Caucus Members
The Senators’ districts encompass urban and rural communities across the state, representing more than 11 million Texans. The 12 current members are Chair Carol Alvarado (Houston), Vice Chair Nathan Johnson (Dallas), Sen. César Blanco (El Paso), Sen. Molly Cook (Houston), Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (Austin), Sen. Roland Gutierrez (San Antonio), Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (McAllen), Sen. José Menéndez (San Antonio), Sen. Borris Miles (Houston), Sen. Taylor Rehmet (Fort Worth), Sen. Royce West (Dallas), and Dean Sen. Judith Zaffirini (Laredo).
Chair
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Texas Senator Representing District 6
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Education: B.A., MBA, University of Houston
Occupation: Small business owner
Legislative Experience: House Member, 2009-2018; Senate Member, 2018 to present
Committee Membership: Economic Development; Finance; Natural Resources; Nominations
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Senator Carol Alvarado is proud to serve Texas Senate District 6 in Harris County and was first elected in a 2018 Special Election.
In 2008, she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and served five terms representing District 145. She served as the Chair of the Urban Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations.
Now in her third term in the Texas Senate, Carol serves on the Senate Committees on Administration, Natural Resources and Economic Development, Nominations, Transportation and the Special Committee on Redistricting. Carol also serves as the Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.
Carol's primary legislative focus has been on economic development, public health and public education. She has championed legislation aimed at strengthening our state's workforce, helping small businesses succeed, creating tools to recruit businesses to relocate to Texas, regulating the use of e-cigarettes for children and criminal justice reform.
Carol is an advocate for women's health and reproductive rights and has passed legislation to assist victims of sexual abuse. She is also a strong advocate for voting rights and ensuring access to the ballot.
As a member of the Houston City Council from 2002-2008, Carol led the effort to make restaurants smoke free, stopped the shipping of more hazardous chemicals through our neighborhoods, and had air quality monitors installed in neighborhoods near chemical plants.
Carol is a native Houstonian and longtime resident of Houston's East End. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Houston and is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0106
District Office Phone: (713) 926-6257
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Senator Carol Alvarado
Vice Chair
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Texas Senator Representing District 16
Hometown: Dallas
Education: B.S., University of Arizona; J.D., University of Texas
Occupation: Attorney at Thompson Coburn
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2019 to present
Committee Membership: Vice Chair, Jurisprudence; Business and Commerce; Economic Development; Transportation; Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs
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Senator Nathan Johnson represents almost a million people in Senate District 16, a rapidly growing and diversifying area in Dallas County.
First elected in 2018 with bipartisan support, he has become a leading voice in healthcare, the electrical grid, government transparency, criminal justice, and state infrastructure.
Johnson knows that policymakers must meet the changing demands of Texas’s rapid growth and profound economic, social, and technological advances. This means developing new infrastructure – both physical (e.g., the electrical grid) and social (e.g., health), and making government more responsive and effective. And so Johnson has played a central role in strengthening the Texas grid; his work in healthcare resulted in hundreds of thousands of newly insured Texans; his work on economic policy promoted opportunity in overlooked regions and made it more difficult to abuse tax incentives; and he has made state agencies more accountable while helping them better meet the needs of the public.
Johnson holds a B.S. in physics and a J.D. in law. He practices law at Thompson Coburn LLP, where he specializes in trial litigation and dispute resolution. He composed dozens of musical scores for the iconic anime series Dragon Ball Z, as well as classical music for the concert stage.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0116
District Office Phone: (972) 701-0349
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Senator Nathan Johnson
Members
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Texas Senator Representing District 21
Hometown: Laredo
Education: B.S., M.A., University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., University of Houston; Laredo Junior College
Occupation: Communications specialist with 13 years of teaching experience
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 1987 to present
Committee Membership: Vice Chair, Natural Resources; Business and Commerce; Finance; State Affairs
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Senator Judith Zaffirini, the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate, became the first woman Dean of the Senate on Dec. 31, 2023. She succeeds 24 men who held the title since 1909, when it was first assigned to the longest-serving senator. One of only 24 women who have served with 952 male senators in 88 Texas Legislatures, in 1986 she and Eddie Bernice Johnson became the 7th and 8th women state senators in Texas. They joined Cyndi Krier in 1987, marking the first time more than one woman served in the 31-member body.
Dean Zaffirini’s legendary work ethic is reflected in her having cast 72,132 consecutive votes since 1987 and passing 1,388 bills, making her the highest bill-passer in the history of the State of Texas. Showing her bipartisan effectiveness, in the 2023 Republican-dominated Texas Legislature she passed 122 bills, making her the highest bill-passing legislator for five consecutive sessions.
Senator Zaffirini is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development and a member of the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce, Finance, State Affairs, and Redistricting; and the Texas Judicial Council and Texas Access to Justice Commission.
An award-winning Communication Specialist and former educator who supported herself since she was 17 and married her high school sweetheart at 18, she holds B.S., M.A., and PhD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, which has named her a Distinguished Alumna (2003) and Outstanding Alumna of the Moody College of Communication (2016), awarded her the Presidential Citation (2013), and inducted her into the UT Daily Texan’s Hall of Fame (2016).
The senator is the namesake of the courthouse in Webb County, a student success center and medal for leadership and scholarship at Texas A&M International University, a library at Laredo College, an elementary school at United ISD, a park in Laredo, and a road at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. She is featured in 25 books and referenced in 22.
Senator Zaffirini has received more than 1,200 awards and honors for her legislative, public service, and professional work, including more than 600 state and national awards in communication. Numerous organizations have honored her, particularly as a champion of education and health and human services and of persons with intellectual, emotional, physical and learning disabilities; enhancing access to justice while fighting corruption and cronyism in the judiciary; protecting the environment; and improving transparency and access to public information. Interestingly, the Sisters of Mercy named her an Honorary Nun, Sister Judith, and Washington’s Birthday Association named her Mr. South Texas.
Her son, Carlos Jr., honored her as the namesake of three endowed scholarships, two grant programs for teachers’ college student loan debts and for good works, a patient suite at the UT Dell Seton Medical Center, and a soccer mini-pitch in Laredo. He also established the Carlos Sr. and Senator Judith Zaffirini Access to Justice Initiative at the UT Law School. Relatedly, the Beaumont Foundation endowed a scholarship honoring the Zaffirinis at A&M International.
Re-elected in an 11th landslide victory in 2022, Senator Zaffirini represents 16 counties in Senate District 21, which stretches from Laredo, her hometown on the Texas-Mexico border; to Starr County in the Valley; Dimmit County in the Winter Garden; and Travis and Hays counties in Central Texas.
Dr. Zaffirini is the owner of Zaffirini Communications and president of the Mr. South Texas Foundation and of the D&J Alexander Foundation and its two entities, D&J Alexander Investments and D&J Alexander Development.
Married for 59 years, Carlos and Judith have one son, Carlos Jr., an attorney, businessman and philanthropist; a daughter-by-marriage, Audrey; and two grandsons, Asher (6) and George (4).
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0121
District Office Phone: (956) 722-2293
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Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini
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Texas Senator Representing District 23
Hometown: Dallas
Education: B.A., M.A., University of Texas at Arlington; J.D., University of Houston
Occupation: Managing Partner, West & Associates L.L.P.
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 1993 to present
Committee Membership: Vice Chair, Transportation; Education K-16; Finance; Local Government
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Royce West is a lawyer and public servant who was first elected to the Texas Senate in 1992, where he has represented the 23rd Senatorial District. During his tenure, he has been named by Texas Monthly as one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics, and he has been selected for the magazine's biennial “Ten Best Legislators in Texas” list twice, as well as receiving mention on the Associated Press' “Movers and Shakers” list and the Texas Insider's "Best Legislators" list. Senator West is Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and is a member of Senate committees: Education K-16, Finance, Local Government, and Redistricting, Special.
Senator West’s key initiatives include the creation of college admission opportunities for all students, including the establishment of the University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas' first state-supported, four-year university, the development of the UNT Dallas College of Law, and authorization for a Pharmacy school. Senator West has also increased financial aid for college students and funding for the TEXAS grants programs. Additionally, he passed legislation that created the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University, increased funding for at-risk youth programs, awarded greater compensation to victims of violent crime, established new standards for child care, enhanced enforcement of protective orders, and made better use of criminal justice resources through legislation that created a system of progressive sanctions.
Senator West is a champion for public education, including new programs that provide curriculum choices for public schools. He has promoted school and student accountability efforts, opposed A-F implementation, and fights tirelessly for more funding and educational resources for Texas school children. As one of the original authors of the Top 10% Rule that provides automatic admission to state universities for Texas high school students who graduate at the top of their classes, Senator West has continued his advocacy for the program and has successfully led efforts to oppose those who would abolish it. He also passed legislation that will allow credits earned at community colleges to be readily accepted by four-year universities.
To promote inclusiveness in the procurement practices of state agencies in working with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), Senator West created the “Doing Business Texas Style - Spot Bid Contract Fair” and regularly sponsors procurement workshops and seminars. He also instituted the D23 Goes 2 Work Job Fair in 2015, which connects employers with those seeking work.
In addition to his senatorial duties, Senator West is the managing partner in the law firm of West & Associates, L.L.P. He has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 1979. Overall, Royce West is a dedicated public servant who has used his legal skills to effect positive change in his community.
In his role as a State Senator, Royce West has used his legal skills to effect change for all Texans, by passage of impactful criminal justice, education, healthcare, economic development, and land use bills and other legislation. Royce, against stiff legislative opposition, passed Texas’ first racial profiling bill. West added transparency to police interactions with citizens through the passage of the first body camera law in Texas. His relentless determination in finding solutions to advert deadly consequences between law enforcement and citizens inspired him to pass the Community Safety Education Act (SB30). The law better defines behavioral expectations between police and citizens during their interactions, especially during traffic stops. The law was placed in the state’s driver license manual and police academies, making it mandatory study and test material.
In 1993, he created the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program to provide the college students in Senatorial District 23 the opportunity to secure and actively participate in internships that will provide them with viable employment experience in their majors or fields of interest.
He is also a caring father to his children, a grandfather and devoted husband to Carol R. West, CPA, as well as an active member of Concord Church Dallas.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0123
District Office Phone: (214) 467-0123
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Senator Royce West
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Texas Senator Representing District 20
Hometown: McAllen
Education: B.S., Pan American University; J.D., Georgetown University
Occupation: Attorney
Legislative Experience: House Member, 1981-1991, 1997-2003; Senate Member, 2003 to present
Committee Membership: Vice Chair, Finance; Border Security; Criminal Justice; Jurisprudence; Transportation
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State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa proudly represents the people of District 20. Born in McAllen, Texas, Hinojosa is the eldest of eight children. He attended Mission Independent School District schools as a child, and worked as a farm worker during his teen years. Hinojosa led the Mission Eagles football team as their quarterback, and after graduation he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hinojosa served his country with distinction in Vietnam before returning home to continue his education. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas-Pan American, where he graduated with honors, and a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
After returning to South Texas, Hinojosa served as staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Nueces County and later as an Assistant Attorney General for the Texas Attorney General. Since 1980, Hinojosa has operated a private practice in Hidalgo County representing clients in both civil and criminal matters.
Hinojosa served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1981 until 1991 and again from 1997 to 2003. During his tenure in the Texas House, Hinojosa passed landmark legislation, such as the establishment of the Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC) which promotes physician training on the Texas/Mexico Border. As the Chairman of Criminal Jurisprudence, Senator Hinojosa sponsored the Texas Fair Defense Act, reforming procedures for providing court-appointed defense counsel to indigent defendants, and carried DNA legislation that has resulted in freeing many wrongly convicted citizens.
Since his election to the Texas Senate in 2003, Senator Hinojosa has secured nearly $1 billion for the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge Replacement project and $300 million for the Pharr Interchange Project to address traffic congestion. This funding is in addition to the active $200 million in construction and maintenance projects currently being administered by the Texas Department of Transportation’s Pharr District, including the funding secured to demolish and re-construct the Bicentennial Boulevard overpass in McAllen.
During the 2013 Legislative Session, Hinojosa authored SB 24, historic legislation that created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and UTRGV School of Medicine by merging UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville. The School of Medicine is already providing greater access to healthcare and is boosting the South Texas economy. The educational and healthcare opportunities are endless and will serve the unique and critical needs of South Texas for decades to come.
Senator Hinojosa has also passed legislation to allow South Texas communities and hospitals to draw down millions of federal matching funds to expand and invest in their healthcare infrastructure and to reimburse hospitals for indigent care through a federal 1115 Healthcare Transformation Waiver.
Senator Hinojosa has received the prestigious honor of being named a "Top Ten Best Legislator" by Texas Monthly magazine three times. He has also been named a "Top Ten Legislator" by Capitol Inside three times as well.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0120
Edinburg Office Phone: (956) 318-0725
Corpus Christi Office Phone: (361) 882-0900
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Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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Texas Senator Representing District 26
Hometown: San Antonio
Education: Southern Methodist University
Occupation: Vice President, Stuart Title Guaranty; Director, Multicultural Market
Legislative Experience: House Member, 2001-2015; Senate Member, 2015 to present
Committee Membership: Administration; Business and Commerce; Education K-16; Veteran Affairs; Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, Select
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The son of immigrants, José Menéndez grew up working at his family’s small business located in San Antonio's West Side. During his term in office, Menéndez passed over 200 bills that benefited children, seniors, veterans, and San Antonio families. One of the bills, David's Law, empowers students, parents, schools, and law enforcement to combat and prevent cyberbullying. Senator Menéndez is also a strong advocate for job growth, community and business development. Along with his successful legislation, Senator Menéndez has secured millions of dollars for advancements in education, healthcare, parks, and additional funding developments, including $17 million for the Alamo Colleges.
Senator Menéndez began his public service career in 1997 when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council District 6 office, representing the city’s West Side. He was then elected to serve as State Representative for House District 124 in 2000. He was later entrusted with an appointment to the powerful Appropriations Committee where he secured millions of dollars for various crucial San Antonio initiatives. In his final session serving in the House, Menéndez was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs where he secured one of the state’s largest mental health programs for Veterans.
Senator Menéndez has distinguished himself as a commonsense problem solver, able to work with colleagues on all sides to serve the needs of Texas families. He has continued to remain committed to improving the state’s public education system, utilities and energy infrastructure, as well as housing and economic development.
Senator Menéndez received the esteemed 'Texas Municipal League Legislator of the Year Award' in 2017 which honors his outstanding efforts to empower Texans to make decisions affecting their local communities. Among his many distinguished honors, Menéndez is also the proud recipient of the Nation's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) '2017 Legislator of the Year' award; 'Leaders in Improving Mental Health Care' from the Center for Health Care Services; Texas Parent Teacher Association's (PTA) 'Legislative Honor Roll'; and 'Senator of the Year' from the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT).
Senator Menéndez graduated from Central Catholic High School before earning degrees in Business Administration and Latin American Studies at Southern Methodist University. He has been married to his best friend Cehlia Newman-Menéndez since 1995. They have three children, Dominic, Victoria, and Austin. As a father, husband and lifelong Texan, Senator Menéndez is extremely grateful to be able to serve the people of District 26 and the state of Texas.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0126
District Office Phone: (210) 733-6604
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Senator José Menéndez
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Texas Senator Representing District 13
Hometown: Houston
Education: B.S., Sam Houston State University
Occupation: Insurance and Real Estate Developer
Legislative Experience: House Member, 2007-2017; Senate Member, 2017 to present
Committee Membership: Criminal Justice; Health and Human Services; Nominations; Transportation
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A lifelong resident of Houston, Senator Borris L. Miles was elected to the Texas Senate in 2016 after serving four terms in the Texas House. Miles is a successful businessman and developer, owning one of the largest insurance agencies in Texas.
A fighter for the people, Senator Miles’ legislative milestones include securing over $8 billion in federal funding to provide primary healthcare services to low-income Texans, passing legislation to give second chances to individuals by making it easier to seal their juvenile records, securing $44 million to create the Miles Ahead Scholars program to help underserved minority male youth the opportunity to go to college, creating economic development opportunity districts and strengthening the laws on group homes, protecting the most vulnerable like our seniors and people with disabilities who depend on these facilities.
For his work, Miles has received recognitions, including being named “Legislator of the Year” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, "Star of the Legislative Session" by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, "Champion of Women's Health" by Planned Parenthood, "Most Valuable Legislator" by the Texas Association of Community Schools, and "Policy Leader Award" by the Texas Association of City & County Health Officials. He has also received A+ ratings with Equality Texas and the Sierra Club.
Senator Miles' active involvement in his community is a testament to his commitment and servant leadership. Miles conceived the Hip Hop 4 HIV concert series, which was adopted by the CDC, and has given his time to organizations like the Urban League and the Houston Sickle Cell Association. Through his non-profit, the TexStars Foundation, he has awarded more than 200 scholarships to pay for the college education of African-American men and has been hosting an annual Turkey Giveaway for over 15 years, providing much-needed support to communities in need.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0113
Third Ward Office Phone: (713) 665-8322
Fifth Ward Office Phone: (713) 223-0387
Missouri City Office Phone: (281) 261-2360
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Senator Borris Miles
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Texas Senator Representing District 14
Hometown: Austin
Education: University of Texas at Austin
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2020 to present
Committee Assignments: Administration; Border Security; Nominations; Veteran Affairs
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Sarah Eckhardt is honored to have been elected the Senator for Travis County in July of 2020.
Senator Eckhardt has deep roots in Central Texas and deep commitment to improving opportunity for all Texans. After receiving an LBJ School Master of Public Affairs and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, Eckhardt worked for eight years as an Assistant Travis County Attorney. From 2006-2013 she served as Travis County Commissioner representing 300,000 people. From 2015-2020 she served as the Travis County Judge presiding over the Commissioners Court and representing 1.3 million people.
Senator Eckhardt believes that elective office is a temporary trust bestowed by the people who elect her. She values policy above politics. And she believes that government exists to assure that opportunity is within reach of every Texan. Government should be effective, efficient, fair and minimally intrusive.
Eckhardt's public service experience includes emergency response, health care, workforce and economic development, criminal justice, water policy, transportation, and budget and finance. Some of her previous accomplishments include curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in Central Texas through early and decisive region-wide orders, preserving more than 30,000 acres of green space, building a multi-county collaboration for the preservation of groundwater, maintaining a vibrant construction economy while raising safety standards for workers, establishing a Travis County Public Defender's Office, and instituting jail and arrest diversion programs that support justice and public safety.
Senator Eckhardt learned public service from her mother and father and is inspired to continue serving by her son and daughter. Her mother Nadine Eckhardt and her father Congressman Bob Eckhardt served Texas and especially the most vulnerable Texans in the halls of the State Capitol and the US Capitol. Her children Nadine and Hank inspire her daily to make Texas a better place for generations to come.
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Capitol Office Appointments Email: gwendolyn.church@senate.texas.gov
Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0114
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Senator Sarah Eckhardt
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Texas Senator Representing District 19
Hometown: San Antonio
Education: B.A., University of Texas at San Antonio; J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law
Occupation: Attorney
Legislative Experience: House Member, 2008-2021; Senate Member, 2021 to present
Committee Membership: Local Government; Veteran Affairs; Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs
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Senator Gutierrez, his wife Sarah, and their daughters Izabella and Victoria live in the Mission San Jose neighborhood. They are members of the Mission San Jose Parish and are active in a variety of community projects.
As a state representative, Gutierrez served as Chairman of the Defense and Veterans' Affairs Committee during the 85th legislative session. In the 85th legislative session, Gutierrez established the National Warrior Resiliency Center in San Antonio focusing on PTSD treatment across the state. He also successfully passed measures protecting our Texas military bases from closure during the 2017 special session. In 86th legislative session, Senator Gutierrez fought for state funding of the San Antonio State Hospital; as a result of his tireless work, San Antonio will be building a new state hospital.
During his tenure on the San Antonio City Council, Senator Gutierrez was instrumental in establishing Texas A&M University at San Antonio and securing federal resources to fund the San Antonio River project without increasing the tax burden on middle-class families and small businesses. Senator Gutierrez’ efforts led to the construction of the first library on the south side of San Antonio in more than 30 years, Mission Branch Library.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Senator Gutierrez is a 1989 graduate of Central Catholic High School. He earned his BA in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1995 and his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1998. He is the Founder and President of the Gutierrez Law Firm, specializing in immigration law.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0119
San Antonio Office Phone: (210) 532-2302
Uvalde Office Phone: (830) 278-1234
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Senator Roland Gutierrez
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Texas Senator Representing District 29
Hometown: El Paso
Education: B.A., University of Texas at El Paso
Occupation: Consultant
Legislative Experience: House Member, 2015-2021; Senate Member, 2021 to present
Committee Membership: Business and Commerce; Health and Human Services; Natural Resources; Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs; Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, Select
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Senator César J. Blanco proudly represents the people of Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves counties in the Texas Senate.
César was raised in El Paso, and after high school, he continued his family’s tradition of military service in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso and continued his public service by working for three Members of Congress representing El Paso and West Texas.
César was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2020. Senator Blanco currently serves on the distinguished Senate Committees on Business & Commerce, Health & Human Services; Natural Resources; and Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs. He is also a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus. Prior to being elected to the Texas Senate, César also served in the Texas House of Representatives for 6 years and was named a Best Legislator by Texas Monthly in his freshman session.
César has delivered for El Paso and West Texas by leading initiatives to strengthen our workforce, economy, and border communities, improving the quality of life, expanding access to healthcare, and increasing economic opportunities in the region.
During the 88th Legislative session, Senator Blanco championed legislation to expand SNAP food assistance for Texas families, increase access to quality healthcare, provide farmers and ranchers financial assistance for property damage, promote environmental protections, and deliver economic relief for working families.
For his work in the 88th Legislative Session, Senator Blanco earned several accolades and recognitions, including the Public Education Champion Award from Raise Your Hand Texas, the 2023 Legislative Equity Champion by Dia De La Mujer Latina, the Hunger Leadership Award from Feeding Texas, the Legislator of the Year recognition from Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP), the Trailblazers Legislative Award from The Family Place, the Distinguished Legislative Service Award from Habitat for Humanity Texas, and the 2023 AARP Texas Legislative Champion Award from AARP to name a few.
Senator Blanco is active in the community as a member of the American Legion, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Rio Grande Council of Governments (RCOG), the Medical Center of Americas (MCA), and Secretary of National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund Board of Directors. César lives in El Paso with his wife Lili, his daughter Amelia, and their dogs Lulu and Skipper (Skip).
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0129
El Paso Office Phone: (915) 577-0029
Fort Stockton Office Phone: (432) 336-2910
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Senator César Blanco
Senator Taylor Rehmet
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Texas Senator Representing District 9
Hometown: Garland
Occupation: Aerospace Machinist
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2026 to present
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Senator Taylor Rehmet is a veteran, machinist, and union leader, bringing his working-class background to the Texas Senate. He is focused on increasing workers’ rights and pay, strengthening public schools, lowering healthcare costs, expanding small business support, and protecting senior citizens and retirees, all to deliver a more affordable Texas.
Born and raised in Garland, Texas, Senator Rehmet grew up in a household defined by hard work and dedication. His father was an aircraft mechanic and his mother a hairstylist, instilling in him the values of responsibility and service. Upon completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
After his military service, Senator Rehmet returned home and began his career as an aerospace machinist, applying the technical skills he developed in uniform. His observations of the shop floor’s challenges led him to union organizing, where he currently serves as president of both his local and state chapters of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). In these roles, he advocates for safer workplaces, fair wages and meaningful representation for working Texans.
Outside the Capitol, Senator Rehmet is known for keeping life simple and spending time with family and neighbors, staying connected to the community that raised him, and taking walks with his French Bulldog, Samson.
Senator Rehmet’s public service is grounded in the belief that government should be responsive, practical, and accountable to the people it serves. He continues to work with community leaders, educators, businesses, and labor organizations to strengthen economic opportunity and improve quality of life across Senate District 9 and the State of Texas. -
Capitol Office Phone: (512) 563-0109
District Office Phone: (682) 516-6009
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Texas Senator Representing District 15
Hometown: Houston
Education: BSN, University of Texas at Austin; MSN/MPH Johns Hopkins Universities School of Nursing and Public Health
Occupation: Emergency Room Nurse
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2024 to present
Committee Membership: Administration; Health and Human Services; Local Government
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Molly Cook is a sixth-generation Texan, born and raised in the Houston area. She is a registered nurse and grassroots organizer. She earned her nursing degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her dual nursing and public health graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. As an emergency room nurse and grassroots organizer, Molly advocated for the health and safety of her neighbors, and she is honored to continue that work from the Texas Senate. Molly’s community advocacy helped pass a citizen-driven amendment to the City of Houston charter, and she has been recognized by the Houston Chronicle as one of Houston’s transportation leaders. Molly is a harpist, multi-modal transportation enthusiast, and certified yoga instructor. She is the proud custodian of her senior rescue chihuahua, Oso.
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Capitol Office Phone: (512) 463-0115
District Office Phone: (713) 864-8701
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