Houston-area legislators to watch in the 2023 session

Here are some local legislators to watch:

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston

• Bettencourt is known as the "Tax Man" for his outspoken efforts to cut property taxes.
• He is often very active "in terms of the nuts and bolts of the legislative process, particularly when it relates to anything regarding taxes for governments," says Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University.

Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston

• Whitmire ranks first in seniority with 40 years of service in the Senate. He's known as the "Dean of the Texas Senate" and is the only Democrat to chair a committee.
• Whitmire's one of the more influential members in the Houston delegation, according to Jones, and among all of the Democrats in the chamber.
• Of note: Whitmire is running for Houston mayor this year.

Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston

• Alvarado's focus has been on economic development, public health and public education.
• She has been shepherding gambling and casino legislation for over a decade on the platform of jobs and economic development.

Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park

• Cain is a high-profile representative and one of the more conservative Republican members of the Texas House.
• Cain, a member of the far-right Texas Freedom Caucus, will likely push conservative priorities and pressure Speaker Dade Phelan to tilt more to the right, Jones says.