John Whitmire

John Whitmire

Full Name: John H. Whitmire

Terms of Service top

Chamber District Dates of Service Legislatures Party City/County Note Counties in District
S 15 Jan 10, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 88th (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (88th)   Harris
S 15 Jan 8, 2019 - Jan 10, 2023 87th   86th   87th   86th   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (87th)
Dean of the Senate. (86th)  
Harris
S 15 Jan 13, 2015 - Jan 8, 2019 85th   84th   85th   84th   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (85th)
Dean of the Senate. (84th)  
Harris
S 15 Jan 8, 2013 - Jan 13, 2015 83rd (6)   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (83rd)   Harris
S 15 Jan 11, 2011 - Jan 8, 2013 82nd (7)   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (82nd)   Harris
S 15 Jan 9, 2007 - Jan 11, 2011 81st   80th   81st   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (81st)
Dean of the Senate. (80th)  
Harris
S 15 Jan 14, 2003 - Jan 9, 2007 79th   78th (8)   79th   78th (8)   Democrat Houston / Harris Dean of the Senate. (79th)
Dean of the Senate. (78th)  
Harris
S 15 Jan 9, 2001 - Jan 14, 2003 77th (9)   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
S 15 Jan 14, 1997 - Jan 9, 2001 76th   75th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
S 15 Jan 10, 1995 - Jan 14, 1997 74th (10)   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
S 15 Jan 12, 1993 - Jan 10, 1995 73rd (11) (12) (13)   Democrat Houston / Harris Senate President Pro Tempore (73rd)   Harris
S 15 Jan 8, 1991 - Jan 12, 1993 72nd (14)   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
S 15 Jan 13, 1987 - Jan 8, 1991 71st   70th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
S 15 Jan 11, 1983 - Jan 13, 1987 69th   68th (15)   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
H 82 Jan 13, 1981 - Jan 11, 1983 67th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
H 82 Jan 9, 1979 - Jan 13, 1981 66th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
H 82 Jan 11, 1977 - Jan 9, 1979 65th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
H 82 Jan 14, 1975 - Jan 11, 1977 64th   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris
H 82 Jan 9, 1973 - Jan 14, 1975 63rd   Democrat Houston / Harris   Harris

(1) Sworn in as Mayor of Houston on 1/1/2024, "Mayor Whitmire Officially Sworn In During Private Ceremony," 1/1/2024. City of Houston.
(2) Proclamation, 1/18/2024, ordering special election in Senate District 15 on 5/4/2024 to serve out unexpired term of John Whitmire. Governor Greg Abbott.
(3) 88th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/11/2023, SR 9, pp. 26-27. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(4) Molly Cook, in special election 5/4/2024, sworn 5/16/2024, succeeded unexpired term of John Whitmire, resigned 12/31/2023. Texas Secretary of State - Election Results, 2019-.
(5) Resignation letter to Governor Abbott dated 12/29/2023, effective 12/31/2023 at 10:00 p.m. Texas Senate.
(6) 83rd Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/23/2013, SR 36, pp. 81-82. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(7) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 2012 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(8) 78th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/14/2003, SR 7, pp. 15-16. Drew 4-year term. Senate Journal.
(9) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 2002 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(10) 74th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/11/1995, pp. 75-76. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(11) 73rd Legislature - Senate President Pro Tempore, Ad Interim R.S., elected 5/31/1993. Senate Journal.
(12) 73rd Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 3/25/1993, pp. 589-590. Drew 4-year term. Senate Journal.
(13) Due to redistricting litigation, entire Senate went up for reelection in 1994. See also Clips database, 4/6/1993 - 4/8/1993, Redistricting - Legislature; and Guide to 2001 Redistricting - Appendix A, 1990s Redistricting (Texas Legislative Council). Terrazas v. Slagle, 821 F.Supp. 1162 (April 5, 1993), 1993.
(14) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 1992 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(15) 68th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 3/17/1983, p. 495. Drew 4-year term (also see message from President, p. 467). Senate Journal.

Terms of Service top

Senate District 15
Jan 10, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
Legislatures: 88th (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 8, 2019 - Jan 10, 2023
Legislatures: 87th   86th   87th   86th  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
(73rd)
(73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 13, 2015 - Jan 8, 2019
Legislatures: 85th   84th   85th   84th  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
(73rd)
(73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 8, 2013 - Jan 13, 2015
Legislatures: 83rd (6)  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 11, 2011 - Jan 8, 2013
Legislatures: 82nd (7)  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 9, 2007 - Jan 11, 2011
Legislatures: 81st   80th   81st  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
(73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 14, 2003 - Jan 9, 2007
Legislatures: 79th   78th (8)   79th   78th (8)  
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
Dean of the Senate. (73rd)
(73rd)
(73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 9, 2001 - Jan 14, 2003
Legislatures: 77th (9)  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 14, 1997 - Jan 9, 2001
Legislatures: 76th   75th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 10, 1995 - Jan 14, 1997
Legislatures: 74th (10)  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 12, 1993 - Jan 10, 1995
Legislatures: 73rd (11) (12) (13)  
Senate President Pro Tempore (73rd)
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 8, 1991 - Jan 12, 1993
Legislatures: 72nd (14)  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 13, 1987 - Jan 8, 1991
Legislatures: 71st   70th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
Senate District 15
Jan 11, 1983 - Jan 13, 1987
Legislatures: 69th   68th (15)  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
House District 82
Jan 13, 1981 - Jan 11, 1983
Legislatures: 67th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
House District 82
Jan 9, 1979 - Jan 13, 1981
Legislatures: 66th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
House District 82
Jan 11, 1977 - Jan 9, 1979
Legislatures: 65th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
House District 82
Jan 14, 1975 - Jan 11, 1977
Legislatures: 64th  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris
House District 82
Jan 9, 1973 - Jan 14, 1975
Legislatures: 63rd  
Party: Democrat
Home City/County: Houston / Harris
Counties in district: Harris

(1) Sworn in as Mayor of Houston on 1/1/2024, "Mayor Whitmire Officially Sworn In During Private Ceremony," 1/1/2024. City of Houston.
(2) Proclamation, 1/18/2024, ordering special election in Senate District 15 on 5/4/2024 to serve out unexpired term of John Whitmire. Governor Greg Abbott.
(3) 88th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/11/2023, SR 9, pp. 26-27. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(4) Molly Cook, in special election 5/4/2024, sworn 5/16/2024, succeeded unexpired term of John Whitmire, resigned 12/31/2023. Texas Secretary of State - Election Results, 2019-.
(5) Resignation letter to Governor Abbott dated 12/29/2023, effective 12/31/2023 at 10:00 p.m. Texas Senate.
(6) 83rd Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/23/2013, SR 36, pp. 81-82. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(7) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 2012 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(8) 78th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/14/2003, SR 7, pp. 15-16. Drew 4-year term. Senate Journal.
(9) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 2002 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(10) 74th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 1/11/1995, pp. 75-76. Drew 2-year term. Senate Journal.
(11) 73rd Legislature - Senate President Pro Tempore, Ad Interim R.S., elected 5/31/1993. Senate Journal.
(12) 73rd Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 3/25/1993, pp. 589-590. Drew 4-year term. Senate Journal.
(13) Due to redistricting litigation, entire Senate went up for reelection in 1994. See also Clips database, 4/6/1993 - 4/8/1993, Redistricting - Legislature; and Guide to 2001 Redistricting - Appendix A, 1990s Redistricting (Texas Legislative Council). Terrazas v. Slagle, 821 F.Supp. 1162 (April 5, 1993), 1993.
(14) 2-year term; entire Senate went up for reelection in 1992 due to redistricting. Texas Constitution Art. III, §3, Election and term of office of Senators.
(15) 68th Legislature - Drawing for Terms of Office, 3/17/1983, p. 495. Drew 4-year term (also see message from President, p. 467). Senate Journal.

Biographical Information top

Resolutions and Journal entries

Biographical Sketches

Other Resources

  • "The Correctionists," November 2010. Profile of Representative Jerry Madden and Senator John Whitmire, both named 2010 Public Officials of the Year by Governing magazine for their work in corrections reform; interviews. Governing.
  • Whitmire is "the longest-serving state senator in Texas and the nation." "State Senator Calls for Inquiry Into Judge in Sex Offender Case," 1/1/2015. Houston Chronicle.
  • Delegate to the Texas Constitutional Convention, 1974. Record of Proceedings, Texas Constitutional Convention: Official Journals, January 8 - July 30, 1974, 1975.

Photographs

Composite Photographs on Display in the Capitol

Committee Information top

88th R.S. - 2023
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Finance  
87th R.S. - 2021
Business and Commerce  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Finance  
Future of College Sports in Texas, Select  
Redistricting, Special  
86th R.S. - 2019
Business and Commerce  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Finance  
Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety, Select  
Redistricting, Select  
85th R.S. - 2017
Business and Commerce  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Economic Stabilization Fund Balance, Select  
Finance  
Violence in Schools & School Security, Select  
84th R.S. - 2015
Business and Commerce  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Economic Stabilization Fund Balance, Select  
Finance  
Government Facilities, Select  
83rd R.S. - 2013
Administration  
Business and Commerce  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Economic Stabilization Fund Balance, Select  
Finance  
Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Matters  
Human Trafficking  
Texas Lottery and Texas Lottery Commission  
82nd R.S. - 2011
Administration  
Business and Commerce  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Finance  
Finance Subcommittee on Articles VI and VII  
Finance Subcommittee on Medicaid  
Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety (Chair) 
Government Organization  
Human Trafficking  
81st R.S. - 2009
Administration  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Commitments of Individuals with Mental Retardation, Interim Select  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Criminal Justice, Oversight (Chair) 
Finance  
Government Organization  
80th R.S. - 2007
Administration  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Criminal Justice, Oversight  
Finance  
Finance Subcommittee on General Government Issues  
Government Organization  
Operation and Management of the Texas Youth Commission, Select (Co-Chair) 
79th R.S. - 2005
Administration  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Finance  
Government Organization  
78th R.S. - 2003
Administration  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Electric Utility Restructuring, Legislative Oversight  
Finance  
Government Organization  
77th R.S. - 2001
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Justice (Vice Chair) 
Electric Utility Restructuring, Legislative Oversight  
Electronic Government, Legislative Oversight  
Finance  
Higher Education Excellence Funding, Interim  
Intergovernmental Relations  
State Employee Compensation and Benefits, Special  
76th R.S. - 1999
Administration  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Criminal Justice  
Economic Development  
Economic Development Subcommittee on Technology and Business Growth  
Electric Utility Restructuring, Legislative Oversight  
75th R.S. - 1997
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Criminal Justice, Interim (Chair) 
Intergovernmental Relations  
Legislative and Congressional Redistricting, Committee of the Whole Senate  
Public Information, Interim  
Sex Offenders, Interim  
State Affairs  
State Affairs, Interim  
74th R.S. - 1995
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Emissions and Clean Air, Special (Chair) 
Intergovernmental Relations  
Juvenile Justice and Child Support, Interim  
Legislative and Congressional Redistricting, Committee of the Whole Senate, Special  
State Affairs  
73rd R.S. - 1993
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Comptroller Sharp's Texas Performance Review of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Interim (Co-Chair) 
Criminal Justice (Chair) 
Intergovernmental Relations  
Nominations, Special  
Redistricting, Ethics and Elections, Committee of the Whole Senate, Special  
State Affairs  
72nd R.S. - 1991
Administration, Special  
Committee of the Whole on Redistricting, Special  
Committee of the Whole on Redistricting, Special, Subcommittee on Congressional Districts  
Economic Development  
Intergovernmental Relations (Chair) 
State Affairs  
71st R.S. - 1989
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Creation and Expansion of Minority and Women-Owned Business Ownership Opportunities, Special Advisory  
Economic Development  
Health and Human Services  
Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Health Services (Vice Chair) 
Intergovernmental Relations  
Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Urban Affairs (Chair) 
70th R.S. - 1987
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Future of Long Term Health Care, Special Task Force  
Health and Human Services  
Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Health Services (Vice Chair) 
Implementation of the Agricultural Hazard Communication Act  
Intergovernmental Relations  
Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Urban Affairs (Chair) 
Natural Resources  
Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water  
Workfare, Special, Interim  
69th R.S. - 1985
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Department of Human Services Audits  
Health and Human Resources  
Health and Human Resources Subcommittee on Elder Abuse  
Health and Human Resources Subcommittee on Health Services (Vice Chair) 
Intergovernmental Relations  
Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on Urban Affairs (Vice Chair) 
Jurisprudence  
Natural Resources  
Urban Issues, Special  
68th R.S. - 1983
Administration  
Committee of the Whole Senate  
Committee of the Whole Senate, Subcommittee on Educational Quality  
Fire Protection Standards  
Health and Human Resources  
Health and Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Health (Vice Chair) 
Human Resources  
Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Health (Vice Chair) 
Hunger and Nutrition, Interim  
Intergovernmental Relations  
67th R.S. - 1981
Financial Institutions  
Financial Institutions Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight  
Judiciary  
Ways and Means  
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight  
66th R.S. - 1979
Criminal Jurisprudence  
Judicial Affairs  
65th R.S. - 1977
Intergovernmental Affairs (Vice Chair) 
Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriative Matters  
Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee on Local Government  
Judicial Affairs  
64th R.S. - 1975
Appropriations  
Business and Industry (Vice Chair - Appropriative Matters) 
63rd R.S. - 1973
Appropriations  
Citizens' Conference on State Legislatures, Steering, Special (Operations of the House)  
Human Resources  
Human Resources Subcommittee on Public Welfare  
Labor  
Labor Subcommittee on Occupational and Industrial Safety  

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