Vince Leibowitz
Legislative Director & Fiscal Analyst
Office of Texas State Senator Royce WestRead profile USLege · Best in Government Affairs · Texas
Texas · 2026 Winners
Top Staffer
The chiefs of staff, counsels, and policy advisors who make the Texas Capitol run.
The top legislative staffers in Texas are the people who make the Capitol actually run, the chiefs of staff, general counsels, and policy directors who turn a member's priorities into law.
They rarely get public credit, which is exactly why the USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards recognize them. The honorees below are Texas's Top Staffers of the Year for 2026, chosen by the colleagues, members, and advocates who see their work up close.
From shaping landmark legislation to mentoring the next generation of Capitol talent, these legislative staff set the standard for skill and integrity in Texas government affairs. Browse their profiles to meet the people behind the process.
Top Staffer of the Year
Recognizes a legislative staffer whose expertise, judgment, and hustle power a legislator's agenda from behind the scenes. These are the staffers who turn draft ideas into law, anticipate roadblocks before they appear, and make the entire operation smarter, faster, and sharper.
10 Honorees
Questions
About top Texas legislative staffers.
Who are the top legislative staffers in Texas?
The individuals named Top Staffer of the Year in the 2026 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards, chiefs of staff, general counsels, and policy advisors recognized by their peers for their impact at the Texas Capitol.
What does a legislative staffer do?
Legislative staff, chiefs of staff, legislative directors, general counsels, and committee staff, research policy, draft and analyze bills, manage a member's office, and shepherd legislation through the process.
How are the top staffers chosen?
Through peer nomination, at no cost to nominate or be featured, with selections based on the strength and volume of nominations received.
Can I nominate someone for Top Staffer of the Year next year?
Yes. The 2027 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards will be announced next year, and there is never a cost to nominate or be featured. Nominations carry more weight when they come from a peer who has worked with the nominee directly.
Where can I see all the 2026 Texas Best in Government Affairs honorees?
The full list of every 2026 category winner is on the Texas Best in Government Affairs Awards page, searchable by name or firm.
Every Category
Explore the other Texas categories.
The 2026 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards recognize Texas honorees across eight categories. Browse them all, or see the complete list on the Texas page.
Best in Government Affairs · Texas
See all 89 Texas honorees.
These are the Top Staffer. Explore every peer-nominated professional recognized in the 2026 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards for Texas.