Occupation: Businessman
Education: Oral Roberts University, B.S., business administration, 1977; Graduate, Harvard Business School Owner President Manager Program, 1993
Hometown: Wichita Falls
Party: Republican

Senator Estes was first elected to the State Senate in a 2001 Special Election, and then re-elected in 2002, 2004 and 2008. Senator Estes is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs as well as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. He also serves as a member of the Senate Finance, Business and Commerce and Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committees. Additionally, Senator Estes was appointed by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to serve as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, which used the 2010 census data to reapportion congressional districts as well as districts for the state legislature.

Senator Estes has also been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Southern States Biobased Alliance and to the Western States Water Council. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst appointed Senator Estes to the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference of the Council for State Governments, and the Agriculture and Energy Committee for the National Conference for State Legislators. In October 2011, Senator Estes was appointed to the Texas Rural Health and Economic Development Advisory Council by the Lieutenant Governor. Created by the 82nd Legislature, the council will make recommendations regarding the allocation of federal block grant money, establish a rural health task force and develop rural policy plans.

Senator Estes was instrumental in founding the Bioenergy Policy Council, which works to expand research and development of domestically produced alternative fuels in order to promote economic growth and reduce dependence on foreign energy. He is currently a board member on the council. Senator Estes is an Honorary Leadership Council member on America's Energy Coast, an initiative that brings together leaders from government, academia, industry and conservation to protect our rich natural assets along the Gulf Coast and respond to growing vulnerabilities in the wake of coastal land loss, degrading coastlines and recent natural and man-made disasters.

Senator Estes is a conservative man both personally and politically, and he is committed to promoting conservative principles in his role as a legislator. He serves on the Board of Directors of Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, and is co-chairman of the Economic Development Task Force.

Senator Estes represents the fifth generation from the North Texas area, and he was born and raised in Wichita Falls. Senator Estes continues to serve that community, having served on the Young Life Committee of Wichita Falls, the boards of directors of the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls, the Wichita Falls Boys & Girls Club, and the Wichita Falls Faith Mission. Senator Estes is also a Presbyterian elder.

Senator Estes and his wife Jennifer have three adult children, Abby, Andrew, and Mark, and three grandchildren, John Holt Cunningham, Charles Estes Cunningham, and Caroline Noel Estes.

Newsletter

September 1, 2011
82nd Session Capitol Update Newsletter

November 7, 2007
80th Session Capitol Update

Press Room
[ Press Archives: 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 ]

January 19, 2012
Op-Ed: Senator Estes Comments on Keystone Pipeline Permit Denial

December 12, 2011
Sen. Estes receives TFB AGFUND True Agricultural Champion award

December 5, 2011
Commissioner Staples Announces Advisory Council to Improve Quality of Life, Health Care in Rural Texas

November 3, 2011
Media Advisory: Senate Committees Hold Joint Hearing on Texas Drought and Wildfires

October 19, 2011
Notice of Office Relocation

[ MORE ... ]

Photos

Fourth graders from Dodd Elementary School, in Senator Estes' district, participated in Education in Action's "Proud to be Texan" – Austin program on January 6, 2012. Participants visited the Texas State Capitol and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to experience what they are learning in Texas History.	The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs met jointly with the Senate Committee on Natural Resources on November 1st, 2011 to hear invited testimony regarding the impact of extreme Texas drought conditions and continuous wildfires. Senator Estes chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs. (Also pictured, Senator Glenn Hegar, left)
Parker County Days held at the State Capitol on March 22, 2011. Their visit provided for an opportunity to reflect on the history and contributions of their community.	Meeting with Denton School Board and Superintendents with Senator Estes in his Capitol office.
Senate floor photo with Dr. Eidson, a practicing family physician in Weatherford, TX. Dr. Eidson graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio Medical School in 1979. He was honored as Doctor of the Day during the 82nd Legislative Session.	Senator Estes and several of his Senate colleagues, including Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst, gather together on the Senate Floor to discuss legislation.
Senator Estes meets with fellow constituents and members of the Farm Bureau.	Senator Estes joins Senator Shapiro at the "Education is our Priority" press conference held in the Senate Press Room of the Texas Capitol. The members met to address and discuss public education and the hurdles that were faced this Legislative Session. Also joining: Senators Patrick, Fraser and Nelson.
Senator Estes leads the invocation of the day before the Senate's regular order of business.	Residents of Wise County visited Austin to celebrate Wise County Day at the State Capitol on February 8, 2011. Wise County is home to a variety of recreational opportunities provided by Lake Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain Lake, and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands.
Senator Estes speaks with the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership on State Government - Issues and Policies. TALL XII includes 26 agribusiness leaders across the state and is designed to create a cadre of Texas leaders to help ensure effective understanding and encourage positive action in key issues, theories, policy and economics that will advance the agricultural industry.	Senate Floor photo with Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Senator Estes, Mayor Carl Law of Burkburnett, and Mayor Glenn Barham of Wichita Falls.
Senator Estes meets with the Krum High School Band.
Senator Estes, alongside Governor Rick Perry, reads off the names of fallen soldiers at a memorial service during Session dedicated to honoring those who served and recognizing their families.	Governor Perry signs SB 18, Senator Estes' eminent domain legislation, into law.
(click each photo to enlarge)

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Office Information

82nd Session Committee Membership

• Agriculture & Rural Affairs - Chair
• Natural Resources - Vice Chair
• Business & Commerce
• Finance
• Redistricting, Select
• Veteran Affairs & Military Installations
• Subcommittee on Public Education Funding
• Subcommittee on Public Safety
• Subcommittee on Articles VI & VII

District Analysis: District 30

Click the map to view a detailed district map in PDF format

Population and Household Education and Employment Income and Analysis Population Analysis Precinct and Districts Cities and Census Designated Places School Districts General Election Analysis