He was the deputy general of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and was the Minister of Public Works and Transport from 2009 to 2011.

Blanco López began his political career in 1986 when he was elected to the Spanish Senate.

Blanco López was appointed Minister of Public Works and Transport in a cabinet reshuffle on 7 April 2009, replacing Magdalena Álvarez.

On 28 December 2011 Spain's Supreme Court opened a probe into Blanco López's conduct on charges of influence peddling and accepting bribes.

[4] In 2011, José Blanco received the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III from the new prime minister, Mariano Rajoy.