Occupation: Attorney
Education: Texas Tech University, B.S.; Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D
Legislative Experience: House Member, 1993 - 1996; Senate Member, 1997 - present
Hometown: Lubbock
Party: Republican

Senator Robert Duncan is known in the Texas Senate and his community for his tireless work ethic, keen understanding of complicated policy and stellar reputation.

Senator Duncan is a lifelong West Texan. Before calling Lubbock home, he was raised in Vernon, Texas. He is the only son of five children born to Frank L. Duncan and Robena Formby Duncan.

The will to serve others and make a difference influenced Senator Duncan at a young age. While completing his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University, he served as Student Body President. Senator Duncan went on to receive his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law.

He was elected to District 84 in the Texas House in 1992. In 1996 he won a special election to the Texas Senate. During his more than two decades in the Texas Legislature, Senator Duncan has crafted major legislation impacting: water rights; healthcare transparency and affordability; the integrity of public investment funds; public and higher education; eminent domain; and the efficiency and effectiveness of our civil justice system.

Each legislative session since 1999, Senator Duncan has served on the Senate Finance Committee. He has routinely compounded that victory for West Texas by earning a coveted seat on the budget conference committee, which hashes out the final appropriations bill.

Since 2004, Senator Duncan has served as chairman of the State Affairs Committee. This committee addresses crucial statewide issues impacting all Texans. He was elected and served as president pro tempore of the Texas Senate during the 81st Legislative Session. Senator Duncan is also a member of the Natural Resources Committee, the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Education.

Senator Duncan's efforts in the Senate have been highlighted by honors based on his work ethic, legislative accomplishments and leadership. Texas Monthly has five times named him among the state's 10 best legislators. It has also listed him as a "Texas Super Lawyer" for his professional reputation in the private sector as a Partner at Crenshaw, Dupree and Milam. Senator Duncan is married to the former Terri Patterson. He has two children Lindsey, a public school teacher, and Mathew, a student at Texas Tech.

 View the 2006 TRS Active and Retired Member Survey - (146 KB, PDF)

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2013 | 2011 | 2009 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003]

May 8, 2013
Legislation Designed to Make the TRS Fund Actuarially Sound Passes Texas Senate

April 18, 2013
Sen. Duncan Named to State Budget Conference Committee

January 18, 2013
Sen. Duncan Retains Chairmanship, Expands Membership to Senate Education Committee

September 28, 2011
Voters' Guide 2011

June 29, 2011
Sen. Duncan Releases Statement on Sanctuary Cities Legislation

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Office Information

83rd Session Committee Membership

• State Affairs — Chair
• Education
• Finance
• Higher Education
• Natural Resources
• Joint Committee on Oversight of Higher Education Governance, Excellence & Transparency
• Redistricting, Select

District Analysis: District 28

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District Profile: Population, Households, Education, Employment, Income and Analysis Population Analysis Precinct and Districts Cities and Census Designated Places School Districts General Election Analysis