On Monday, Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), the longest-serving Republican member of the Texas Senate and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that she will not seek re-election in 2022. Nelson has served in the Senate since first being elected in 1992, and she has chaired several powerful committees, including Senate Finance for the past four sessions.
While Senator Nelson will still be at the helm during the consideration of appropriations for the upcoming special sessions, we will have a new Chair of the Finance Committee in 2023. Nelson's retirement could also set several other seat changes in motion, as there are likely several members of the Texas House who may run for that seat in the Senate (and you can't run for two seats on the same ballot).
Other announced retirements from legislators (so far) include:
- Senator Dawn Buckingham (R-Lakeway) (who is seeking another position)
- Rep. James White (R-Hillister) (who is seeking another position)
- Rep. John Turner (D-Dallas)