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 practicing pharmacist since 1980, represents a large portion of San Antonio and Bexar County. A former-five term state representative, she has represented Texas Senate District 26 since 1999. From 2003 to 2011 she served as the Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

On January 8, 2013, she was unanimously elected by her colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate's 83rd Regular Session.

Prior to serving in the Texas Legislature, Leticia Van de Putte worked as a pharmacist in mental health clinics, a hospital, and her grandfather's pharmacy, The Botica Guadalupana, before purchasing her own business, the Loma Park Pharmacy and Medical Clinic.

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, who also served in that position. She has been actively involved in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), serving as President 2006-07. 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 2003-05. 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 the University of Texas at San Antonio.

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 Veterans of America Texas State Council's Legislator of the Year Award (the only person to win it twice), the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce's 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's Texas Legislative Champion Award, the United Way of San Antonio's Children's Championship Award, the League of United Latin American Citizens' Legislative Recognition Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Seven Seals Award, the Department of Defense Exceptional Support Award, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association's Legislative Star Award, the Texas Pharmacy Association's Pharmacist of the Year, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award, and American Pharmacists Association's Hubert H. Humphrey Award, named for the noted pharmacist and public servant. The Center for Policy Alternatives honored Senator Van de Putte with the Arthur S. Fleming Leadership Award, a national award 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.

Senator Van de Putte is a strong advocate for children, veterans, quality education, and the economic development of San Antonio. She has consistently authored and sponsored bills to assist small businesses 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 Business and Commerce, State Affairs, and Education.

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. Senator Van de Putte currently lives in San Antonio with her husband Pete. She and Pete are blessed with six wonderful children: Nichole, Vanessa, Henry, Gregory, Isabella, and Paul. They are also the proud grandparents of six nearly perfect grandchildren: Julian, Jove, Marlo, Elliot, Asher, and Rex.

Photos

Newsletters

September 26, 2012
Letters from Leticia E-newsletter

August 27, 2012
Letters from Leticia E-newsletter

July 25, 2012
Letters from Leticia E-newsletter

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

Press Room
[Press Archives: 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000]

May 21, 2013
Van de Putte Passes Series of Human Trafficking Bills

May 13, 2013
Senate Renames HB 740 the Taryn Kennedy, Nash Sievers, and Rex Van de Putte Act

May 10, 2013
Walle Legislation to Improve Workplace Policies for Nursing Mothers Passed by the House; Van de Putte Assisting in Senate

May 06, 2013
Van de Putte Statement on HB 5 Passage

April 29, 2013
Sen. Van de Putte to Be Sworn in as Governor on May 4

[ 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

83rd Session Committee Membership

• Veteran Affairs and Military Installations — Chair
• Business & Commerce
• Education
• State Affairs

District Analysis: District 26

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

District Profile: Population, Households, Education, Employment, Income and Analysis Population Analysis Precinct and Districts Cities and Census Designated Places School Districts General Election Analysis