Joan Huffman

Joan Huffman is a Republican state senator representing District 17 in Texas, which encompasses portions of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris, Waller, and Colorado, Jackson, Matagorda, and Wharton counties. She began her career as a public servant in 1981 and has built a distinguished record in law enforcement and public service.

Huffman started as a secretary in the Harris County District Attorney's office, where she was inspired by prosecutors' work. She earned her law degree while working full-time in night classes, then advanced through the District Attorney's office as a prosecutor, eventually serving as Chief Felony Prosecutor and Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor. She led over 100 jury trials involving serious crimes including murders, aggravated robberies, and sexual assaults.

Before entering the Texas Senate, Huffman was twice elected as a Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County, earning recognition as a fair and tough enforcer of the law. She is widely recognized as the Senate's leader in the fight against human trafficking and serves on the Board of Directors for Child Advocates.

Education

Huffman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University and her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.

Political Experience

Huffman was first elected to the Texas State Senate in 2008 and has been reelected multiple times. Her legislative positions and accomplishments include:

• Current Role: Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the Criminal Justice Committee
• Past Leadership: President Pro Tempore and former Chair of the State Affairs Committee
• Recognition: Named "89th Legislature Senator of the Year" by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, recipient of the "2024 Luminary Award" from the Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute, and the only three-time recipient of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association's "Law and Order Award"

Her seat is up for election in 2028.