Decision Maker

Judith Zaffirini

Texas State Senate - District 21

District 21, Texas

Judith Pappas Zaffirini is a prominent American politician and educator, currently serving as a Democratic member of the Texas State Senate for the 21st District, which encompasses her hometown of Laredo in South Texas. Born in 1946, Zaffirini holds the distinction of being the first Mexican American woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first female dean of the Texas Senate. Her significant contributions have earned her recognition as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States" by Hispanic Business magazine. Zaffirini has been a member of the Texas State Senate since 1987. She holds a Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate from the University of Texas, reflecting her commitment to education.