(AUSTIN) — Today (Jan. 23) Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, drew a four-year term that expires in 2016, as she participated in the Texas Senate's post-redistricting lottery.

"I am delighted to represent the families of Senate District 21," Senator Zaffirini said. "A four-year term will allow me to focus on representing my constituents and balancing their needs and priorities with those of our great state."

After the first election following every decennial redistricting, senators draw for four-year or two-year terms to ensure that terms are staggered for the remainder of the decade. Today each Texas senator drew an envelope containing a capsule with either an odd or even number. Those who drew even numbers were awarded terms ending in 2014, while those who drew odd numbers were awarded terms ending in 2016.

First elected in 1986, Senator Zaffirini has sponsored and passed 725 bills and 52 substantive resolutions and co-sponsored and passed another 384 bills. Her legendary work ethic is reflected in her 100 percent voting record in the Texas Senate, where she has cast more than 47,580 consecutive votes since 1987. She serves as Chair of the Senate Government Organization Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency. She also serves on the Legislative Budget Board and the Senate Committees on Finance, Higher Education, Health and Human Services and Administration.

SECOND IN SENIORITY IN THE 31-MEMBER TEXAS SENATE, Senator Judith Zaffirini is Chair of the Senate Government Organization Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency. She also serves on the Legislative Budget Board and the Senate Committees on Finance, Higher Education, Health and Human Services and Administration.

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