Lois Kolkhorst

Lois Kolkhorst is an American politician and businesswoman currently serving as a Republican member of the Texas State Senate, representing the 18th District. She has been in office since winning a special election in December 2014. Kolkhorst has a background in both business and public service, having previously held a position as president and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and serving multiple terms in the Texas House of Representatives.

Early life and career

Lois Winkelmann Kolkhorst was born on November 4, 1964, in Brenham, Texas. She grew up in this small town, where she completed her secondary education at Brenham High School. Following high school, Kolkhorst pursued higher education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated in 1988 with a degree in advertising and public relations. During her time at the university, she was also an active member of the women's golf team, demonstrating her commitment to both academics and athletics.

Before entering the political arena, Kolkhorst built a career in business. She served as the president and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, where she was involved in promoting local businesses and fostering economic development in the region. This role provided her with valuable experience in leadership and community engagement, which would later inform her political career.

Legislative service

Kolkhorst's political career began in the Texas House of Representatives, where she served for seven terms representing House District 13. This district encompassed several counties, including Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lavaca, and Washington. Her tenure in the House allowed her to gain significant experience in state governance and legislative processes.

In December 2014, Kolkhorst was elected to the Texas State Senate in a special election, representing the 18th District. This district includes parts of Victoria, Texas, and extends from Corpus Christi to near Bryan. Since her election, she has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has held several key positions within the Senate. Kolkhorst is currently the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, a role that places her at the forefront of health policy discussions in the state. Additionally, she is a member of several other committees, including the Senate Transportation Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Texas Ports, the Senate Committee on Water and Rural Affairs, the Texas Agriculture Policy Board, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Oversight Board, and the Committee on Nominations.

Throughout her legislative career, Kolkhorst has received recognition for her work, being named one of the "Best Legislators" and "Worst Legislators" in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine in different years. This reflects the varied perspectives on her effectiveness and impact as a legislator.

Policy focus and district

Kolkhorst's policy focus has been shaped by her background in business and her experiences in the Texas House. Her legislative agenda often emphasizes health care, economic development, and infrastructure. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, she plays a critical role in shaping health policy in Texas, addressing issues that affect the well-being of constituents in her district and the state at large.

In recent years, Kolkhorst has been involved in significant legislative efforts that reflect her positions on various issues. For instance, in 2021, she supported legislation that prohibited businesses and government entities from requiring proof of vaccination for products or services, a move that garnered attention and sparked discussions about personal freedoms and public health. In February 2023, she introduced a bill aimed at restricting home purchases in Texas by immigrants from certain countries, including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This proposal highlights her focus on national security and economic policy, as well as her responsiveness to constituents' concerns regarding foreign investment in local real estate.

Kolkhorst's district, the 18th Senate District, encompasses a diverse range of communities, from urban areas in Victoria to more rural regions. This diversity influences her legislative priorities and the issues she addresses. She works to represent the interests of her constituents, balancing the needs of urban and rural populations while advocating for policies that promote economic growth and community well-being.

Outside of her legislative duties, Kolkhorst is actively involved in her community. She and her husband, James Darren "Jim" Kolkhorst, own and operate Kolkhorst Petroleum, a family business based in Navasota, Grimes County. The couple has two children and resides in Brenham, Texas. They are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, further demonstrating their commitment to community and family values.

In summary, Lois Kolkhorst's career reflects a blend of business acumen and public service. Her experiences in the Texas House and Senate, coupled with her leadership roles in various committees, position her as a significant figure in Texas politics. Through her legislative efforts, she continues to address the needs and concerns of her constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance.