With the conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Rice University has released its much-anticipated ideological rankings, highlighting the most conservative and most liberal lawmakers in both chambers of the Texas Legislature.
In the Texas House, the top 10 most conservative members were Mike Olcott, Briscoe Cain, Steve Toth, David Lowe, Brian Harrison, Nate Schatzline, Andy Hopper, Tony Tinderholt, Shelby Slawson, and Brent Money, according to Texas Tribune.
On the Democratic side, the most liberal members were Christina Morales, Ron Reynolds, Ana-Maria Ramos, Terry Meza, Jessica González, Vikki Goodwin, Maria Luisa Flores, Gina Hinojosa, Erin Zwiener, and John Bryant.
In the Texas Senate, the five most conservative senators were Bryan Hughes, Mayes Middleton, Kevin Sparks, Brandon Creighton, and Brent Hagenbuch.
The five most liberal Democratic senators were Molly Cook, Sarah Eckhardt, Roland Gutierrez, Borris Miles, and José Menéndez.
The rankings have prompted reactions across social media from legislators and constituents alike.
“Although I am honored to be ranked the most conservative member of the Texas House in this prestigious ranking, I am even more excited to be a part of the most conservative and principled freshman class ever!” Republican State Representative Mike Olcott wrote on X.
State Representative David Lowe, also a freshman and ranked in the top five, wrote on Facebook, “The Rice University ideological ranking has been released. Two of the top five are freshmen. Full list in comments.”
State Senator Bryan Hughes, who took the top conservative spot in the Senate for the third consecutive session, wrote, “For the third session in a row, I’ve been ranked the #1 Most Conservative Senator. I’m deeply grateful for our team who works so hard to make sure our constituents’ voices are heard loudly in Austin.”
Texans have also weighed in. One user, Kori Peterson, commented on Hughes’ post, “Thank you for being true, Sen. Hughes. I know it must be difficult but we in SD1 are grateful for an honest representative in the TX Senate.”
As the political landscape in Texas continues to sharpen along ideological lines, these rankings provide fresh insight into where lawmakers stand—and how voters may respond going into the next election cycle.