Joe Straus
Joe Straus is a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 121. He was first elected to the chamber in a special election in February 2005. Straus served as speaker of the House. His five terms as Texas House speaker was tied for the longest tenure ever in that position.[1]
On October 25, 2017, Straus announced that he would not run for re-election in 2018.[2] In his announcement on Facebook, Straus said that he had accomplished what he set out to do when he first ran for election. He stated that he would be looking to find different ways to contribute to the state.[3]
Support for or opposition to Straus during his tenure as speaker was a key issue in the 2018 state legislative Republican primaries. To read more about the conflict between opposing Republican factions and how Straus involved himself in the primaries, click here.
Biography
Straus earned his B.A. in political science from Vanderbilt University. He worked as deputy director of business liaison and assistant to the commissioner of customs for the United States Department of Commerce. He served as a member of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center Advisory Board, San Antonio Zoological Society Board of Directors, Southwest School of Art and Craft Advisory Board, South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Advisory Board, Texas Nature Conservancy Board of Directors, Winston School Board of Directors, and member of National Financial Partners.[4][5]
Committee assignments
2015 legislative session
Note: As Speaker of the House, Straus was not assigned to any standing committee.
2013-2014
Note: As Speaker of the House, Straus was not assigned to any standing committee.
Issues
2011 speaker race
Straus was elected Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives for a second term at the start of the 82nd legislative session on January 11, 2010 in a 132-15 vote. The lead up to the speaker vote was a hot and heavily covered political issue in Texas, but finished anticlimactically. Ken Paxton of District 70 and Warren Chisum of District 88 challenged Straus for the speaker seat by calling his conservative principles into question and promising leadership that more closely reflected the conservative Republican majority. While the rhetoric remained high amongst conservative activists and a handful of representatives right until the vote, both Chisum and Paxton dropped out of the race prior to the formal vote after it was overwhelmingly apparent Straus would keep his speaker seat.[6]
A showdown between Republican conservatives and moderates had been brewing since the day Joe Straus grabbed the gavel from Tom Craddick in 2009 in a move that soured conservatives across Texas. Straus had long been accused of being a RINO (Republican In Name Only). This perception amongst many Texas conservatives was at the heart of the tensions in the 2011 Speaker race. As evidence for their case Straus' opponents pointed to the fact the he became Speaker with just 11 moderate Republican votes and 65 Democrats.[7] Opponents also placed blame with Straus for the failure of pet conservative legislation during his first term as Speaker, such as voter identification and requiring women to view a sonogram before receiving an abortion.[8]
In response to these claims Straus pointed out that the makeup of the House was much different in 2009 when Republicans held only a slight 76-74 majority over Democrats. Straus, and his supporters contended that such across the aisle cooperation was required to effectively lead in the political environment of the time. Straus maintained that his commitment to conservative principles was unwavering. Supporters pointed to his work with conservative groups and donations to conservative causes in response to the repeated RINO allegations.[9]
Water infrastructure reform
Straus expressed strong support for the referendum issue Proposition 6. The measure was approved overwhelmingly, 73.4 to 26.6 percent. Proposition 6 will withdraw $2 billion out of the state's rainy day fund, which is growing by roughly $2 billion per year due to oil and gas industry growth, and invest those $2 billion in the state's water infrastructure. At a "State of Water" event rallying support for Proposition 6, Straus noted that, "Water is essential for life. Nothing’s as important as water, fundamentally."[10][11]
University of Texas investigations
 |
After he was appointed in 2011, University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall began looking into what he believed to be clout scandals within the University of Texas system. Hall investigated the university's forgivable-loans program and admissions policies and preferential treatment to politically-connected individuals.[12] Hall, as an individual citizen, filed FOIA requests with the University system after his inquiries via his role as a Regent were rebuffed.[13] According to his accusers, Hall filed requests of more than 800,000 pages, which some Texas administrators called an unnecessary burden.[14][15] However, a letter from University chancellor Francisco Cigarroa in February 2014 said that Hall likely requested fewer than 100,000 pages.[16][17] In addition, Cigarroa wrote: "During testimony before the Select Committee, some early witnesses implied that the U.T. System has not protected the privacy rights of students, staff, and patients. This is simply not true."[18]
An effort was begun in June 2013 to try and impeach Hall from his position as regent. On June 24, 2013, State House representative Jim Pitts (R) filed a resolution to advance along impeachment proceedings of Hall by the select committee.[19] However, Straus issued a proclamation that expanded the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, allowing it to investigate a possible impeachment. Some legislators are justifying the impeachment on the grounds that Hall did not disclose several lawsuits that he was involved in when he originally completed his Regent background check. Hall updated Governor Rick Perry's office in April 2013 with the full list.[20][21] No unelected official in Texas has ever been successfully impeached or removed from office.[22] Governor of Texas Rick Perry's spokesperson said the investigations send a "chilling message" to gubernatorial appointees.[23] He added that the investigation was "extraordinary political theater."[24] Texas state legislators have never previously tried to remove an appointed official. Only two elected officials in the history of Texas have ever been successfully impeached.[25][26]
In November 2013, committee member Trey Martinez Fischer submitted a request indicating a desire to look at Hall's personal computers, iPads and smartphones as part of the investigation. "we must consider forensic examination of the personal or professional electronic communications of the regents in order to ensure compliance with the law," Fischer wrote in a letter to committee attorney Rusty Hardin.[27]
At a November 12, 2013 meeting, the committee issued a subpoena for Hall to appear on December 10. However, legislators quickly rescinded the subpoena, since no meeting was scheduled until December 18. Legislators also voted to issue subpoenas to University of Texas Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and University of Texas, Austin President Bill Powers to appear at the December 18, 2013 meeting.[28][29][30][31]
In late November 2013, Governor Rick Perry and Straus sent letters to gubernatorial appointees to address the impeachment trial. Perry's letter explained the importance of oversight of state agencies by gubernatorial appointees. In his letter, Straus agreed with Perry and wrote, "both board members and the Legislature need to ask difficult questions."[32][33][34][35][36]
In a July 2014 op-ed, the Wall Street Journal commented that Powers' resignation would bring more attention and scrutiny to the political favoritism scandals at the University of Texas. According to a University of Texas investigation, Straus wrote seven letters to Powers seeking special attention for applicants.[37]
Censure vote
Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014 vote passed 6-1 to censure Hall, possibly bringing a close to the more than year-long process.[38][39] In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas Rick Perry issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying the regent acted in the best interest of Texas "in the face of withering personal attacks."[40]
Kroll Associates report
In February 2015, an independent report by Kroll Associates, commissioned by the Regents Board, confirmed a "pattern of special treatment for well-connected applicants to UT." While the report did not show evidence of any quid pro quo, it did show that "extra acceptances were extended every year to accommodate special cases" and that the "President’s Office ordered applicants admitted over the objection of the Admissions Office." It added that "efforts were made to minimize paper trails and written lists" during the process." The Wall Street Journal wrote that the report should "should put an end" to the concerns over Hall's clout investigations.[41]
Sponsored legislation
81st Legislature (2009-2010)
- HB 122 - Relating to the use of certain court costs in a criminal case for municipal programs enhancing public safety and security.
- HB 135 - Relating to the elimination of straight-party voting.
- HB 346 - Relating to the refund of the sales taxes imposed on real property repair and remodeling services for certain energy efficient facilities.
- HB 347 - Relating to the establishment of railroad quiet zones outside the boundaries of certain municipalities.
- HCR 123 - Honoring the recipients of the 2009 Texas Medal of Arts Awards.
- HR 4 - In memory of Dulcenea Maria "Nellie" Munoz of Georgetown.
- HR 498 - Congratulating Alan W. Dreeben of San Antonio on his receipt of the Chairman's Award from the Texas State University System.
- HR 1139 - Congratulating Dr. Lee E. Henderson on the occasion of his retirement from Prairie View A&M University.
- HR 1279 - Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille and recognizing the Braille Revival League of Texas.
- HR 2261 - Congratulating Representative Norma Chavez on her graduation from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2009.
- HR 2416 - Commemorating the baptism of Ella Rachel Drai of Houston.[42]
Elections
2016
Elections for the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on March 1, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was December 14, 2015.[43]
Incumbent Joe Straus ran unopposed in the Texas House of Representatives District 121 general election.[44]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 121 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Joe Straus Incumbent (unopposed) |
100.00% | 56,970 | |
| Total Votes | 56,970 | |||
| Source: Texas Secretary of State | ||||
Incumbent Joe Straus defeated Jeff Judson and Sheila Bean in the Texas House of Representatives District 121 Republican Primary.[45][46]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 121 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Joe Straus Incumbent |
60.24% | 15,741 | |
| Republican | Jeff Judson | 28.45% | 7,435 | |
| Republican | Sheila Bean | 11.31% | 2,956 | |
| Total Votes | 26,132 | |||
Primary
- Main article: Notable Texas primaries, 2016
Judson received key endorsements from the following state conservative groups:[47]
- Texas Right to Life
- Texas Values Action
- Conservative Republicans of Texas
- Texas Home School Coalition Association
- Texas Eagle Forum
- Concerned Women for America
Bean's website did not list any endorsements. Straus's website showed individual endorsements rather than group endorsements. Straus was endorsed by the San Antonio Express-News.[48][49][50]
Judson challenged Straus from the right, saying Straus had not governed as a conservative. "I’m a true conservative, and I think Joe campaigns as a Republican but governs like a Democrat," said Judson. Straus spoke favorably about his record on tax cuts, budget transparency, and job growth. Bean said she was the best candidate because of her "conservative principles and experience as a classroom teacher and small business owner."[51][52]
According to Governing.com, a total of $8 million was spent on the races of Straus and the three members of his leadership team, including Rep. Byron Cook, who won his primary race, and Reps. Marsha Farney and Debbie Riddle, who lost their primary races.[53]
2014
Elections for all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. Those candidates who did not receive 50 percent or more of the vote in their party primary on March 4 faced an additional May 27 primary runoff. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Joe Straus defeated Matt Beebe in the Republican primary. Straus defeated Jeff Carruthers (L) in the general election.[54][55][56]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Joe Straus Incumbent |
82.1% | 33,845 | |
| Libertarian | Jeff Carruthers | 17.9% | 7,381 | |
| Total Votes | 41,226 | |||
2012
Straus won re-election in the 2012 election for Texas House of Representatives, District 121. Straus defeated Matt Beebe in the May 29 primary election and defeated Arthur M. Thomas, IV (L) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[57]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Joe Straus Incumbent |
80.2% | 50,530 | |
| Libertarian | Arthur Thomas IV | 19.8% | 12,444 | |
| Total Votes | 62,974 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Joe Straus Incumbent |
62.9% | 10,366 |
| Matt Beebe | 37.1% | 6,109 |
| Total Votes | 16,475 | |
2010
Straus won re-election in District 121. He was unopposed in the March 2 Republican primary and defeated Libertarian Barry Allison in the November 2 general election.[57]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 121 2010 General election results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Joe Straus (R)
|
32,713 | 100% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Straus won re-election to the Texas House of Representatives from the 121st District, receiving 44,472 votes ahead of Libertarian Arthur Thomas IV (11,380).[57] He raised $378,593 for his campaign.[58]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 121 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Joe Straus (R)
|
44,472 | 79.62% | ||
| Arthur M. Thomas, IV | 11,380 | 20.37% | ||
Campaign themes
2014
Straus' website highlighted the following campaign themes:[59]
Respectful Leadership
- Excerpt: "At a time when the most divisive voices seem to dominate politics, Joe Straus sets a different, respectful tone. He works to bring people together and get things done. He’s a principled, effective leader who gets results, and we can all be proud to have him representing us."
Fiscal Conservative
- Excerpt: "Joe Straus is a strong fiscal conservative who has repeatedly led the Texas House to approve balanced budgets, reduce taxes and protect a healthy Rainy Day Fund. He’s one of the few legislators ever to lead efforts to abolish a tax, saving taxpayers roughly $200 million a year thanks to his passage of legislation that abolished the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund tax once it had served its purpose."
Education First
- Excerpt: "As a legislator and a father, Joe knows that the education of the next generation is critical to Texas’ future. He has repeatedly led the House to prioritize public education and higher education in the state budget. Joe also understands that improving education is about more than money. Under his leadership in 2013, the House reduced the burden of excessive testing in public schools, giving educators more flexibility to meet their students’ individual needs."
Jobs & Economy
- Excerpt: "Joe Straus is a champion of policies that encourage job creation and economic growth. He knows that it’s the small business owners, entrepreneurs and private sector that create jobs – not government – so he works to keep the tax burden low and state laws and regulations fair and reasonable. He’s focused on improving statewide economic development efforts and attracting more high-paying manufacturing jobs to Texas."
2012
Straus' website highlighted the following campaign themes:
Respectful Leadership
- Excerpt: "At a time when the most divisive voices seem to dominate politics, Joe Straus sets a different, respectful tone. He works to bring people together and get things done. He’s a principled, effective leader who gets results, and we can all be proud to have him representing us."
Fiscal Conservative
- Excerpt: "Joe Straus is a strong fiscal conservative who most recently led the Texas House of Representatives to balance the State budget by cutting more than $14 billion in spending instead of raising taxes. He’s one of the few Legislators ever to lead efforts to abolish a tax, saving taxpayers roughly $200 million a year thanks to his passage of legislation that abolished the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund tax once it had served its purpose."
Education First
- Excerpt: "At a time when other areas of the budget were getting fewer dollars, Joe made public schools a top priority. Although legislators were not able to fully fund the existing formulas for enrollment growth, they did provide additional funds to our public schools at a time when many other areas lost dollars."
Jobs & Economy
- Excerpt: "Joe Straus is a champion of policies that encourage job creation and economic growth. He knows that it’s the small business owners, entrepreneurs and private sector that create jobs – not government – so he works to keep the tax burden low and state laws and regulations fair and reasonable. He’s focused on improving statewide economic development efforts and attracting more high-paying manufacturing jobs to Texas."
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2018
In 2018, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session.
2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Texas State Legislature was in its 85th legislative session from January 10 through May 29. A special session was held from July 18 to August 15.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Texas State Legislature was in its 84th legislative session from January 13 through June 1.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Texas State Legislature was in its 83rd legislative session from January 8 through May 27. Thirty minutes after the regular session ended, Governor Rick Perry called legislators back for a special session starting that evening.[60] Two additional called sessions were held from July 1 through July 30 and July 30 through August 5.[61]
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2011
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show]. |
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In 2011, the Texas State Legislature was in its 82nd legislative session from January 11 through May 30. A special session was called for May 31 through June 29.[61]
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Endorsements
2016 presidential endorsement
✓ Straus endorsed Jeb Bush for the Republican primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[62]
- See also: Endorsements for Jeb Bush
2012 presidential endorsement
Joe Straus endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.[63]
2014
In 2014, Straus' endorsements included the following:[64]
- American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas
- Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
- Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (PAC)
- Texas Association of Business
- Texas Association of REALTORS®
Noteworthy events
Censure resolution
On January 27, 2018, the Texas Republican Executive Committee voted 44-19 for a resolution to censure Straus due to his opposition to items on Gov. Greg Abbott's agenda in the 2017 special session. Chairman James Dickey and Vice Chairwoman Amy Clark supported the censure resolution, which needed a two-thirds vote (43 yeas) in order to pass.[65]
The censure resolution, which came from Bexar County, said that Straus "has abused the power of his office and his authority as speaker to usurp the power of the people’s duly elected representatives of the Texas House of Representatives, obstructed the agenda of Governor Abbott, and, taken more than three actions during this current biennium that are in opposition to the core principles of the Republican Party of Texas."[66]
After the vote, Dickey said, “Please know, we do not do this lightly, and it does not necessarily reflect any personal opinion on particular details in this discussion. This is us being committed to supporting the convention, the delegates, Republican voters across Texas in unifying our Party to move forward.”[67]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Straus and his wife, Julie, have two children.[5]
See also
- Texas State Legislature
- Texas House of Representatives
- Texas House of Representatives Committees
- Texas Joint Committees
- Texas state legislative districts
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Official campaign website
- Profile from Open States
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign Contributions: 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006
- Freedom Speaks profile (Archive)
- Joe Straus on Facebook
- Joe Straus on Twitter
- Profile from Texas State Directory
- Biography from Texas Tribune
- Profile from Vote-TX.org
- Profile from State Surge
Footnotes
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Will Straus become Texas' longest-serving House speaker? 7 things to keep in mind," May 28, 2017
- ↑ Dallas News, "Texas House Speaker Joe Straus says record five terms 'is enough,' he won't seek re-election," October 25, 2017
- ↑ Facebook, "Speaker Joe Straus," accessed October 25, 2017
- ↑ Project Vote Smart - Rep. Straus
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed February 25, 2014
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Straus formally voted speaker," January 11, 2010
- ↑ 'Houston Chronicle, "2 Texas House members jump to GOP," December 14, 2010
- ↑ The Statesman, "Non-Texans take interest in House speaker's race" January 4th, 2011
- ↑ Texas Insider, "Speaker's race update," December 1, 2010
- ↑ YourHoustonNews.com, "Speaker Straus, GHP discuss ‘State of Water’ in Texas," September 30, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Texas Voters Approve Nine Constitutional Amendments," November 6, 2013
- ↑ American Spectator, "Transparency for Thee," October 25, 2013
- ↑ Daily Texas Online, "Facing impeachment, Regent Wallace Hall defends actions in debate with Sen. Kirk Watson," September 28, 2013
- ↑ Daily Texas Online, "Former UT System vice chancellor alleges Regent Wallace Hall’s ‘clear intent to get rid of Bill Powers’," October 24, 2013
- ↑ Dallas Morning News, "UT regent sought 800,000 documents, official says in impeachment hearing," October 22, 2013
- ↑ Watchdog, "‘Witch hunt’ fallout: Speaker calls for narrower public records law," February 5, 2014
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "UT System Responds to Transparency Committee Directives," February 3, 2014
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Cigarroa letter to the Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations," February 1, 2014
- ↑ Alcalde, "Pitts Files Resolution to Impeach UT Regent Wallace Hall," June 24, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "UT Regent Wallace Hall Updates Lawsuit Disclosures," April 30, 2013
- ↑ Real Clear Policy, "The Campaign Against Wallace Hall," August 15, 2013
- ↑ News-Journal, "University of Texas regent not worried by impeachment inquiry," September 9, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Transparency Committee to Mull Impeachment of UT Regent," June 25, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Perry Blasts Impeachment Probe of Wallace Hall," October 30, 2013
- ↑ Texas Public Radio, "UT Regent Wallace Hall Will Testify In Impeachment Hearing," November 13, 2013
- ↑ Texas State House Committees, "Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee Members," accessed October 31, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Lawmaker Eyes Access to UT Regents' Computers," November 4, 2013
- ↑ San Francisco Chronicle, "Texas House subpoenas Hall, but then recalls it," November 12, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "UT System Lawyer: Hall May Have Shared Private Info," November 12, 2013
- ↑ Austin American Statesman, "UT Regent Wallace Hall might have broken privacy laws, panel members suggest," November 12, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Committee Recalls Subpoena for UT Regent Hall," November 12, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Perry, Straus reach out to appointees amid Hall inquiry," December 21, 2013
- ↑ Daily Caller, "Texas tries to topple higher-ed transparency," November 21, 2013
- ↑ Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "Perry calls regent impeachment “political theater”," October 30, 2013
- ↑ Lubbock Online, "Perry, Straus Reach Out to Appointees Amid Hall Inquiry," December 22, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Letter from Rick Perry to Appointees," November 22, 2013
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, "Texas Admissions Brawl," July 9, 2014
- ↑ Dallas Morning News, "Panel censures but doesn’t impeach UT Regent Wallace Hall," August 11, 2014
- ↑ Austin American-Statesman, "Panel censures UT Regent Wallace L. Hall Jr.," August 11, 2014
- ↑ Your Houston News, "Statement by Gov. Perry on UT Regent Wallace Hall," August 11, 2014
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, "Texas Admissions Rumble," February 12, 2015
- ↑ Texas Legislature, "Bills Authored/Joint Authored by Rep. Straus," accessed May 27, 2014
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Important 2016 Election Dates," accessed December 14, 2015
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 General Election," accessed December 2, 2016
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 March Primary Election Candidate Filings by County," accessed August 22, 2016
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History results," accessed August 22, 2016
- ↑ Jeff Judson, "Endorsements," accessed February 22, 2016
- ↑ Joe Straus Republican State Representative, "SAEN Endorses Joe Straus," accessed February 23, 2016
- ↑ Joe Straus, "Endorsement Map," accessed February 22, 2016
- ↑ Sheila Bean, "Home Page," accessed February 22, 2016
- ↑ Texas Public Radio, "HD 121 Candidates Attempt To Persuade Voters On First Day Of Primaries," February 16, 2016
- ↑ KSAT, "GOP District 121 House race heating up," February 17, 2016
- ↑ Governing.com, "The Week in Politics: Super Tuesday Results You May Have Missed," March 4, 2016
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current ELECTION HISTORY," accessed December 2, 2014
- ↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Representative Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 30, 2014
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 Candidate funds," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ jostraus.org, "Issues," accessed February 12, 2014
- ↑ kten.com, "Texas Lawmakers To Tackle Redistricting In Special Session," May 29, 2013
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 Legislative reference Library of Texas, "Texas Legislative Sessions and Years," accessed June 13, 2014
- ↑ Jeb!2016, "Jeb Announces Initial Texas Leadership Committee," November 9, 2015
- ↑ KETK, "Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus endorses Romney," February 21, 2012
- ↑ Joe Straus Republican State Representative, "Joe Straus Endorsed by Diverse Coalition of Business, Industry and Law Enforcement Organizations," accessed February 25, 2014
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Texas Republican executive committee censures House Speaker Joe Straus," January 27, 2018
- ↑ Texas Republican Party, "BEXAR COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESOLUTION TO CENSURE JOSEPH R. STRAUS, III," accessed January 31, 2018
- ↑ Texas Republican Party, "SREC Concurs in Resolution Censuring Joe Straus," January 29, 2018
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