Occupation: Communications Specialist; 13 years of teaching experience
Education: The University of Texas at Austin, B.S., M.A., Ph.D.; University of Houston; Laredo Junior College
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 1987 - present
Hometown: Laredo
Party: Democrat

Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) represents the 21st Senatorial District. The second highest-ranking Texas state senator, she also is the highest-ranking woman and Hispanic senator and the highest-ranking senator for Bexar County and the border region. In 2008 she was re-elected in a seventh landslide victory with 79 percent in the primary and 68 percent in the general election. She has carried all 17 counties in the large and diverse district in every re-election, something no one else ever has accomplished.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst appointed her (2009) Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and member of the Senate Finance, Health and Human Services, Economic Development, and Administration committees. She is the first Hispanic woman in Texas to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate and as Governor for a Day. She has served three consecutive terms as Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, seven terms on the Appropriations Conference Committee, eight terms on the Senate Finance Committee, ten terms on the Senate Education Committee, and on the Legislative Budget Board since 2004.

Senator Zaffirini's legendary work ethic is reflected in her 100 percent perfect attendance in the Texas Senate since 1987, except for breaking quorum deliberately to prevent an untimely re-redistricting that the U.S. Supreme Court (2006) ruled violated the Voting Rights Act and disenfranchised voters in SD 21. Continuing her career-long 100 percent voting record, Senator Zaffirini cast her 43,387th consecutive vote in 2009. She has sponsored and passed 579 bills and 52 substantive resolutions and co-sponsored and passed another 365 bills. Her legislative priorities include improving public education, higher education, and health and human services.

Senator Zaffirini has received more than 650 awards and honors for her legislative, public service, and professional work, including more than 150 in communication. Her 2009 awards include being named among "The Best of the Legislature" by Capitol Inside, "The People's Friend" by the Texas Observer, and "Laredoan of the Year" by the Laredo Morning Times. She received the "2009 Legislative Award," League of United Latin American Citizens; "Tribute to Texas Children Award," Texas Elementary Principals and School Administrators; and "Hero Award," Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. Interestingly, she was named "Sister Judith," an Honorary Nun, by the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Industries, and "Mr. South Texas" by the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association.

Additionally, in 2009 Senator Zaffirini received 19 awards from the Press Women of Texas Association, who have recognized her communications expertise repeatedly with national and statewide awards for her publications, speeches, and public relations campaigns, including annual statewide first-place awards; and a Best in Texas Merit Award from the Texas Public Relations Association, who earlier awarded her the Silver Medal, Best of Texas, Special Event Awards for her 1997 Governor for a Day event and the Bronze Award, Best of Texas, Publications for her 20 Dozen Tips for Better Communication and Leadership Skills.

Dr. Zaffirini is an award-winning communication specialist with 13 years of teaching experience, including at the college and university levels. The South Texas Press Association honored her for her distinguished career in journalism and public service. Through her business, Zaffirini Communications, she provides professional communication services, including consulting, workshops and seminars, one-on-one coaching, keynote addresses, and writing. A distinguished communicator, educator, and leader, she holds B.S., M.A., and PhD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, each with a 3.9 grade-point average.

A lector at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and member of the Texas Philosophical Society and of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, her professional memberships include the Texas Press Women, Texas Public Relations Association, International Communication Association, Speech Communication Association, and Association for Borderlands Studies. Judith and Carlos Zaffirini have been married for 44 years. Their son, Carlos Jr., is a graduate of the UT McCombs School of Business and the UT School of Law.

Special Events

January 26, 2005: Texas Legislative Educational Forum on Stem Cell Research (video)

Newsletter

NEW: Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21 (2008-2009, pdf 3.2MB)

Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21 (2007-2008, pdf 2.8MB)

Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21 (2006-2007, pdf 3.6MB)

Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21 (2005, pdf 908kb)

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |2002 | 2001 | 1998]

August 26, 2009
Senator Zaffirini Announces New Laws Effective September 1

July 16, 2009
Senator Judith Zaffirini Hosts Operation Lone Star 2009 VIP Event

June 29, 2009
Senator Zaffirini Files Bills Providing Health Benefits for Community College and University Personnel

June 12, 2009
Senator Zaffirini Boosts Safety For Texas Children With The Passage Of A Statewide Booster Seat Law

May 29, 2009
Senator Zaffirini Passes Bill to Cover Routine Costs for Patients in Clinical Trials

[ MORE ... ]

E-Mail Form

Office Information

81st Session Committee Membership

• Higher Education - Chair
• Administration
• Economic Development
• Finance
• Health & Human Services

District Analysis: District 21

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