Occupation: Pharmacist
Education: University of Texas at Austin, B.S., 1979
Legislative Experience: House Member, 1990 - 1999; Senate Member, 1999 - present
Hometown: San Antonio
Party: Democrat

Senator Leticia Van de Putte, a pharmacist for more than 32 years, represents a large portion of San Antonio and Bexar County. A former-five term state representative, she is now serving her fifth term as a Texas State Senator for District 26. From 2003 to 2011 she served as the Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

Nationally, Senator Van de Putte served as Co-Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, joining the ranks of Texas women Barbara Jordan and Ann Richards. She has been actively involved in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), serving as President from 2006 to 2007. She is an active member of the National Assessment Governing Board, the American Legacy Foundation Board, and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators where she served as President from 2003 to 2005. In October 2008, Senator Van de Putte was the subject of a book published by Texas A & M University Press, titled Latina Legislator: Leticia Van de Putte and the Road to Leadership, by Dr. Sharon A. Navarro, a professor of political science at UTSA.

Over the past two decades, Senator Van de Putte has been recognized and honored with numerous awards such as the Edward R. Roybal Award by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, the Vietnam Veteran's of America's Legislator of the Year Award, the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce with the Distinguished Leadership Award for her inspiration to the Hispanic community through advocacy efforts in Texas and across the United States, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Texas Legislative Champion Award, the United Way of San Antonio Children's Championship Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens' Legislative Recognition Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award, the Department of Defense Exceptional Support Award, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association Legislative Star Award, the Texas Pharmacy Association Pharmacist of the Year, and American Pharmacists Association Hubert H. Humphrey Award named for a noted pharmacist and public servant. The Center for Policy Alternatives honored Senator Leticia Van de Putte with the Arthur S. Fleming Leadership Award; this national award is presented to a leader who exemplifies the ideals of public service through the highest standards of performance. She received the Charles M. West Distinguished American Award, which recognizes leaders whose contributions have had a lasting impact on pharmacy and the health and welfare of the American public. Following the 81st Legislative Session, she was named as one of Texas Insider's Top Ten Legislators for her work on behalf of veterans and their families and was selected to Texas Watch's Legislative Honor Roll for her work on behalf of Texas consumers and homeowners. Most recently, she was honored by the UTSA's Women Studies Institute Women's Advocate of the Year Award, Latino Leaders Maestro Award for Leadership and the Claude Black Heroes Award recognizing her lifelong commitment as a community leader in the spirit and ideals of Rev. Claude & Zernonia Black.

Senator Van de Putte is a strong advocate for children, veterans, and quality education. She has consistently authored and sponsored bills to assist families in securing opportunities. Multiple civic organizations and community groups have recognized Senator Van de Putte as one of the most effective and influential legislators in Texas.

Senator Van de Putte currently serves as Chair of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, and is also a member of the Senate Committees on Education, State Affairs and Business and Commerce.

Senator Van de Putte was a Kellogg Fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, and is a 1973 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. Senator Van de Putte currently lives in San Antonio with her husband of 34 years, Pete. She and Pete are blessed with six wonderful children: Nichole, Vanessa, Henry, Gregory, Isabella, and Paul, and are also the proud grandparents of three near perfect boys, Julian and Jove Stiles, and Asher Isaacs Van de Putte.

Photos

Senator Van de Putte speaking at the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor event for Cpl Roy Cisneros who was killed during the Vietnam War.

Senator Van de Putte with Roy's mother Elvira Rocha-Cisneros, along with Roy's brother, Jim Cisneros.

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Last month Senator Van de Putte was honored with the Matt Garcia Public Service Award by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

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The Senator's tribute video illustrates her dedication and contribution to the Latino community: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3-1GqTIs2A

Senator Leticia Van de Putte with John Jay Science and Engineering Academy Senior Joseph Cuellar. Senator Van de Putte has selected Joseph Cuellar to receive the District 26 Texas Armed Services Scholarship. The Texas Armed Services Scholarship was created during the 81st Legislative Session to provide scholarships to young men and women who participate in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program in preparation for service in the Texas Army, Air National Guard, or U.S. Armed Forces. Each State Senator was able to nominate one student from their district for this prestigious award.

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Newsletter

December 17, 2009
Fall 2009 Newsletter from Senator Leticia Van de Putte

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000]

May 2, 2012
Penner's Men's Store Is a Texas Treasure

April 23, 2012
Van de Putte on AG Opinion on Surviving Spouse Benefits

April 16, 2012
Budget Proposal Requires a Vision for Texas' Future

April 11, 2012
Sen. Van de Putte Mourns the Passing of Dean Carlos Truan

April 2, 2012
Senator Van de Putte presents Texas Treasure Business Award to Tip Top Cafe

[ MORE ... ]

E-Mail Form

Thank you for contacting me about this issue of special interest to you. I always appreciate hearing from constituents, and I greatly value receiving ideas and insights into the challenges we face in the Texas Legislature.
I receive hundreds of emails a day and I can assure you that each message is carefully reviewed, and your opinion is given full consideration.
If you need immediate assistance or desire a written response, please send a written letter to either the Capitol or district office.
Your correspondence is very important to me in my efforts to serve Senate District 26, and I appreciate your comments on this and other issues.

Sincerely,
Leticia Van de Putte
Texas State Senate
District 26

Office Information

82nd Session Committee Membership

• Veteran Affairs and Military Installations - Chair
• Joint Committee on Human Trafficking - Co-chair
• Business & Commerce
• Education
• State Affairs
• Joint Interim Committee to Study the Public School Finance System

District Analysis: District 26

Click the map to view a detailed district map in PDF format

Population and Household Education and Employment Income and Analysis Population Analysis Precinct and Districts Cities and Census Designated Places School Districts General Election Analysis