Third special session underway
Third special session underway
Howdy, Advocates!
The Third Special Session of the 87th Legislature is underway, and it's an important one for Texas A&M. This special session contains the two items we have known would be addressed — redistricting and the allocation of $16 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Find the full list of agenda items for this session here.
Both of these items have the potential to impact Texas A&M. Redistricting can greatly shape the makeup of the Texas House, Texas Senate, and the Texas delegation in the U.S. House. We work to have positive relationships with all members of these legislative bodies, regardless of party affiliation or district location, because the impact and work of Texas A&M extends far beyond the boundaries of Aggieland!
The Advocacy Network has been informed that Texas A&M may submit requests for specific funding items as part of the COVID-19 relief funds. We will keep you, our Advocates, informed of these items, especially if they result in any proposed legislation or Calls to Action. Be sure to visit our advocacy center at tx.ag/Advocate to familiarize yourself with your current representatives and to learn more about any bills or legislation that we will monitor.
In more "localized" news, The Association of Former Students was thrilled to host Aggie Ring Day on Sept. 24, when nearly 5,200 Aggies received their Rings. Be sure to check out The Association's Twitter page for pictures of Aggies celebrating this accomplishment!
Thank you for standing ready to advocate for Texas A&M and higher education. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out any time you have questions or if we can be of any assistance to you!
In the Aggie Spirit,
Miranda Henderson ’09

Election Updates


On Tuesday, Sept. 28, two special elections were held in Texas:
  • House District 118, vacated by Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio). 

    Five candidates filed for this special election. No candidate received a majority, but John Lujan (R) and Frank Ramirez (D) were the two top vote-getters, and will advance to a runoff. Read more about this election and the advancing candidates here.

  • House District 10, vacated by Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Waxahachie).

    This was a runoff special election. Texas A&M former student Brian Harrison ′04 received 55% of the vote and will be sworn into the office soon.
The election of Harrison in HD-10 will give us a new Aggie in the Texas Legislature — whoop! We are excited to welcome him and look forward to working with him for the betterment of Texas A&M.
When Harrison takes office, it will bring the number of members in Aggie Caucus up to 25 — one Senator and 24 Representatives — through the end of 2022. The 2022 elections, however, will bring some shakeups to that number. Read on for the most recent legislative retirement news.

Legislative Retirement Tracker


As of Sept. 28, the following members of the Texas House and Texas Senate have declared their intentions to not seek re-election to their current offices:
  • HD-09, Chris Paddie ’96
  • HD-13, Ben Leman
  • HD-19, James White (running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner)
  • HD-50, Celia Israel (formed exploratory committee for possible run for Austin mayor)
  • HD-61, Phil King (running for Texas Senate)
  • HD-63, Tan Parker (running for Texas Senate)
  • HD-65, Michelle Beckley ’92 (running for U.S. House)
  • HD-70, Scott Sanford
  • HD-93, Matt Krause (running for Texas Attorney General)
  • HD-114, John Turner
  • SD-12, Jane Nelson
  • SD-24, Dawn Buckingham (running for Texas Land Commissioner)
Did we miss any legislators? Let us know!
Several of the aforementioned representatives declared their intentions in light of redistricting, which is currently underway in the Texas Legislature.
Portrait of Clarence Sasser in the Texas House
Photo credit: Jordyn Steinberger '17

Medal of Honor Recipient Clarence Sasser ’73 Honored with Portrait


On Aug. 30, the Texas House of Representatives honored Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran Clarence Sasser ’73 with the dedication and unveiling of his portait in the House chamber.

Read more about this honor and find a link to the dedication of Sasser's portrait here.

ICYMI at TAMU


A roundup of the headlines from Aggieland this month:
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