Moe Vela’s very, very, very public life May 14, 2021 | JAMES RUSSELL | Contributing Writer Moe Vela could die happy today, knowing all he’s done with his life. But judging by a recent interview, the longtime political operative, entrepreneur and one-time actor is not slowing down. His family instilled that go-getter attitude in the gay fourth generation Texan. The Velas are a pioneering South Texas family, first setting down roots in the state in 1863. The Vela family includes a former federal district judge and a former Cameron County judge. Moe Vela’s cousin is retiring Congressman Filemon Vela Jr. Vela family members were encouraged to operate and to carry themselves humbly and not arrogantly, Moe Vela said. “We’re not special. You gotta get your butt to work,” he explained. “We were never forced to be a lawyer or a teacher, but we were encouraged to be active. Our generation picked up the mantle, and we’re encouraging the next generation to do the same.”