Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition
Contact: Alexis Torres
Brownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced Itzel Martinez, a senior from Rivera Early College High School, as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’s 34th Congressional District. Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
The 2026 competition garnered 89 entries from 19 high schools throughout the 34th Congressional District.
On Saturday, Congressman Gonzalez’s office held an art show at Harlingen City Hall, with Mayor Norma Sepulveda joining as a guest speaker, to showcase all 89 entries and recognize the winning piece. Although the Congressman was in Washington fighting for public schools, working to lower costs, and advocating for South Texas values, he shared a message with the students and their families, which can be viewed here.
“Every spring, I have the honor of hosting the Congressional Art Competition to encourage artistic creativity amongst our high school students and giving them the chance to have their work admired by visitors from around the world in our nation’s Capitol,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Congratulations to Itzel on her first-place finish, and thank you to every student across our district who made this year’s competition a success. Initiatives like the art competition are prime examples of why a strong public education system is important for providing young South Texans with opportunities to achieve their full potential.”
The winning entry, “We Are the Unity” by Itzel Martinez (12th grade) depicts an angel with open arms draped in an American flag, symbolizing that all are welcome.
“We are the Unity.” Charcoal and prisma color pencil.