Estimated Time to Read: 16 minutes
As the dust settles from the 2024 General Election, the results reveal a slight shift in the political landscape of the Texas Legislature.
In the Texas Senate, Republicans have gained an additional seat in Senate District 27, adjusting the partisan breakdown to 20 Republicans and 11 Democrats. In the Texas House of Representatives, Republicans picked up two more seats in House Districts 34 and 80, creating a new balance of 88 Republicans to 62 Democrats. To see the partisan makeup of each Legislative Session over the past century, go here.
When the 89th Legislative Session opens in January 2025, it will include 3 new State Senators—almost 10% of the Senate—and 32 new State Representatives, representing over 21% of the House.
But who are these newcomers? What are their backgrounds, and what experience do they bring to the table? Below, we’ve compiled an overview of each to provide context for the fresh faces joining the Texas Legislature in 2025.
Quick-Jump
Texas Senate
SD 15
Molly Cook (D)
SD 27
Adam Hinojosa (R)
SD 30
Brent Hagenbuch (R)
Texas House of Representatives
HD 2
Brent Money (R)
HD 6
Daniel Alders (R)
HD 11
Joanne Shofner (R)
HD 12
Trey Wharton (R)
HD 14
Paul Dyson (R)
HD 18
Janis Holt (R)
HD 26
Matt Morgan (R)
HD 29
Jeffrey Barry (R)
HD 30
AJ Louderback (R)
HD 33
Katrina Pierson (R)
HD 34
Denise Villalobos (R)
HD 44
Alan Schoolcraft (R)
HD 53
Wes Virdell (R)
HD 55
Hillary Hickland (R)
HD 56
Pat Curry (R)
HD 58
Helen Kerwin (R)
HD 60
Mike Olcott (R)
HD 61
Keresa Richardson (R)
HD 62
Shelley Luther (R)
HD 64
Andy Hopper (R)
HD 65
Mitch Little (R)
HD 77
Vince Perez (D)
HD 80
Don McLaughlin Jr. (R)
HD 87
Caroline Fairly (R)
HD 91
David Lowe (R)
HD 97
John McQueeney (R)
HD 107
Linda Garcia (D)
HD 109
Aicha Davis (D)
HD 115
Cassandra Hernandez (D)
HD 121
Marc LaHood (R)
HD 58
Charlene Ward Johnson (D)
HD 60
Lauren Simmons (D)
Texas Senate
Senate District 15 – Molly Cook (D)
- Replacing: State Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) who successfully ran for Houston mayor
- Professional Experience: Emergency Room Nurse
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of Texas at Austin; Master’s Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University
- Political Experience: Community Organizer for Beto for Texas Campaign
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Harris (Part)
*State Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston) previously won a special election to fill a vacated seat for SD 15 in May 2024. Though she is the incumbent, she has not served in a regular legislative session, and for that reason was included on this list.
Senate District 27 – Adam Hinojosa (R)
- Replacing: State Sen. Morgan LaMantia (D-South Padre Island) who lost reelection in the 2024 General Election
- Professional Experience: Business Owner (Ezekiel Diamond Co., Harvest Growth Strategies, The Point of Corpus Christi Bar and Grill, Hinojosa Brothers Enterprises, and Auto Ready Used Car Dealership)
- Education: Del Mar College Regional Police Academy
- Political Experience: Previously ran for SD27 seat in 2022
- Family: Victoria (Wife) and 4 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Bee, Cameron, Hidalgo (Part), Kenedy, Kleburg, Nueces (Part), San Patricio, and Willacy
Senate District 30 – Brent Hagenbuch (R)
- Replacing: State Sen. Drew Springer (R-Muenster) who chose not to run for reelection.
- Professional Experience: CEO of Titus Transport & Owner of Giddy Up Transport
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from U.S. Naval Academy, Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford University, and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Military Experience: U.S. Navy
- Political Experience: Former Chairman of the Denton County Republican Party
- Family:
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Archer, Clay, Collin (Part), Cooke, Denton (Part), Grayson, Jack, Montague, Parker (Part), Wichita (Part), and Young
Texas House of Representatives
House District 2 – Brent Money (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Jill Dutton (R-Ben Wheeler) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Attorney & Businessman
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Law Degree from Southern Methodist University
- Political Experience: Former City Attorney for the Cities of Greenville, Quinlan, and others. Former Greenville City Councilman
- Family: Heidi (Wife) & 5 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Hopkins, Hunt, and Van Zandt
House District 6 – Daniel Alders (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Licensed Realtor & President of Drake Management Services, a Commercial Property Management Division of Drake Real Estate & Investments
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree, New Saint Andrews College
- Political Experience: Former East Texas Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Former Chairman of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
- Family: Joanna (Wife) & 2 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Smith County (Part)
House District 11 – Joanne Shofner (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Consultant / Life Coach
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel & Restuarant Management, University of Houston
- Political Experience: President of Nacogdoches County Republican Women, Member of Nacogdoches Historical Landmark Preservation Committee
- Family: David (Husband) & 7 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, and Shelby
House District 12 – Trey Wharton (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Kyle Kacal (R-College Station) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Owner, Wharton Insurance Network
- Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration-Finance Degree, Texas Christian University
- Political Experience: Board Member of Huntsville ISD School Board, Chairman of Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Huntsville Memorial Hospital Community Board of Directors
- Family: JoLynne (Wife) & 2 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Brazos (Part), Grimes, Madison, Robertson, Walker, and Washington
House District 14 – Paul Dyson (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. John Raney (R-Bryan) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Attorney, General Counsel for Dyson Energy Group & General Counsel for Infinity Water Solutions; Co-Owner of Lawyers Title Company of Brazos County
- Education: Bachelor’s of Political Science Degree, Texas A&M University; Masters of Business Administration, Texas A&M University; Juris Doctor, South Texas College of Law
- Political Experience: Former Vice-Chairman of College Station Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Vice-Chairman of Allen Academy Board of Trustees, and President of OPAS Board of Directors
- Family: Teri (Wife) & 2 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Brazos (Part)
House District 18 – Janis Holt (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Ernest Bailes (R-Shepherd) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Owner, Hi-Tech Air Purification Systems; Ranch Owner, Angus Cattle
- Political Experience: President, Silsbee ISD Board of Trustees; State Republican Executive Committeewoman for SD3; Former President of Hardin County Republican Women; Former Vice President of Finance, Campaign Activities, District Director for SD 3, Awards Chair, and Americanism Chair for Texas Federation of Republican Women Board of Directors. Former Board Member with various positions of the National Federation of Republican Women
- Family: Alton (Husband) & 4 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Hardin, Liberty, Montgomery (Part), and San Jacinto
House District 26 – Matt Morgan (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Managing Director, Morgan Elite Specialist Services (Public Insurance Adjuster)
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sam Houston State University
- Family: Jessica (Wife) & 3 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Fort Bend (Part)
House District 29 – Jeffrey Barry (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Ed Thompson (R-Pearland) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Owner, Barry Insurance Group
- Military Experience: U.S. Navy
- Political Experience: Member, Pearland City Council; Former Trustee on Pearland ISD Board of Trustees
- Family: Jessica (Wife) & 3 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Brazoria (Part)
House District 30 – AJ Louderback (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Law Enforcement Office; Former 5-term Sheriff of Jackson County
- Military Experience: U.S. Air Force
- Political Experience: Former Chairman & Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Division of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas; Executive Director of the Texas Sheriff’s Regional Alliance; Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee of the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission.
- Family: Marci (Wife) & 4 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, and Victoria
House District 33 – Katrina Pierson (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Justin Holland (R-Heath) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Communications Consultant
- Education: Associate’s Degree in Science, Kilgore College; Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, University of Texas at Dallas
- Political Experience: Former National Spokesperson for President Trump’s 2016 Campaign; Senior Advisor to Trump’s 2020 Presidential Campaign
- Family: 1 Child
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Collin (Part) & Rockwall
House District 34 – Denise Villalobos (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Project Manager, Oil & Gas Engineer
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University Kingsville; Masters Degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University
- Family: Ruben (Husband) & 1 Child
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Nueces (Part)
House District 44 – Alan Schoolcraft (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. John Kuempel (R-Seguin) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Business owner & entrepreneur
- Education: Law Degree from St. Mary’s University
- Military Experience: U.S. Air Force
- Political Experience: Former State Representative for HD 121
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Gonzalez and Guadalupe
House District 53 – Wes Virdell (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Andrew Murr (R-Junction) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Former Texas State Director, Gun Owners of America; Owner, Virdell Transport
- Education: Angelo State University; Central Texas College; Texas Tech University; and Universal Technical Institute
- Military Experience: U.S. Air Force
- Political Experience: Congressional Candidate for TX-11
- Family: Sara (Wife) & 3 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Bandera, Crane, Crockett, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Pecos, Real, Schleicher, Sutton, and Upton
House District 55 – Hillary Hickland (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Homemaker; Crisis Pregnancy Mentor
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Baylor University; Master’s Degree, Boston University
- Political Experience: Member, Central Texas Republican Women; Vice President, local Daughters of the Republic of Texas
- Family: Married with 4 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Bell (Part)
House District 56 – Pat Curry (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Owner, Ranch; Business Owner
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Texas A&M University
- Family: Alicia (Wife) & 4 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: McLennan (Part)
House District 58 – Helen Kerwin (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Retired; Former Business Owner & Entrepreneur
- Political Experience: Former Mayor of the City of Glen Rose; County Commissioner, Somervell; and Member, North Texas Council of Governments Executive Board
- Family: 3 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Johnson and Somervell
House District 60 – Mike Olcott (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Glenn Rogers (R-Graford) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Scientist
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Rhodes College; Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Kentucky; Postdoctoral Fellow, Stockholm University (Sweden) and Oregon State University
- Political Experience: Parker County Republican Precinct Chairman; Co-Founder, Parker County Conservatives; State Republican Executive Committee member.
- Family: Marika (Wife)
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Palo Pinto, Parker, and Stephens
House District 61 – Keresa Richardson (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Frederick Frazier (R-McKinney) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: CEO & President, Lawton Group, Business Owner
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Texas A&M University; Master’s Degree, Oklahoma State University
- Family: J.R. (Husband) & 3 Children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Collin (Part)
House District 62 – Shelley Luther (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Reggie Smith (R-Van Alstyne) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Business owner & former school teacher
- Political Experience: Ran for HD 62 in the 2022 Republican Primary Election unsuccessfully and ran for SD 30 Special Election in 2020 unsuccessfully
- Family: Tim (Husband)
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Delta, Fannin, Franklin, and Grayson
House District 64 – Andy Hopper (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Lynn Stucky (R-Sanger) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Software engineer, Business owner, and former Adjunct Professor at the University of North Texas
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University; Graduate degree in Computer Science from University of North Texas
- Political Experience: Ran for HD 64 in the 2022 Republican Primary Election unsuccessfully and ran for SD 30 Special Election in 2020 unsuccessfully. Co-founder of the Trinity Conservative Coalition & Wise County Conservatives
- Family: Amanda (Wife) & 3 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Denton (Part) and Wise
House District 65 – Mitch Little (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Kronda Thimesch (R-Lewisville) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Attorney
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University; Law degree from the University of Texas
- Family: Kelly (Wife) & 3 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Denton (Part)
House District 77 – Vince Perez (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Lina Ortega (D-El Paso) who chose not to run for reelection
- Political Experience: Former El Paso County Commissioner; Chairman of the El Paso MPO Transportation Policy Board, Vice Chairman of the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, and also served on the Texas Border Trade Advisory Committee.
- Family:
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: El Paso (Part)
House District 80 – Don McLaughlin Jr. (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Tracy King (D-Uvalde) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Business owner
- Political Experience: Former Mayor of the City of Uvalde
- Family: Karen (Wife) & 2 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Atascosa, Dimmit, Frio, Uvalde, Webb (Part), Zavala
House District 87 – Caroline Fairly (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo) who chose not to run for reelection
- Professional Experience: Medical negotiator at the OccuNet Company
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Abilene Christian University
- Political Experience: Worked on U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson’s campaign and in his D.C. office
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Carson, Hansford, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Potter, Sherman
House District 91 – David Lowe (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Officer in both adult and juvenile detention facilities, Police Officer
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University
- Military Experience: U.S. Army
- Political Experience: Ran for HD 91 in the 2022 Republican Primary Election unsuccessfully. Former Young Republican. Fellow, Congressional Freedom Caucus’ CPI. Former North Texas Regional Director for the Republican Party of Texas.
- Family: Married with 2 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Tarrant (Part)
House District 97 – John McQueeney (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth) who successfully ran for Texas Congressional District 12
- Professional Experience: Business owner & entrepreneur
- Education: Bachelor’s degrees in E-Business and Marketing from Texas Christian University
- Family: Katie (Wife) & 2 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Tarrant (Part)
House District 107 – Linda Garcia (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Victoria Neave-Criado (D-Dallas) who unsuccessfully ran for Texas Senate District 16
- Professional Experience: TV & Film Industry, Author
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Dallas (Part)
House District 109 – Aicha Davis (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Carl Sherman Sr. (D-DeSoto) who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate
- Professional Experience: Former teacher
- Education: Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas; Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi; Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas
- Political Experience: Member of Texas State Board of Education
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Dallas (Part)
House District 115 – Cassandra Hernandez (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) who successfully ran for Texas Congressional District 32
- Professional Experience: Attorney
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Houston’ Law degree from South Texas College of Law
- Political Experience: Commissioner on the City of Dallas Ethics Advisory Commission.
- Family: Married
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Dallas (Part)
House District 121 – Marc LaHood (R)
- Replacing: State Rep. Steve Allison (R-San Antonio) who lost reelection in the 2024 Republican Primary
- Professional Experience: Attorney
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Trinity University; Law degree from Saint Mary’s University
- Political Experience: Ran for Bexar County District Attorney unsuccessfully in 2022
- Family: Erica (Wife) & 4 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Bexar (Part)
House District 139 – Charlene Ward Johnson (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) who unsuccessfully ran for Texas Senate District 15
- Professional Experience: Manager
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Technology from the University of Houston; Masters degree in Organizational Management with a Specialization in Public Administration from the University of Arizona
- Political Experience: Houston Community College Board of Trustees
- Family: 2 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Denton (Part) and Wise
House District 146 – Lauren Simmons (D)
- Replacing: State Rep. Shawn Thierry (R-Houston) who lost reelection in the 2024 Democrat Primary before changing political parties
- Professional Experience: Organizer
- Family: Married & 2 children
- Social Media:
- District Information:
- District Map
- Counties: Harris (Part)
Texas Policy Research relies on the support of generous donors across Texas.
If you found this information helpful, please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!
