Tray Bates

In Texas real estate, few names carry more respect than Tray Bates. As Vice President of Governmental Affairs for Texas REALTORS®, he leads advocacy efforts that protect property rights, strengthen communities, and keep one of the state’s largest industries moving forward.

Those who work with Tray describe him simply: “He’s the best.” That sentiment reflects the professionalism, knowledge, and integrity that have defined his more than 30-year career in real estate and public policy. Whether guiding complex legislation, uniting local and national REALTOR® associations, or helping members navigate emerging issues, Tray is known for his steady leadership and deep understanding of both the people and the process behind every policy.

Before taking on his current role, Tray spent over a decade serving Texas REALTORS® as a volunteer leader, including as Chairman of the Board in 2019 and has held every key leadership position at both the Corpus Christi Association of REALTORS® and the South Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS®, which he helped found.

His work reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing the real estate profession and ensuring Texans’ right to own, use, and transfer property freely and responsibly.

As one of this year’s Association Champions of the Year, Tray Bates represents the clarity, credibility, and commitment that define Texas’s strongest association advocates.