Joan Huffman

Senator Joan Huffman started her career as a public servant in 1981. Upon earning her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, she became a secretary for the Harris County District Attorney’s office. It was there that she became inspired by the work of prosecutors and decided to enroll in night classes at the South Texas College of Law while continuing to work full time. Upon earning her law degree, Joan was hired as a prosecutor and advanced from misdemeanor court to Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force. She served as lead prosecutor in over 100 jury trials, including murders, aggravated robberies, and sexual assaults of adults, and children. Senator Huffman earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law both as a prosecutor and a twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County. Senator Huffman was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2008 and has been re-elected five times. She currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, and as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and the Legislative Budget Board. Senator Huffman’s pragmatic approach to problem-solving has allowed her to effectively represent her district and Texans. Her leadership has earned recognition from various advocacy and public safety organizations.