Skip to main content

Slideshow: Day One of the 84th Legislature

On the first day of the 84th Legislature, state lawmakers were sworn into office amidst family and friends. Afterwards, the House re-elected Joe Straus speaker, while the Senate made Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa president pro tempore.

Jan. 14, 20156 AM Central

Outgoing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and his daughter, Carolyn, on the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

Gov.-elect Greg Abbott (left), Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick and Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht are shown in the House chamber on Jan. 13, 2015, the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

State representatives make nominations for Speaker of the House on Jan. 13, 2015. — Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Governor-elect Greg Abbott poses with the grandson of state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, on Jan. 13, 2015. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, gives a personal speech on the House floor in Austin in January 2015 after losing the speaker's race to Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. — State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, gives a personal speech on the House floor after losing the speaker's race to Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune

House Speaker Joe Straus shakes hands with state Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, on the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. — Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Electronic voting board in House lights up with red votes for Joe Straus for Speaker of the House. — Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune

State Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, is sworn in as Texas Speaker of the House on January 13th, 2015 — Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, (center with yellow rose) listens to seconding speeches in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 13, 2015. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

State senators take the oath of office on the first day of the Texas Legislature on Jan. 13, 2015. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

With Senate President Pro-Tempore "Chuy" Hinojosa watching, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst gives a final speech to the Texas Senate on Jan. 13, 2015. — Credit: Bob Daemmrich

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.