(C) Texas Tribune
This story was first published on Texas Tribune.org[1]
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The Blast: State Rep. Jessica González comes clean about Portugal trip
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Date: 2021-09 

JESSICA GONZÁLEZ COMES CLEAN ABOUT PORTUGAL

State Rep. Jessica González, D-Dallas, told The Dallas Morning News on Tuesday that she left Washington, D.C., where she was breaking quorum earlier this month, to get married in Portugal.



González's departure to the Iberian country was widely criticized after several news outlets reported it earlier this month, but the lawmaker defended her actions. Initially the lawmaker told the San Antonio Express News that news that she had left the country was a rumor, adding that "no one has shown proof."



“We all say family comes first. That value should apply to all families, including mine. I made the decision not to share where I was so that my wife and I could get married in privacy,” González told the Morning News this week. “I wanted us to have this special day, surrounded by a few of our friends and loved ones.”



González married Angela Hale, a senior adviser to Equality Texas, which advocates for LGBTQ rights. Hale also served as communications director to former House Speaker Joe Straus.



Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, a friend and roommate of González's during past legislative sessions, was also rumored to be in Portugal but declined to confirm that information to The Dallas Morning News.



"Many members have supported the quorum break from various locations," Johnson told the paper.



González, who has not returned to the Legislature during the second special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott, said she returned to Dallas on Aug. 11.



— James Barrágan

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