Sen. Joan Huffman, Ex-Officio

Senator Joan Huffman started her career as a public servant in 1981. Upon earning her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, she became a secretary for the Harris County District Attorney's office. It was there that she became inspired by the work of prosecutors and decided to attend law school. She took night classes at South Texas College of Law while working full time.

Upon earning her law degree, Senator Huffman was hired as a prosecutor and advanced from misdemeanor court to Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force. She served as lead prosecutor in over 100 jury trials, including murders, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies, and sexual assaults of children. Senator Huffman earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law both as a prosecutor and a twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court.

Senator Huffman was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2008 after winning a special election to fill the vacated office of Senate District 17 and has been twice re-elected. Her background and knowledge on various topics has allowed for her to serve on several key committees which impact the overall operation and efficiency of state government. Senator Huffman chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, the Special Senate Committee on Redistricting, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.