian honor.
As public officials in South Texas and across the nation work to remove the Chavez name from public sites, the life, legacy and significant contributions of Dr. Hector P. Garcia continue to inspire generations of Americans and deserve strong consideration.