Bio
Senator Judith Zaffirini represents the 21st senatorial district. The Laredo native was the first Latina senator in Texas, the first border resident elected in 20 years to represent District 21, and serves as the senior senator from the border and for Bexar County. Her legislative successes include passing bills to immunize 100 percent of Texas children; suspend the driver's licenses of drunk drivers; keep radioactive waste dump sites out of District 21; stop the proliferation of colonias; and reform Medicaid and welfare. Senator Zaffirini has received more than 250 awards and honors for her legislative, public service, and professional work. She holds a bachelor of science, a master of arts, and a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Biography Source Information
Biographies are reprinted from the Foundation for Women’s Resources (now Women’s Resources), Dallas, Texas. They originally appeared in "From Gutsy Mavericks to Quiet Heroes: True Tales of Texas Women," video study guide, Austin: The Foundation for Women's Resources, 1997. Death dates have been added where needed.