Joan Huffman was sworn into office on December 16, 2008 after winning a special election to fill the vacated office of Senate District 17. Prior to serving in the Senate, Huffman was twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court, where she earned a reputation as a fair and tough enforcer of the law.

During the 81^st Legislative Session, Senator Huffman served on several important committees that affect some of the most pressing issues facing Texas families, including the Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Government Organization Committee.  Her priorities included Hurricane Ike recovery, protecting small businesses, judicial reform, border security, and strengthening private property rights.  She is also devoted to issues impacting children’s health and education.   

In October of 2009, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst appointed Huffman to serve on the  Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. The Commission is charged with reviewing the functions, operations, and purpose of state agencies and to identify and eliminate waste, duplication, and inefficiency in government programs. The Commission is currently reviewing 29 agencies and will make recommendations to the 82nd Legislature on how to improve services and implement changes which will benefit all Texans.

Senator Huffman’s leadership has been recognized by numerous chambers of commerce, civic, and local advocacy groups.  She was named “Free Enterprise Champion” by the Associated Builders and Contractors, honored as “Legislator of the Year for Children” by the Children At Risk organization, and presented the “Legislative Leadership Award” by the Texas Chemical Council.  She also received the “Civil Justice Award” from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the “Patient Care Champion Award” from the Harris County Medical Society.

Senator Huffman earned her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University, and began her distinguished career in public service with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As a secretary, Huffman was inspired by the work of the prosecutors and decided to attend law school. She took night classes at South Texas School of Law while serving as a legal intern and secretary.

Upon earning her law degree, Huffman was hired as a prosecutor and advanced from misdemeanor court to Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force. She served as lead prosecutor in over 100 jury trials, including murders, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies, and sexual assaults of children.

Senator Huffman lives with her husband, Keith, and son, Luke, in Southside Place.