Toribio “Terry” Palacios​ was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas to Nicolas and Lucia Palacios. He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1982. He went on to college – attending the Pan American University – and in 1988 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Biology. Palacios sought to continue his education attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, achieving his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1991.

Palacios is the youngest of twelve brothers and sisters. He was born into a modest family, mainly working in the fields growing up. They started off in the agriculture fields, but Palacios learned early on that he needed to break the cycle of poverty by furthering his education. He was the first to earn a college degree in his family and inspired future generations by prioritizing college as a way to transition from the fields to the classroom.

Palacios became a partner at the Law Office of Garcia, Quintanilla & Palacios and has been practicing law as a criminal defense, personal injury, and family attorney for over 30 years with an emphasis in criminal law. 

Judge Palacios was first elected into office in June of 1994. He served as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Edinburg for 27 consecutive years. Additionally, he has also served as a chair member for the Edinburg Housing Authority, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg. He is proud to have dedicated years of his life and career to tirelessly serve his community and family. 

Palacios is the proud father of nine, wonderful children: Audra, Alexandra, Toribio Jr., Andres, Shiloh, Kali, Lilly, Alian, and Annika with his lovely wife Hope Palacios, and the proud grandfather of six, beautiful grandchildren.