For the people behind policy
Most Americans cannot name their state senator. Almost none could name the chief of staff who actually drafts the bill, the trade association director who walks every interim hearing, or the contract lobbyist who has been working in Texas for 30 years.
State government runs on these people. The work is technical, relentless, and almost entirely anonymous outside the Capitol community itself.
Last week, we turned the spotlight on them! See all the winners here.
Why peer-nominated
When we built the Best in Government Affairs Texas program, we made one decision early: no pay to play, no sponsored categories. Every honoree was nominated by peers.
We asked the Texas government affairs community a simple question, who is the best at what they do, and the names that came back the most rose to the top.
The result was 80+ winners across 8 categories, recognized by the colleagues and peers who watch them work every day. That kind of recognition matters more.
The night
A packed Speakeasy busting with music and laughter. Lobbyists comparing notes over cocktails. Staffers finally meeting the person from email in-person. Lobby legends shaking hands with rising stars.
Exactly the room we hoped it would be.
Thank you to our community partners!
This night could not happen without them. Please give them a look.
HB Strategies — One of the largest state lobbying networks in the country, with offices in 11 states. Mark Vane and team are bipartisan, deeply technical, and trusted by clients on the highest-stakes issues at the Texas Capitol.
Texas Association of Business — The Texas State Chamber. The unified voice of Texas employers since 1922, representing 1,500+ companies and 200+ local chambers.
The Mach 1 Group — Austin's award-winning public affairs and strategic communications firm. Founded by Katherine McLane, specializing in legislative, regulatory, and crisis communications.
The Brannan Firm — Austin-based government relations firm founded by former Texas Workers' Compensation Commissioner Ryan Brannan, with deep expertise across insurance, healthcare, and regulatory policy.
Mercury Public Affairs — National bipartisan public strategy firm with 14+ offices. Jay Propes and Jake Posey lead the Austin team, supporting clients across federal, state, and grassroots.
Texas Bullpen — Independent Texas politics journalism from Brad Johnson, Jonathan Richie, and Cassi Schredder. Daily reporting, a weekly podcast, and the kind of inside-the-Capitol coverage that has quickly become required reading in the Texas policy community.
Founded by former State Rep. Larry Gonzales, with 33+ years of legislative and public affairs experience helping clients navigate Texas state government.
Collective Advisors — An Austin wealth advisory firm helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate financial planning, retirement, and long-term investment strategy.
Prompt.io — The texting and voice platform powering political campaigns, unions, advocacy groups, and nonprofits. Built for compliance, scale, and real two-way conversation.
Republican Jobs — The country's leading recruitment platform for conservative political talent. Founder Dustin Tropp has placed more than 5,000 candidates across campaigns, statehouses, and Capitol Hill.
Cicero Institute — Austin-based policy organization working on state-level reforms across healthcare, housing, education, public safety, and workforce.
This community really showed up. We are going to keep showing up for you.
April 23rd was a reminder of how special the policy community is. We are not done. Here is how to connect with us in the next few weeks.
🥂 Happy Hour: Celebrating Laura Davis | May 20th, 5:30 PM | Downtown Austin
Our founder, Laura Davis, is having a birthday, and we are not the type to let that pass quietly. Join us for classic cocktails at a beautiful spot in downtown Austin to raise a glass to an exceptional woman. Expect classic drinks and great company. Register here.
📺 Webinar: The Latest with USLege, Legislative Tracking and AI | May 6th, 12:00 PM CT
At USLege, we never stop advancing the product. Join us next week for a live look at our newest releases and how we are deepening the connection between AI and legislative data. Bring your questions because we have answers! Register here.
🏃 Catch us if you can at the Capitol Run
James, our Sales Lead, made a bet he probably should not have. Every demo booked = 1 mile he runs on the Texas Capitol grounds. Hit 26.2 and he runs a full marathon in loops around the building.
The USLege team will be down at the Capitol cheering him on, and the longer we are out there, the more surprises we have planned. Book a demo, add a mile, and find us at the Capitol.
Please reach out if you need anything!
Best,
Jess McDonald
Head of Marketing
USLege