Many individuals believe that the most effective time to influence positive change is during a legislative session. However, it is prior to the commencement of the session that the most impactful information can be disseminated to the legislators. For the upcoming general election cycle in November 2026, all 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives and a portion of the 31 seats in the Texas Senate will be up for reelection.

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Texas House of Representatives: All 150 members are elected every two years for two-year terms. Therefore, all seats are up for election in the 2026 general election.

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Texas Senate: Senators serve four-year terms that are staggered so that roughly half of the 31 seats are up for election every two years. All 31 seats are up for election in the first cycle after the decennial census (years ending in "2", such as 2022), and then the seats are divided by lot into two classes for staggering the subsequent elections. The next elections for the Senate will be held in 2026.

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It is of utmost importance that all stakeholders and advocates of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services engage with their local legislators as they commence their advocacy efforts. This involves educating and discussing the critical issues pertaining to IDD services both statewide and locally. By mobilizing a significant number of individuals to take these actions, a solid foundation will be established for the introduction of new legislation that will positively impact IDD services.

 

To assist you in your advocacy journey, here are some key points to consider:

• In-person meetings: The most effective method of communication is a personal visit with the legislator or their staff (legislative aides). These meetings help put a face to a name and build a lasting relationship.I

• Targeting staff: Legislators rely heavily on the advice and opinions of their staff. Building a relationship with key staff members who handle specific issues (e.g., the education aide) is crucial for success.

• Constituent status: Always identify yourself as a constituent and a voter. Legislators are most receptive to people from their own district because they are elected to represent those specific views.

• Inviting them to events/tours: Invite legislators to visit your program, or business in their home district. This allows them to see the issue and its impact firsthand, especially when the legislature is not in session.