Sen. Bettencourt Appointed Higher Education Committee Chair by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23, 2026
Contact: Sarah Leon sarah.leon@senate.texas.gov
Sen. Bettencourt Appointed Higher Education Committee Chair by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Bettencourt will continue serving as Senate Local Government Chair & Education Vice Chair

AUSTIN, TX – Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) , comments on his appointment by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick as the Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee. This is in addition to his previous appointment as Senate Local Government Chair, a role he has held since 2021. Senator Bettencourt now serves on six Senate Standing Committees as appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

“I am honored to serve the citizens of Texas as Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick,” Senator Bettencourt said. “Texas colleges, universities, and higher education systems play a major role in preparing graduating students for jobs and research all across the state of Texas. I want to thank Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for this important appointment.”

The Senate Committee on Higher Education will be led by Chairman Paul Bettencourt and Vice-Chair Brent Hagenbuch, with Senate members Carol Alvarado, Phil King, Tan Parker, Angela Paxton, and Royce West.

The new membership of the Senate Local Government includes Vice-Chair Bryan Hughes, with Senate members Molly Cook, Roland Guiterrez, Phil King, Angela Paxton, Royce West.

A full list of the Senate committee membership is available HERE .