SENATOR MARIO GALLEGOS HONORED BY SENATE

Senators Kirk Watson (left) and Rodney Ellis joined with Theresa Gallegos to remember the contributions of her late husband, Senator Mario Gallegos of Houston.

(Austin) — The Senate gathered Wednesday to remember a friend and colleague they lost over the interim. Houston Senator Mario Gallegos passed away in October of last year due to complications from a 2007 liver transplant. Houston Senator John Whitmire, who often referred to Gallegos as "his best friend in the Senate", brought forth the resolution honoring Gallegos' service to the state and his beloved city of Houston. Whitmire remembered Gallegos' strong friendship and passion for issues that affected his constituents. "We want to recognize Mario's public service, the contributions he's made, and the difference he made in our lives" said Whitmire. "We're better Senators, better people because Mario came through these halls."

Gallegos served as a Houston firefighter for 22 years before his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1990. He won election to the Senate in 1994, where he served until his death. He was known as a strong advocate for education, firefighters and law enforcement, as well as for his alma mater, the University of Houston. Gallegos chaired the Senate Subcommittee on Flooding and Evacuations, and his other committee appointments included seats on the Education and Jurisprudence Committees, as well as a Vice-Chairmanship on the Senate Redistricting Committee.

The seat for Gallegos' district, Senate District 6 in Houston, currently stands vacant, pending a special election to be held on January 26.

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, January 23rd at 11 a.m.

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