Madla, Frank, 1937-2006,

Frank Madla was born in San Antonio in 1937 and raised in Helotes, Texas. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in San Antonio in 1955 and began his teaching career after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Poliltical Science in 1959 from St. Mary's University where he also earned a master's degree. In 1971, he was elected to the South San Antonio Independent School District's board of trustees. In 1972, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives where he served until his election to the Texas Senate. He was elected to the Texas Senate in 1993 where he served until he resigned in May 2006 when he lost the Democratic primary election. At the time of the interview, Senator Madla was in Albuquerque, New Mexico along with other Texas Democratic Party senators who were in absentia to protest Governor Rick Perry's special legistlative session on redistricting. In November 2006, Madla died unexpectedly in a house fire.

From the description of Oral history interview with Frank Madla, 2003 [videorecording]. (University of Texas at Arlington). WorldCat record id: 406416268