State Senate Candidates
If you want to learn more about them check these out! Know before you go!
What Counties they represent and their District number
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About the Texas State Senate
The Texas State Legislature consists of an upper chamber which is the Senate the lower chamber the Texas House of Representatives, which together form the legislative branch of the Texas State government. It works alongside the governor of Texas to create laws and establish a state budget. It’s Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Members of the Texas State Senate serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits. One-half of the Senate membership is elected every two years in even-numbered years, with the exception that all 31 Senate seats are up for election for the first legislature following the decennial census in order to reflect the newly redrawn districts. After the initial election, the Senate is divided by lot into two classes, with one class having a re-election after two years and the other having a re-election after four years. Texas legislators assume office at the beginning of the legislative session (January).
Qualifications
A U.S. Citizen, 26 years old before the general election, A five-year resident of Texas before the general election, A district resident for 1 year prior to the general election
Salaries
7,200 a year, $221 per day, set by the ethics commission
Pension
Average pension is $17,526 per year. It can go up to $125,000 depending on years of service.
Current Members
https://senate.texas.gov/members.php
Source:https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_State_Senate
Texas Senate Members by District
Official Results 2022 General Election
12
19
District 1 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Harrison, Hopkins, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood
District 2 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Van Zandt
District 3 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler
District 4 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Montgomery
District 5 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Bastrop, Brazos, Freestone, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, San Jacinto, Walker, and Williamson
District 6 Carol Alvarado (i) Consultant, BA degree in Political Science from the University of Houston, Master of Business Administration. In 2008, she was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and served 5 terms representing District 145. She served as Chair of the Urban Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations. 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, 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. 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. Source: https://senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=6
Jurisdiction: Harris
District 7 Michelle Gwynn Mediator and Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar. Working small claims within the JP courts, I see how lives are affected by laws that need to be eliminated or amended. Being a State Senator requires making informed decisions that are inclusive and equitable for all. I know there is a greater need for better legislation. I want to help create those policies that work for you not against you.
https://www.gwinn4txstsenatedistrict7.org/meet-michelle
Jurisdiction: Harris, Montgomery
District 7up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Harris, Montgomery
District 8 Rachel Mello is a dedicated public servant with a passion for education and a commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Born in Bell County and proudly a seventh generation Texan, Rachel has deep roots in the Lone Star State. With a career spanning 15 years in education, Rachel has been a stalwart advocate for the power of public schools. Starting her journey as an educator in Baton Rouge, Rachel quickly became known for her unwavering dedication to providing quality education to all students. Over the years, Rachel has honed her expertise, specializing in working with students in at-risk subpopulations. This focus reflects a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support needed for academic success. After contributing to the Baton Rouge community, Rachel brought her passion for education back home to Texas. Working in a charter school in South Dallas, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by students in underserved communities and dedicated herself to creating positive change.
Source: https://www.mellofortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: Collin, Hunt, Rains
District 8 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Collin, Hunt, Rains
District 9 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Tarrant
District 10 Andy Morris bachelor's degree from Union University and a law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law. His career experience includes working as an attorney at law, actor, missionary, and worship minister. He was elected to, and served on, the City Council of Aledo, Texas before he and his wife were called to be missionaries. An immigration lawyer by trade, Andy currently works at World Relief Texas, a refugee assistance organization where Andy leads the legal department. He also maintains a private practice, where he has provided free legal representation in immigration court for clients seeking asylum from persecution in their home countries. Andy is committed to building a Texas that is a beacon of hope, justice, love, prosperity, and community.
Source: https://www.andy4texas.com/
Jurisdiction: Brown, Callahan, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens, Tarrant
District 10 up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Brown, Callahan, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens, Tarrant
District 11 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Brazoria, Harris, and Galveston
District 12 Stephanie Draper wife, mother, and small business owner who is running for State Senate in the 2024 election cycle. She has over twenty five years of business management experience, and she has worked for the Denton County Elections Department for over ten years. Her first hand experience as an election worker taught her the importance of the right to vote and the democratic process. The same commitment that led her to serve our country by carrying out its constitutionally mandated electoral process has led her to seek office and serve as a voice for ordinary, working class Texans in Austin.
Source:https://www.draperfortexas.com/about-me
Jurisdiction: Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Wise
District 12 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Wise
District 13 Borris Miles (i) up for re-election 2026 Insurance Agency Owner, Former Texas House Rep (4 terms) Miles earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminal Science from Sam Houston State University. Former police officer for the Houston ISD Police Department and began an independent insurance agency out of his home. His company, the Borris L. Miles Insurance Agency, has grown to write more than $56 million in policies and is the largest black-owned insurance agency in the state. Miles focuses on supporting other minority owned businesses, and has renovated nearby city blocks. He is active with the Urban League, the United Negro College Fund, and several other charities. Miles also found both the North Forest Scholarship and an endowment to fight sickle cell anemia.
Jurisdiction: Ft. Bend and Harris
District 14 Sarah Eckhardt (i) up for re-election 2026 Attorney, B.F.A. from New York University, LBJ School Master of Public Affairs, going on to receive her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously served two terms as Travis County Judge, where she represented 1.3 million county residents. Senator Eckhardt worked for eight years as an Assistant Travis County Attorney. She also served for eight years as a prosecutor with the Travis County District Attorney's Office. Sarah has a long list of pubic service organizations she is serving on.
Jurisdiction: Travis
District 15 Jarvis D. Johnson Run Off May 28th Native of Houston, Texas, and small business owner, Jarvis Johnson has been a steadfast leader for North Houston since 2005. First elected to serve District 139 in the Texas House of Representatives in 2016, which includes the Acres Homes, Independence Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Greater Inwood. Jarvis has championed foster care reforms, affordable housing policy, sickle cell disease care, and supported public education, teachers, and our retirees. Among Johnson’s many legislative achievements include establishing a Sickle Cell Taskforce, authorizing the Houston Land Bank in Texas Statute and expanding their ability to provide affordable housing, and expanding legal representation for foster youth, to name just a few.
Source: https://www.jarvisfortexas.com/meet-jarvis
Jurisdiction: Harris
District 15 Molly Cook Run Off May 28th Emergency room nurse with a Masters in Public Health, and a community organizer. I’ve been at the bedside taking care of patients, organizing for better transportation infrastructure, co-leading the Yes on Prop B Fair for Houston Campaign, meeting with neighbors across our district, and traveling to the Capitol to fight for our shared Democratic values. In Austin, I worked within the party and across the aisle with legislators, their staff, and countless organizations to lobby for and even write legislation. At home, I created shared resources and presented throughout the district to help SD 15 residents access the Texas Legislature. I helped neighbors get to and from the Capitol, navigate the process, and–for some–give their first ever public comments.
Source: https://www.mollyfortexas.com/about-molly-cook
Jurisdiction: Harris
District 16 Nathan Johnson (i) Attorney, Johnson graduated magna cum laude with a degree in physics from the University of Arizona, and earned his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He practices law in the Trial Practice Group at the law firm of Thompson & Knight. He has also composed music for the classical concert stage and scored the hit television series Dragon Ball Z.
Jurisdiction: Dallas
District 17 Kathy Cheng B.S. from Louisiana State University - Shreveport in 1995 and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2000. Cheng’s career experience includes working as a managing member of Cheng & Associates, her own law practice. She has volunteered with the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area. She was born in Taiwan.
Jurisdiction: Brazoria, Colorado, Ft. Bend, Harris, Jackson, Matagoda, Waller, and Wharton
District 17 up for re-election 2024
Jurisdiction: Brazoria, Colorado, Ft. Bend, Harris, Jackson, Matagoda, Waller, and Wharton
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District 20 Juan Hinojosa (i) up for re-election 2026 Attorney, House of Representatives 1981-1990, Senator 2002-present. B-U of Texas Pan American, J.D. from Georgetown University. In High School he was the football team's quarterback, and after graduation he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. After service 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.
Jurisdiction: Brooks, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, and Nueces
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District 21 Judith Zaffirini (i) up for re-election 2026 Zaffirini has Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. She also studied at Laredo Community College and the University of Houston. She is the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Senate, the second highest-ranking senator, and the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator. She has worked as a teacher in higher education for over 13 years. She has been honored by the South Texas Press Association for her work in journalism. She owns her own business, Zaffirini Communications. Zaffirini has been recognized for her near perfect attendance in session. She served as vice-chair of the Texas Democratic Party from 1984-1986, prior to making a (successful) run for the Democratic Party nomination for state Senate in 1986. Her legendary work ethic is reflected in her 100 percent voting record, having cast 67,923 consecutive votes, and her perfect attendance in the Texas Senate since 1987, except for breaking quorum deliberately to prevent an untimely re-redistricting that the U.S. Supreme Court (2006) ruled violated the Voting Rights Act and disenfranchised voters in SD 21. She has sponsored and passed 1,262 bills and 38 substantive resolutions. Showing her bipartisan effectiveness, in the 2021 Republican-dominated Texas Legislature she passed 106 bills, passing more bills than any other legislator for the fourth consecutive legislative session. What's more, she has passed more bills than any other legislator in the history of the State of Texas.
Jurisdiction: Bexar, Caldwell, Dimmit, Duval, Guadalupe, Hays, Jim Hogg, Karnes, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Starr, Travis, Webb, Wilson, and Zapata
District 22 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, McLennan, Somerville, and Tarrant
District 23 Royce West (i) up for re-election 2026 Attorney,University of Texas at Arlington, B.A., M.A.; University of Houston, J.D.Senator West has been named by Texas Monthly as one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics, been selected for the magazine's biennial “Ten Best Legislators in Texas” list, and has twice been named as an “Honorable Mention.” Senator West has also received mention on the Associated Press' “Movers and Shakers” list, as well as the Texas Insider's "Best Legislators" list. Senator West served on the World Travel & Tourism Council Dallas Host Committee for the 2016 Global Summit. Senator West has been appointed to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families.
Source: https://senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=23 Jurisdiction:: Dallas, Tarrant
District 24 up for re-election in 2026
Jurisdiction:: Atascosa, Bandera, Bell, Burnet, Coryell, Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, Lampasas, Llano, Medina, Sutton, and Williamson
District 25 Merri Fox up for re-election 2026 Dr. Fox earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1992, majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in biology; a Master’s degree in 2003 from Texas State University in Education Administration; and a Ph.D. from Northcentral University in 2018 with a focus on Educational Leadership. During her tenure as a public school principal, all three of her campuses were rated as ‘Recognized’ or ‘A’ schools under the Texas school accountability system. In 2009, she was selected by Raise Your Hand Texas, a non-partisan organization that advocates for public education, to attend a Summer Institute at the Principals’ Center at Harvard. In 2018, she was selected to serve as a Principal Advocacy Fellow for the 86th legislative session. Dr. Merrie Fox is a veteran educator, having worked in public schools for 31 years as a teacher and campus principal. After retiring in June 2023, she now works as the Executive Director for Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels.
Source: https://drmerriefox.org/about
Jurisdiction: Bexar, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, and Travis
District 25 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Bexar, Blanco, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, and Travis
District 26 Jose Menendez (i) up for re-election 2026 BA-SMU, Commerical Marketing Exec., VP of Stewart Title Guaranty, Director Mulitcultureal Market. Prior to the Senate he represented the 124th District in the Texas House of Representatives between 2000 and 2015. 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.
Jurisdiction:: Bexar
District 27 Morgan Lamantia up for re-election 2026 Attorney, Morgan LaMantia is part of the next generation of leadership in the family business that supports over 1,200 jobs across Texas and beyond. Morgan heads up data analytics and serves as In-House Counsel, carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, Joe LaMantia, of building opportunities through hard work and giving back to the community. That's why Morgan started a health care initiative to give their employees free access to a doctor and health education to manage chronic diseases like diabetes. And when PPE supplies were scarce in the early stages of the pandemic, Morgan worked the supply chain to ensure all employees had the safety equipment they needed to keep themselves and their families safe. Not your typical politician — she believes in getting things done. Morgan earned her business degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law.
Jurisdiction: Bee, Cameron, Hildalgo, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Nueces
District 28 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Baylor, Childress, Coleman, Collingsworth, Concho, Cottle, Crosby, Dickens, Donley, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hale, Hardeman, Haskell, Hockley, Jones, Kent, King, Knox, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Mills, Motley, Nolan, Runnels, San Saba, Stonewall, Taylor,Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Wheeler, Wichita, and Wilbarger
District 29 Cesar Blanco (i) up for re-election 2026 Navy Veteran, B-UT El Paso, Worked for Congress members before being elected to District 29. In the Texas House, César has delivered as a strong champion for El Paso by leading initiatives to improve access to healthcare, strengthen our workforce, local economy, and border communities while also improving the quality of life and increasing economic opportunities for all Texans. He has also led efforts to expand mental health resources for veterans, rein in rising prescription drug prices, increase oversight over border security, and deliver historic public school funding.For his record of fighting for veterans’ education opportunities and border communities, Texas Monthly named him one of the best legislators in Texas.
Jurisdiction: Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Peco, Presidio, Reeves
District 30 Michael Braxton Run Off May 28 He is the owner of Braxton’s Barbershop in Denison, Texas and the pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church. Michael Braxton Sr. has graduated from barber school and also graduated from Southern Bible Institute of Dallas, Texas. He is a generous and compassionate person in the community. He has been a leader over 15 churches as a zone leader and just recently he was moderator over 30 churches 2018-2022. He has the type of experience dealing with people and supporting their needs and fighting for their well being with different organizations. Michael Braxton Sr. served on the caucus for president Obama in 2008 in Austin Texas. He is motivational speaker and volunteers for what is needed in the community.
Source: https://mbraxtonsrtxstatesenate.com/about.html
Jurisdiction: Archer, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Grayson, Jack, Montague, Parker, Wichita, and Young
District 30 Dale Frey Run Off May 28 Bachelor's degree from George Mason University in 2010. His career experience includes working as a web developer. Frey has been affiliated with the Department of Education, General Services Administration (GSA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Frisco Democratic Club, and the Denton County Democratic Party (Precinct Chair for Denton-2085) Graduating from GMU, it was an honor to have my first job out of college working in the headquarters of the Department of Education in Washington DC. He has worked with various government agencies from GSA, to the U.S. Geological Survey, to NOAA. And currently am assigned to a web development position where I support scientists and technical writers reporting on climate change and its effects on our environment, farming, and economy.
Sources: https://ballotpedia.org/Dale_Frey, https://freyfortexas.com/
Jurisdiction: Archer, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Grayson, Jack, Montague, Parker, Wichita, and Young
District 30 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction: Archer, Clay, Collin, Cooke, Denton, Grayson, Jack, Montague, Parker, Wichita, and Young
District 31 up for re-election 2026
Jurisdiction:: Andrews, Armstrong, Bailey, Borden, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Cochran, Coke, Crane, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Howard, Hutchinson, Irion, Lipscomb, Loving, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Reagan, Roberts, Schleicher, Scurry, Sherman, Sterling, Swisher, U-ton, Ward, Winkler, and Yoakum