News Summary
Senator Judith Zaffirini celebrated her 75,000th consecutive vote at the State Capitol in Austin, setting a national and state record. Fellow Senators honored her dedication to public service with tributes. Zaffirini has passed 1,401 bills in her nearly four decades of service. Her career has been marked by impactful policymaking and a commitment to serving Senate District 21. Her recent recognition as the first female Dean of the Texas Senate underscores her role as a trailblazer in Texas politics.
Austin, Texas
On May 15, 2025, Senator Judith Zaffirini from District 21 celebrated her remarkable achievement of casting her 75,000th consecutive vote at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas. This milestone sets both a national and state record for the most consecutive votes ever cast by a legislator, a testament to her dedication to public service.
The celebration included a presentation of an inscribed gavel and flowers from her fellow Senate members, who gathered to honor her historic accomplishment. Zaffirini’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of nearly four decades of impactful policymaking, during which she has passed a remarkable 1,401 bills.
During the event, Zaffirini emphasized that her record belongs not only to her but also to the families of Senate District 21. Their needs and interests have consistently guided her every decision at the Capitol. Senators Carol Alvarado and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa congratulated Zaffirini, underscoring the unprecedented nature of her extensive voting record, which highlights her commitment to her constituents.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick presented Zaffirini with the gavel, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the state of Texas. She made headlines previously by becoming the first woman Dean of the Texas Senate on December 31, 2023, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer among Texas lawmakers.
Background on Judith Zaffirini
Senator Zaffirini is one of only seven women to have served as a senator in Texas, amidst a total of 954 male senators across 89 legislatures. She currently holds the role of Vice Chair on several key Senate Committees, including Business and Commerce, Finance, State Affairs, and Natural Resources. Additionally, she has appointments to the Texas Judicial Council and the Texas Access to Justice Commission, reflecting her active involvement in significant legislative issues.
Throughout her career, Zaffirini’s legislative agenda has focused on major areas impacting Texans, including education, health care, infrastructure, and access to justice. This legislative session, she has successfully secured approval for 62 out of 203 bills filed, with eight bills passed by both the Senate and House and sent to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval.
Legacy and Recognition
Zaffirini first assumed office in 1987 and recently secured re-election in 2022, obtaining 61% of the vote. Her lasting legacy is further emphasized by the numerous institutions and infrastructures named in her honor, including the Justice Center in Webb County, which is notable for being the first state courthouse dedicated to a woman. A significant renovation project for the Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Justice Center is set to commence in June 2025, with a budget exceeding $6 million.
Senator Zaffirini’s impressive record of service and her commitment to advancing the needs of her community position her as a key figure in Texas politics. Her achievements not only highlight her individual dedication but also serve as a beacon of public service for future generations of Texas lawmakers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- LMT Online
- Wikipedia: Judith Zaffirini
- Texas Border Business
- Google Search: Judith Zaffirini
- Texas Border Business
- Google Scholar: Judith Zaffirini
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judith Zaffirini
- LMT Online
- Google News: Judith Zaffirini
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
