Draft:Tennyson Moreno

Tennyson Moreno is an American political activist, licensed pilot, and government employee from Texas. A member of the Republican Party, he gained prominence as the youngest candidate for the Texas House of Representatives in the 2024 election cycle, running for District 45 at age 23. Moreno is known for his conservative advocacy, involvement in aviation, and leadership in local Republican organizations.

Early life and education

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Tennyson Moreno was born in Texas to a single-parent, lower-middle-class household.[1] Raised by his mother, he credits his upbringing with instilling conservative values such as faith, financial responsibility, and self-reliance.[2] As a sixth-generation Texan, Moreno has emphasized his deep roots in the state throughout his political career.[3]

Moreno participated in Tarrant County College's Professional Pilot & Flight Science Program in 2020, through which he obtained his commercial pilot's license.[4] He later pursued studies in political science and public administration at Texas State University in San Marcos.[3]

Career

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Moreno's professional background spans aviation, marketing, and political organizing. He holds a commercial pilot's license and is an avid aviator, describing himself as a "chocolate milk connoisseur" and enthusiast for open-cockpit flying.[5] He serves as vice-chair of the Airport Advisory Board for San Marcos Regional Airport and is an active volunteer with the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving World War II-era aircraft.[3]

Moreno works as a Marketing Specialist III for the Texas General Land Office and Veteran's Land Board, earning an annual salary of $65,520 as of July 1, 2025.[6][7] Prior to his own candidacy, he gained experience as a campaign manager, door-to-door canvasser, and volunteer for Republican causes.[5]

Moreno has held leadership roles in conservative groups, including serving as chairman of the Hays County Young Republicans and president of two conservative organizations, one of which was the Turning Point USA chapter at Texas State University.[3][1][8]

Political career

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Moreno's entry into electoral politics began in August 2023, when he announced his candidacy for Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 3, in the 2024 Republican primary.[3][9] Incumbent Lon Shell had announced he was not seeking re-election.[10] Moreno later withdrew from the race in December 2023 to instead pursue the Texas House District 45 seat.[11]

In 2024, Moreno ran for the Texas House of Representatives, District 45, which encompasses most of Hays County, including San Marcos and Dripping Springs.[12][13] At 23 years old, he became the youngest state legislative candidate in Texas that year.[5] His platform emphasized "smart, safe, and sustainable solutions" for community challenges, including education reform, border security, property tax relief, and Second Amendment rights.[14] Moreno completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, highlighting priorities like fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention.[12]

Running as a Republican, Moreno faced incumbent Democrat Erin Zwiener in the November 5, 2024, general election. He was defeated, with Zwiener securing re-election.[12][15] Campaign finance records tracked by Transparency USA detail contributions and expenditures for Moreno's bid, though specific endorsements were not identified by Ballotpedia.[6][3]

Moreno maintains an active online presence through his campaign website and social media, where he continues to engage on local and state issues.[1][16]

Personal life

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Moreno resides in San Marcos, Texas, and is known for his passion for aviation and community service.[5] He has described overcoming personal hardships through faith and determination, values he promotes in his public life.[1]

Moreno was briefly married to Trieste Perciavalle in 2023, whom he met at Texas State University through their involvement in the Turning Point USA chapter, where Moreno served as president.[8] The marriage ended in annulment later that year so that Perciavalle could pursue her 2023 appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "About Tennyson Moreno". Tennyson Moreno for State Representative. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Tennyson Moreno LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Tennyson Moreno". Ballotpedia. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  4. ^ "Professional Pilot Program". Tarrant County College. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "Tennyson Moreno for State Representative". Facebook. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Tennyson Moreno Campaign Finance". Transparency USA. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  7. ^ "Tennyson Moreno". Texas Tribune Government Salaries Explorer. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  8. ^ a b {{cite web}}: Empty citation (help)
  9. ^ "Moreno announces run for Hays County Commissioners Court". San Marcos Record. August 4, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  10. ^ "Huge thank you to Lon Shell". Instagram. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  11. ^ "Moreno Switches Races". Wimberley View. December 21, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c "Texas's 45th House of Representatives district". Wikipedia. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  13. ^ "Elected Officials Districts: Texas House District 45". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  14. ^ "Tennyson Moreno Candidate Connection". Ballotpedia. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  15. ^ "2024 Texas Election Results". Texas Secretary of State. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  16. ^ "Tennyson Moreno on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
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Category:Texas Republicans Category:American aviators Category:Texas State University alumni Category:2024 Texas House of Representatives candidates