Sen. Judith Zaffirini files for re-election

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, makes a bid for re-election as the state senator for the newly redistricted District 21 that now expands from Bexar County, the Wintergarden area, and the Texas-Mexico border to Karnes County and San Patricio County.

"My goal is to continue to work hard for the families of SD 21," Zaffirini said. "Ranking at least fifth in seniority in the Texas Senate will be a real asset in continuing to champion the needs and interests of our 17-county district, especially when coupled with my record of accomplishment."

Elected in 1986 from a field of four Democrats and two Republicans, Senator Zaffirini was re-elected with two-to-one margins and carried every county in the district in 1990, 1994, 1996 and 2000. She was unopposed in the post-redistricting 1992 election.

"The strong bipartisan support that resulted in this success reflects our unity of purpose," Zaffirini said. "My pledge is to continue to build on our teamwork in resolving local issues and to prioritize faith and family in doing what is best for the families of our district and of our great state."

Known for her high standards and work ethic, Senator Zaffirini has career-long 100 percent attendance and 100 percent voting records, having cast 26,168 consecutive votes. She has passed 419 bills, including reforming Medicaid, welfare, nursing homes and adoption; immunizing Texas children; and increasing access to excellence in education and especially higher education, which is her passion. She focuses on family issues, particularly those that impact the very young, the very old, and persons with disabilities.

A member of the Senate Finance Committee, Zaffirini also was appointed four times to the Appropriations Conference Committee, which writes the last draft of the state's budget, by Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff and by the late Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock. This year Lt. Gov. Ratliff also appointed her Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Health Services and Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

Recently named "Champion of Children" and again to Texas Monthly’s "10 Best Texas Legislators" list, Zaffirini has earned more than 400 awards and honors for her public service and professional and civic accomplishments.

Zaffirini is the owner of Zaffirini Communications. She and Carlos Zaffirini have one son, Carlos Jr., a student at the UT School of Business and Monterrey Tech.