Officials

Role

US Senator

Born

February 2, 1952 (74 years old)

Office

United States

About

John Cornyn, born on February 2, 1952, in Houston, Texas, is a seasoned American politician and attorney serving as the senior United States Senator from Texas since 2002. A member of the Republican Party, Cornyn has held various significant positions, including Senate Majority Whip from 2015 to 2019 and Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2009 to 2013. Before his tenure in the Senate, he served as the Attorney General of Texas from 1999 to 2002 and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1991 to 1997. Throughout his career, Cornyn has been recognized for his legislative effectiveness, with over 80 of his bills signed into law, focusing on bolstering the Texas economy, enhancing national security, and creating safer communities.

Education and Political Experience

  • Education:

    • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
    • Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
    • Master of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law
  • Political Experience:

    • Judge of the Texas 37th Judicial District Court
    • Justice of the Texas Supreme Court
    • Attorney General of Texas
    • United States Senator from Texas
    • Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
    • Senate Minority Whip
    • Senate Majority Whip
    • Chair of the Senate Narcotics Caucus

In 2024, Cornyn announced his candidacy for Senate Republican leader following Mitch McConnell's decision to step down. Despite his extensive experience and support within the party, Cornyn lost the leadership race to Senator John Thune on the second ballot.

Senator John Cornyn's Bid for Senate GOP Leadership:

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Committees

Foreign Relations Committee Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women's Issues

member

Judiciary

member

Judiciary Committee Border Security and Immigration

chair

Judiciary Committee Constitution

member

Judiciary Committee Crime and Counterterrorism

member

Judiciary Committee Privacy, Technology and the Law

member

Select Committee on Intelligence

member

Budget

member

Caucus on International Narcotics Control

chair

Caucus on International Narcotics Control

chair

Committee on Taxation

member

Finance

member

Finance Committee Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure

member

Finance Committee International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness

chair

Finance Committee Taxation and IRS Oversight

member

Foreign Relations

member

Foreign Relations Committee Africa and Global Health Policy

member

Foreign Relations Committee East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy

member