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Royce West
1993 - Present
2029
32
Royce West (Democratic Party) is a member of the Texas State Senate, representing District 23. He assumed office in 1993. His current term ends on January 9, 2029.
West (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Texas State Senate to represent District 23. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
West received a B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington, going on to earn a master's degree there as well. He also holds a law degree from the University of Houston.[1]
In addition to serving as a member of the Senate, West is a managing partner at the law firm of West and Associates, L.L.P.[1][2]
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023-2024
West was assigned to the following committees:
- Committee of the Whole Senate
- Education Committee
- Finance Committee
- Local Government Committee
- Special Committee on Redistricting
- Senate Transportation Committee, Vice Chair
2021-2022
West was assigned to the following committees:
- Education Committee
- Finance Committee
- Senate Higher Education Committee, Vice chair
- Senate Transportation Committee
2019-2020
West was assigned to the following committees:
- Education Committee
- Finance Committee
- Senate Higher Education Committee, Vice-Chair
- Senate Transportation Committee
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Administration |
| • Education |
| • Finance |
| • Higher Education, Vice chair |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, West served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Administration |
| • Education |
| • Finance |
| • Higher Education, Vice-Chair |
2013-2014
In the 2013-2014 legislative session, West served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Education |
| • Finance |
| • Health & Human Services |
| • Higher Education |
| • Jurisprudence, Chair |
| • Joint Committee on Oversight of Higher Ed Governance, Excellence & Transparency |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, West served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Intergovernmental Relations, Chair |
| • Education |
| • Finance |
| • Health & Human Services |
| • Higher Education |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, West served on the following Texas Senate committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Intergovernmental Relations |
| • Education |
| • Finance |
| • Higher Education |
| • Health & Human Services |
Noteworthy events
Police body cam legislation
In 2014, West authored Senate Bill 158, which funds Texas law enforcement agencies to purchase body-worn cameras ("body cams"). The bill would require all law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy for the use of the body cams and train officers to determine when the camera should be activated or deactivated. At a press conference of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and organizations, West detailed the bill, stating, "I think the biggest issue is that of the actual policy. Then there are concerns related to privacy. SB158 protects the privacy rights of victims and witnesses of crimes. The bill has provisions that address the preservation of video evidence and also looks to protect the rights of police officers. I want to put together a statewide task force with law-enforcement officers, civil-rights representatives and the community so we can develop a strong policy."[3] It is estimated that it would cost between $50 million and $70 million to provide the body cams.[3]
In 2001, State Senator West introduced a bill that provided $18.5 million in Texas state funding to purchase in-car/dashboard cameras to be used by patrol cars across the state.[3]
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2024
See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for Texas State Senate District 23
Incumbent Royce West won election in the general election for Texas State Senate District 23 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Royce West (D) | 100.0 | 253,413 |
| Total votes: 253,413 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23
Incumbent Royce West advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Royce West | 100.0 | 54,893 |
| Total votes: 54,893 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
West received the following endorsements.
2022
See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2022
General election
The general election was canceled. Incumbent Royce West won election in the general election for Texas State Senate District 23.
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23
Incumbent Royce West advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23 on March 1, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Royce West | 100.0 | 63,371 |
| Total votes: 63,371 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Telisa Moore (R)
Campaign finance
2020
See also: United States Senate election in Texas, 2020
United States Senate election in Texas, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)
United States Senate election in Texas, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Texas
Incumbent John Cornyn defeated Mary Jennings Hegar, Kerry McKennon, David B. Collins, and Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla in the general election for U.S. Senate Texas on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | John Cornyn (R) | 53.5 | 5,962,983 |
 | Mary Jennings Hegar (D) | 43.9 | 4,888,764 | |
 | Kerry McKennon (L) | 1.9 | 209,722 | |
 | David B. Collins (G) | 0.7 | 81,893 | |
 | Ricardo Turullols-Bonilla (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 678 | |
| Total votes: 11,144,040 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Arjun Srinivasan (Independent)
- Cedric Jefferson (People Over Politics Party)
- James Brumley (The Human Rights Party)
- Tim Smith (Independent)
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for U.S. Senate Texas
Mary Jennings Hegar defeated Royce West in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. Senate Texas on July 14, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mary Jennings Hegar | 52.2 | 502,516 |
| Royce West | 47.8 | 459,457 | |
| Total votes: 961,973 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mary Jennings Hegar | 22.3 | 417,160 |
| ✔ | | Royce West | 14.7 | 274,074 |
 | Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez | 13.2 | 246,659 | |
 | Annie Garcia | 10.3 | 191,900 | |
 | Amanda Edwards | 10.1 | 189,624 | |
 | Chris Bell | 8.5 | 159,751 | |
 | Sema Hernandez | 7.4 | 137,892 | |
 | Michael Cooper | 4.9 | 92,463 | |
 | Victor Harris | 3.2 | 59,710 | |
 | Adrian Ocegueda | 2.2 | 41,566 | |
 | Jack Daniel Foster Jr. | 1.7 | 31,718 | |
 | D.R. Hunter | 1.4 | 26,902 | |
| Total votes: 1,869,419 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Love III (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas
Incumbent John Cornyn defeated Dwayne Stovall, Mark Yancey, John Castro, and Virgil Bierschwale in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Texas on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Cornyn | 76.0 | 1,470,669 |
 | Dwayne Stovall | 11.9 | 231,104 | |
 | Mark Yancey | 6.5 | 124,864 | |
 | John Castro | 4.5 | 86,916 | |
 | Virgil Bierschwale | 1.1 | 20,494 | |
| Total votes: 1,934,047 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Green convention
Green convention for U.S. Senate Texas
David B. Collins advanced from the Green convention for U.S. Senate Texas on April 18, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | David B. Collins (G) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas
Kerry McKennon advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Texas on August 3, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Kerry McKennon (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
2018
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Texas State Senate District 23
Incumbent Royce West won election in the general election for Texas State Senate District 23 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Royce West (D) | 100.0 | 192,148 |
| Total votes: 192,148 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23
Incumbent Royce West advanced from the Democratic primary for Texas State Senate District 23 on March 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Royce West | 100.0 | 50,226 |
| Total votes: 50,226 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2014
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2014
Elections for 15 of the 31 seats in the Texas State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on March 4, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was December 9, 2013. Incumbent Royce West was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while John Lawson was unopposed in the Republican primary. West defeated Lawson and Libertarian Jonathan Erhardt in the general election.[4][5][6][7]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Royce West Incumbent |
79.4% | 99,102 | |
| Republican | John Lawson | 18.8% | 23,520 | |
| Libertarian | Jonathan Erhardt | 1.8% | 2,204 | |
| Total Votes | 124,826 | |||
2012
- See also: Texas State Senate elections, 2012
West ran in the 2012 election for Texas State Senate, District 23. West ran unopposed in the May 29 primary election and defeated John Lawson (R) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[8]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Royce West Incumbent |
81.9% | 187,407 | |
| Republican | John Lawson | 18.1% | 41,429 | |
| Total Votes | 228,836 | |||
2008
On Nov. 4, 2008, West won election to the 23rd District seat in the Texas State Senate, defeating opponent Jim Renfro.[8]
West raised $992,608 for his campaign while Renfro raised $0.[9]
| Texas State Senate, District 23 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Royce West (D)
|
176,451 | 92.40% | ||
| Jim Renfro (L) | 14,503 | 7.59% | ||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Royce West did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
2022
Royce West did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Royce West did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
West's campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Healthcare We must stand together, as a nation, and say that healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege reserved for only those who can afford it. That’s why, for decades, in the Texas Senate, I have fought to expand Medicaid to our most vulnerable neighbors. No matter your circumstance, our nation benefits from healthy and productive people. I sponsored a bill in 2018 to expand Medicaid eligibility to our military heroes. Veterans and their families have earned high-quality healthcare, but we must do better, and take action to help cover the over 40 million Americans without coverage. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a monumental step for the American healthcare system, but it didn’t go far enough. Costs are still too high, and patients had limited options for doctors. Texas left millions without coverage by refusing Medicaid expansion. That’s why we need to invest in making the ACA work for everybody–this needs to be a funding priority in 2020. We need to ensure that everyone who wants to enroll in the ACA can do so, without forcing others to forfeit their employer sponsored insurance. Healthcare, like reproductive freedom, must be a choice. While we work to ensure affordable, quality healthcare for all people–it is imperative that mental health services don’t fall through the cracks. We must continue educating people on the importance of mental health and include those services with basic healthcare packages. Introducing the importance of mental health to our children is a clear step we must take as a country. I authored multiple bills in the Texas Senate to not only include mental health services in our schools, but to also add mental health care as part of our curriculum. We have to look at the full person, body and mind, when discussing the future of the American healthcare system. As your next Senator, I will face this healthcare crisis head on and fight to ensure every Texan receives the affordable care we all deserve. Education – Higher Education When students feel more burdened by their education than empowered, that is a big problem. Tuition is too high and student loan interest rates make it nearly impossible to even pay off your debt. We must offer debt relief programs for the millions of Texans who are unable to invest in buying a home or vehicle due to the burden of their debt. We need to invest in Community Colleges, offering free tuition for low income students. The path from a Community College into a 4-year institution is complicated and uneven, and it is imperative to make that pathway easier to navigate for students. I truly believe that everyone deserves the best education, and I’ve fought for 30 years for access to a high-quality education. I was instrumental in bringing the University of North Texas to southern Dallas, so people could get a 4-year degree close to home. I also worked tirelessly to create the UNT School of Law in Downtown Dallas – the cities first and only public law school. These institutions are going to transform lives and the community Education – K-12 In the Texas state legislature, and in the voting booth, Democrats have put pressure on Republicans to finally do the right thing and pour more funding into our children’s public education. Finally, after years of fighting, Republicans tried to placate things by passing an overhaul. It’s a good start, but don’t be fooled—we have to stay on top of this issue. For years, politicians talked about the achievement gap and how to close it, but every time we went back to session, the gap stayed the same. So, the state, spearheaded by educators, especially teachers and Democratic legislators, decided to invest political capital at the polls and prioritize education. You know what, it worked! One of the things we did was make sure funding followed our low-income students. Money would be given to schools based on the number of low-income students in attendance. We also invested in our teachers. We passed a statewide pay increase for teachers to ease the burden they face. Teacher’s shouldn’t worry about paying for their own school supplies out of pocket. Texas is starting to move in the right direction, but there is still a lot more we can do. And, it is crucial that education remains a funding priority to ensure the investment we made last year continues forward. Women's Rights Any issue involving a woman’s healthcare is between her and her doctor, and that’s where we need to leave it. In 2013, State Senator Wendy Davis gave an iconic 10-hour filibuster in pink sneakers to fight for women’s reproductive freedom in Texas. I was honored to be standing beside her that day on the Senate floor in support of her filibuster. That day, we won the battle, and I am dedicated to continuing this fight in Washington, where Roe vs. Wade is under attack, and the continued appointment of anti-choice Supreme Court Justices could result in a catastrophic blow to women’s reproductive freedom. I will take this fight from the Texas State Senate floor to the United States Senate floor. Gun Violence Our loved ones are being killed. Students are scared to go to school. This isn’t a “should we” question anymore, this is an absolute undeniable must. This must be addressed. My position on gun reform has been clear for over 30 years. In the 1990’s I authored bills on both universal background checks and an assault weapons ban. Since the 90’s, I have remained consistent in my unwavering belief that we must regulate deadly weapons. I support universal background checks, banning weapons of war, red flag laws, and limiting magazine capacity. We need brave legislators in Washington to take on the NRA, and my record proves that I’m the best candidate to do that. Economy & Jobs Hard working Texans deserve a living wage, and should not have to live paycheck to paycheck. I fully support a $15 federal minimum wage and I have fought for legislation to raise the minimum wage in Texas. With the staggering increase in income inequality, a single parent has to work 2 or 3 jobs just to afford putting food on the table. This country can afford to pay workers a dignified, living wage. To combat income inequality, we also need to make banking available to low income families without making interest rates so high that they continue the cycle of poverty. We must end predatory lending practices and safeguard well-intentioned borrowers who are trying to make their lives better. Together, we must elect leaders to Washington who will ensure we have an economy that works for all of us — not just big banks and corporations. Immigration Our immigration system is broken, and President Trump has used it as a divisive hot-button issue to play to racism and bigotry. This presidential administration has thrown our immigration policies into total chaos — to the point where we are violating international human rights laws. Children do not belong in cages, families must stay together, and we must immediately address the humanitarian crisis going on at the border. Our border needs more resources, like judges who can expedite hearings for asylum seekers. But let’s remember that people seek asylum because they are fleeing violence and war. We must take a proactive approach and work with Mexico and Central America in order to stop citizens from fleeing their homes. We must solve the humanitarian crisis at our border, while also investing in technology and infrastructure to keep them secure. Climate Change Beyond that, we have to end our dependence on fossil fuels and utilize renewable energy. As a nation, we are not investing nearly enough in clean energy solutions. We have the technology to invigorate the solar and wind industries, which would create thousands of jobs across the country and aid our environment. When we make energy decisions going forward, we must think of how it will impact both the environment and economy. Criminal Justice Felony convictions for nonviolent drug crimes, criminal profiling, and excessive force by law enforcement disproportionately affects the black and brown communities. It is time to look at redefining the use of deadly force to better protect the officer and citizen. We must pass federal legislation to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, end private for-profit prisons, promote rehabilitation centers, and put support systems in place for former inmates who are shut out of opportunities. In Texas, we are on the heels of several tragic deaths of black Americans by the police force, which occurs all too frequently to families across our country. We must seek justice—there is no other option. We must hold our police departments accountable for misconduct and excessive force; and bring in independent investigators to reexamine the use of deadly force and foster an environment that prioritizes de-escalation tactics. I have a long record of fighting for criminal justice reform and putting measures in place to hold law enforcement accountable. In the Texas State Senate, I authored groundbreaking legislation for body cameras and dashboard cameras in police vehicles. Fairness in the criminal justice system is not a new issue but continues to evade resolution. We must look for new approaches that will bring about trust and accountability, while maintaining community safety. Protecting Democracy Lawmakers and government institutions, for decades, have been working to systematically undercut voter access for millions of Americans, disproportionately affecting minority communities. Federally, we must take whatever steps necessary to ensure that every person has the opportunity and access to the voting booth. Voter equity means strengthening automatic voter registration, making Election Day a national holiday, increasing the number of polling places, and reversing all of the discriminatory Voter ID laws. Voting rights has been one of my top priorities in the Texas State Senate and I have worked for decades to ensure all Texans, regardless of background, are given their right to vote. I am proud to be one of the leaders in the Senate loudly advocating for voter rights, and arguing against ploys for voter suppression—that is how we protect our democracy. LGBTQ+ Rights The systems of oppression built against the LGTQ+ community must be dismantled, and that starts with repealing dangerous policies that attacks same-sex couples and transgender Americans. First, as a nation, we must pass The Equality Act and unequivocally say that discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and access to public goods and services is illegal. LGBTQ+ folks must have the freedom to live openly without fear of prejudice, so Congress needs to pass legislation to end the exclusion of sexual and gender identity as a protected class under Title VII and Title IX. Furthermore, Congress must take action to immediately end the Trump Administration’s blatant transphobic policies. Our military service men and women are heroes and deserve our respect and gratitude—no matter how they identify. As a society, we cannot exclude courageous and honorable individuals, and Trump’s transgender military ban does just that.[10][11] |
” |
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Texas scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show]. |
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In 2024, the Texas State Legislature was not in session. |
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Texas State Legislature was in session from January 10 to May 29.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Texas State Legislature was not in session. |
2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Texas State Legislature was in session from January 12 to May 31.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Texas State Legislature was not in session. |
2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Texas State Legislature was in its 86th legislative session from January 8 through May 27.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Texas State Legislature was in its 85th legislative session from January 10 through May 29. A special session was held from July 18 to August 15.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Texas State Legislature was in its 84th legislative session from January 13 through June 1.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Texas State Legislature was in its 83rd legislative session from January 8 through May 27. Thirty minutes after the regular session ended, Governor Rick Perry called legislators back for a special session starting that evening.[12] Two additional called sessions were held from July 1 through July 30 and July 30 through August 5.[13]
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2011
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show]. |
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In 2011, the Texas State Legislature was in its 82nd legislative session from January 11 through May 30. A special session was called for May 31 through June 29.[13]
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Recognitions
Texas Monthly named West one of the 25 most powerful politicians in the state of Texas and one of the "Ten Best Legislators in Texas." In 2005, West was also named one of the key players of the Legislature in The Associated Press' "Movers and Shakers" list.
In April 2006, West was sworn in by Senate colleagues to serve as president pro tempore of the Texas Senate, a position lasting until January of 2007.
Noteworthy events
Legal fees and conflict of interest
In March 2007, "Unfair Park," The Dallas Oberver blog, reported that West had received nearly $2.5 million from the Dallas Independent School District during a five-year period. The payment was said to be for legal advising that the senator provided to the school district.[14]
In January 2009, "Unfair Park" also reported that West had received $3.8 million from DISD between October 2002 and October 2008, all of it for legal counsel.[14]
West was also criticized following a report by the news website Texas Watchdog that his law firm earned nearly $1 million in 2008 from public-sector clients who could benefit from his position in the legislature.[15]
West said, "I tell people all the time, 'When you come into this office, you're seeing me as an attorney.'"[15]
West omitted some of those clients on the ethics forms filed annually with the state of Texas. The law requires legislators to disclose any fee they have received from either a lobbyist or an entity who employs a registered lobbyist in Austin. West amended his 2008 and 2009 forms following the report by Texas Watchdog.[15]
West sponsored a plan in March 2009 that would make public contracts easier to enlarge without going before school boards. The plan could have applied to West's legal work for the Dallas Independent School District if his firm used a document called a "change order" to amend its contract, the news website Texas Watchdog reported. Another official told the website that it is rare for lawyers to use change orders to add on to their contracts. The measure failed to make it out of Senate committee.[15]
2016 Democratic National Convention
West was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Texas.[16] West was one of 29 superdelegates from Texas. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. West supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.[17] Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president on July 26, 2016.[18]
What is a superdelegate?
Superdelegates in 2016 were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.[19]
Texas primary results
- See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2016
Hillary Clinton won the Texas Democratic primary election. Polls from late February 2016 showed her with a thirty point lead over her opponent Bernie Sanders. Exit poll data compiled by CNN shows that Clinton outperformed Sanders with both men and women in Texas, winning 56 percent and 65 percent respectively. Clinton also won over non-white voters. Latino voters, who made up 28 percent of the Democratic electorate, supported Clinton by 67 percent. She won 80 percent of black voters.[20]
| Texas Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | Delegates | |
|
Hillary Clinton |
65.2% | 936,004 | 147 | |
| Bernie Sanders | 33.2% | 476,547 | 75 | |
| Roque De La Fuente | 0.6% | 8,429 | 0 | |
| Calvin Hawes | 0.1% | 2,017 | 0 | |
| Keith Judd | 0.2% | 2,569 | 0 | |
| Star Locke | 0.1% | 1,711 | 0 | |
| Martin O'Malley | 0.4% | 5,364 | 0 | |
| Willie Wilson | 0.2% | 3,254 | 0 | |
| Totals | 1,435,895 | 222 | ||
| Source: Texas Secretary of State and CNN | ||||
Delegate allocation
Texas had 251 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 222 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.[21][22]
Twenty-nine party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.[21][23]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
West and his wife, Carol, have seven children.[2]
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Texas State Senate District 23 |
Officeholder Texas State Senate District 23 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Senate of Texas, "Senator Royce West: District 23," accessed September 11, 2015
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedbio - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Focus Daily News, "West seeks support for police body cams," December 22, 2014
- ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed December 2, 2014
- ↑ Green Party of Texas, "Greens Release Candidate List," accessed July 26, 2014
- ↑ The Libertarian Party of Texas, "2014 Texas Senate Candidates List," accessed July 26, 2014
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Election Brackets," accessed May 5, 2014
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 Candidate funds," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ Royce West's 2020 campaign website, "Issues," accessed February 10, 2020
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ kten.com, "Texas Lawmakers To Tackle Redistricting In Special Session," May 29, 2013
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Legislative reference Library of Texas, "Texas Legislative Sessions and Years," accessed June 13, 2014
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Dallas Observer, "West Banks $3.8 million from DISD," January 8, 2009
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Texas Watchdog, "State Sen. Royce West's firm earned $1M from public agencies, many aided by his legislation," May 21, 2009
- ↑ Ballotpedia's list of superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention is based on our own research and lists provided by the Democratic National Committee to Vox.com in February 2016 and May 2016. If you think we made an error in identifying superdelegates, please send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑ Valley Central, “The List: 90 Texas Democrats endorse Hillary Clinton,” October 19, 2015
- ↑ To find out which candidate a superdelegate supported, Ballotpedia sought out public statements from the superdelegate in other media outlets and on social media. If we were unable to find a public statement that clearly articulated which candidate the superdelegate supported at the national convention, we listed that superdelegate as "unknown." If you believe we made an error in identifying which candidate a superdelegate supported, please email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
- ↑ Congressional Research Service, "The Presidential Nominating Process and the National Party Conventions, 2016: Frequently Asked Questions," December 30, 2015
- ↑ CNN, "Texas Exit Polls," March 1, 2016
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Democratic National Committee, "2016 Democratic National Convention Delegate/Alternate Allocation," updated February 19, 2016
- ↑ The Green Papers, "2016 Democratic Convention," accessed May 7, 2021
- ↑ Democratic National Committee's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection, "Unpledged Delegates -- By State," May 27, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Texas State Senate District 23 1993-Present |
Succeeded by - |
