- Dean of the Texas Senate
- Longest serving member of the Texas Senate, 2nd longest serving Legislator
- Served 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives
- Representing Senate District 15 for over 30 years
- Chair, Senate Criminal Justice Committee
- Houston Area Women’s Center Advisory Council
- Annam Community Development Corporation Board of Directors
- Member, Texas Indigent Defense Commission
- Member, Senate Finance Committee
- Member, Senate Business and Commerce Committee
- Member, Senate Democratic Caucus
- Member, Senate Hispanic Caucus
- Member, Texas State Employees Union