Leticia Van de Putte takes the Oath of Office as Governor from Justice Luz Elena Chapa as her husband, Pete, holds the Bible owned by Sam Houston.

VAN DE PUTTE HONORED AS GOVERNOR FOR A DAY

San Antonio Senator Leticia Van de Putte was honored in a ceremony as Governor for a Day Saturday, with hundreds of constituents making the trip up from her district to celebrate her contributions to her city and state. Governor for a Day is a decades old tradition where the Senate President Pro Tem, third in line for the governorship, is ceremonially elevated to the seat. The Governor and Lt. Governor leave the state for the day, making the President Pro Tem the state's executive officer for a day.

Governor for a Day Leticia Van de Putte, First Gentleman Pete Van de Putte and the rest of the Van de Putte family exit the chamber following her swearing-in ceremony.

Following her Oath of Office, Van de Putte addressed a packed Senate chamber. She reflected on her unlikely journey from her humble beginnings to occupying the state's highest office. "Being a politician, much less Governor was never one of my goals," she said. "I couldn't have imagined that destiny would bring me here before all of you accepting this magnificent honor and getting the chance, for just one day, to lead the state that I love."

Van de Putte has served in the state legislature for 23 years, first as a member of the House of Representatives from 1990 to 1999. She won a special election for her Senate seat in 1999 and has served in the body ever since. As Chair of the Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, Van de Putte is one of the Senate's most vocal champions for the rights and benefits of military servicemen and women who make Texas their home. In addition to her work with military veterans and their families, Van de Putte is a strong advocate for increased access to healthcare, education, and issues affecting Texas children.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, May 6 at 11 a.m.

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