Historic Election Outcomes Continue to Play Out in Texas

- On DC Front, AM Radio Bill Remains Top Priority

As state legislators begin filing bills for consideration in the 2027 session which convenes Jan. 12, the stunning results of last week's elections continue to come into focus with the anticipated ascendancy of Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, to Speaker of the Texas House.

Thompson, the longest serving Democrat in the lower chamber, was one of the first two Black women elected as State Representative in 1972. Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, also was elected to the Texas House that year. Thompson secured the necessary commitments from current House members last week to become Speaker.

If confirmed, she would join Governor-Elect Gina Hinojosa and Lt. Governor-Elect Vikki Goodwin as one of the state's "Big 3" lawmakers - an all-female triumvirate - establishing another "first" in Texas history.

In addition to sweeping all statewide elected offices, Democrats flipped the Texas House, resulting in 39 incoming freshman state representatives. They flipped only one Senate seat, initially in a special election earlier this year, leaving Republicans in control of the upper chamber - the first "split legislature" in Texas since 1997.

Key Texas Legislative Dates

• Nov. 9 - Pre-Filing of 2027 Legislation Begins
• Jan. 12 - Texas Legislature Convenes
• Feb. 2-4 and Feb. 9-11 - TAB Legislative Lunches in Austin
• March 12 - Bill Filing Deadline
• May 14 - House's Last Day to Consider House Bills
• May 26 - House's Last Day to Consider Senate Bills
• May 30 - Last Day for Either Chamber to Consider Conference Committee Reports
• May 31 - Last Day of Regular Session

DC Agenda - AM Radio

On the DC front, Republicans flipped only one seat, resulting in 12 "true" incoming freshman U.S. representatives. Former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, elected to the redrawn TX 33 congressional district, served previously in the U.S. House from 2019-2025.

As they digest the electoral results, Congress has returned to work with a full agenda and extremely short timeline to get everything done.

Of chief importance to broadcasters is final passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act which is awaiting passage in the Senate where two-thirds of the members are cop-sponsors. President Trump has repeatedly demanded its passage so he can sign the bill into law.

Because Senate floor time in the "lame-duck" session is scarce, the bill is unlikely to get a stand-alone vote and will probably have to hitch a ride on a massive "must-pass" bill.

The NAB has produced new ads asking listeners to contact U.S. Senators to advance the legislation which was co-authored by Sen. Ted Cruz. Stations airing the ads should complete the NAB's reporting form and place it the Online Public Inspection File once the spots are on-air.

Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.