Henry R. Muñoz III is expected to be named the DNC Finance Chair, becoming the first Latino to hold the title, Fox News confirmed Tuesday.
Muñoz, a San Antonio native, was an Obama bundler during last year’s presidential campaign and a national chairman of the Futuro Fund, a group of Hispanic leaders who raised money for the president’s reelection.
“He is Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kell Muñoz Architects, Inc., the largest minority-owned architectural firm in Texas,” Politico reported. “Muñoz has designed prolific architectural works in the United States/Mexico Border Region for 15 years; he has shaped the skylines of Texas and is an original and innovative leader in the pursuit of a blended cultural expression through the built environment.”
Besides his work in San Antonio and as an Obama backer, Muñoz also met with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, according to published reports.
“Muñoz’s clout has only expanded in the ensuing years — in politics, philanthropy and his profession,” the San Antonio Express-News reported. “He dined with Fidel Castro in Cuba and raised funds at his own Monte Vista mansion for presidential hopefuls, including Bill and Hillary Clinton.”
Known for his over-the-top style – he once wore a crown of real diamonds and amethysts after raising more than $250,000 in scholarship funds – Muñoz has held high positions in Texas state government, including the Texas High Speed Rail Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation.
During the run-up to the 2012 presidential campaign, Muñoz organized events for the president’s election campaign as well as the the Latino inauguration event with movie star and fellow Texan Eva Longoria.
“Without question, the presidential election of 2012 proves that Latinos are perhaps the most important influence from this point forward in the election of the president of the United States,” Muñoz told the Associated Press this week. “It’s important that the leadership in Washington view us not as a narrow interest group but as a vibrant political force” that carries not just votes, but influence and financial resources.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. [Fox]