USLege · Best in Government Affairs · Texas

Texas · 2026 Honoree
07 · Lobby Legends of the Year

Jay Howard

Managing Partner, HillCo Partners

Jay Howard, Managing Partner at HillCo Partners, is a 2026 Best in Government Affairs Texas honoree in the Lobby Legends of the Year category. The awards are peer-nominated.

With more than twenty-five years of experience in Texas politics, Jay Howard has built a career defined by professionalism, trust, and results. As Managing Partner at HillCo Partners, Jay directs one of the most influential teams in the state; guiding strategy, mentoring colleagues, and maintaining a steady hand in the fast-moving world of legislative advocacy.

Known for his work across business, environmental, and tax policy, Jay brings a rare mix of strategic insight and grounded leadership to every issue he takes on. He manages HillCo’s statewide lobbying team and Political Action Committee, providing clients with both tactical execution and long-term vision.

Colleagues describe him as a true gentleman of the Texas Capitol. One nominator described him as “This man is the next Tom Brady of lobbyists. He’s deep, he’s mastered the art of persuasion, he plays for the long game”. He is respected across party lines for his fairness, precision, and command of the process. His impact is seen not only in the results he achieves, but in the professional example he sets for the next generation of government affairs leaders.

A graduate of Abilene Christian University and the University of Maryland Graduate School of Business, Jay also serves on the Executive Committee of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Board, H2O Partners Board, and remains active in civic and community leadership.

As one of this year’s Lobby Legends, Jay Howard represents the very best of Texas government affairs; trusted, effective, and deeply respected by all who know him.

This young man is the next Tom Brady of lobbyists. He’s deep, he’s mastered the art of persuasion, he plays for the long game and he runs the largest hired gun PAC in the State.

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