The 89th Texas Legislative Session has officially come to a close, marking the end of months of late nights, tough negotiations and impactful policymaking. Throughout the Capitol, the presence of LBJ School students and alumni was clear. Whether serving as state representatives, legislative aides, research assistants or policy analysts, they played a key role in shaping the future of Texas.
Among them was Steven Santoyo (MPAff ’24), who served as a Policy Analyst for the Senate Education Committee under Chairman Brandon Creighton. A former middle and high school English teacher, Santoyo came to the LBJ School determined to turn his passion for education into meaningful policy work. The LBJ School helped him do exactly that—not just in theory, but in practice, every day of the session.
“The LBJ School taught me how to juggle competing priorities, manage tight deadlines and navigate ambiguity — all essential skills at the Capitol,” he said.
During the session, Santoyo prepared weekly legislative briefings, drafted memos and one-pagers for more than 300 bills and supported major legislation like SB 2252, SB 2253 and CSHB 2. While he gained many practical tools at LBJ, what truly prepared him for his work at the Capitol was the ability to collaborate across party lines and remain composed in high-stakes environments.
“Whether I was on the Senate floor, on a stakeholder call or speaking with constituents, I drew from the skills I developed at LBJ: how to listen, how to ask the right questions and how to move forward without being intimidated or unprepared,” Santoyo said.
Santoyo also appreciated the strong LBJ presence across the Capitol. Alumni like Senator Sarah Eckhardt were always friendly, familiar faces and a reminder that he was part of a bigger community committed to public service.
To current and future LBJ students interested in working at the Capitol, Santoyo recommends staying open to unexpected paths and trusting that meaningful work will lead to meaningful opportunities. His own journey, from teaching in public schools to holding a senior policy role in his first session, was shaped by the relationships he built and a deep sense of purpose.
Whether through internships, campaigns or campus involvement, building strong networks and staying curious can open doors. Above all, he believes the Legislature values people who are dependable, prepared and humble.
Now that the gavel has dropped and the session has ended, Santoyo is reflecting not just on what he accomplished, but on the path that brought him here.
“If you’re doing work you love, you’ll end up exactly where you need to be—and meet the exact people you’re meant to work with, when you’re meant to work with them.”
The 89th Texas Legislative Session may be over, but for LBJ School students and alumni like Steven Santoyo, the work—and the impact—are just beginning.
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