Anthony Hernandez (MGPS '25) is gaining valuable experience in Texas policymaking as a policy analyst in the office of Senator Judith Zaffirini, the Dean of the Senate and the longest-serving woman and Hispanic member of the Texas Senate. Working at the Texas Capitol, Hernandez is applying his academic insights to support impactful legislative efforts.
Hernandez’s path to the LBJ School was shaped by his desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice. With an undergraduate background in international relations, he recognized his strong academic foundation but needed hands-on skills to develop and implement policy effectively.
"The LBJ School’s location in the state capital provided unparalleled opportunities to engage directly in legislative work," Hernandez said. “The school’s renowned faculty and curriculum, combined with its proximity to the Texas Legislature, made it the perfect place for him to gain that expertise.”
His work this session spans research, briefing preparation and liaison work on behalf of the senator’s Business & Commerce, Natural Resources and Economic Development committee assignments. His daily responsibilities include analyzing legislation, meeting with constituents, summarizing key issues and tracking the progress of bills. He also contributes to drafting legislative proposals and evaluating workforce and economic development policies.
Hernandez’s passion for policy, particularly immigration reform, is deeply personal. Originally from Honduras, he immigrated to the United States as a child and has seen firsthand how policy can shape lives. Though his legislative work doesn’t directly focus on immigration, he has found ways to contribute to adjacent issues, such as expanding language access in Texas courts and advocating for workforce protections that benefit immigrant laborers.
"One of the most eye-opening aspects of working in the Legislature has been recognizing the small but significant policy changes that can improve people’s lives," he said. "Initially, I viewed immigration reform through a broad, federal lens. However, my work at the state level has shifted my perspective to focus on actionable, localized solutions."
Hernandez credits his LBJ coursework with preparing him for the fast-paced environment of the Legislature, particularly classes like Writing for Global Policy with Professor Amy Leff and Introduction to Empirical Methods with Professor Paul Von Hippel. His research on the U.S.-Mexico border has also strengthened his ability to distill complex information into compelling, policy-relevant narratives. Additionally, leadership opportunities, such as his involvement with the Latino Policy Research Symposium, have reinforced his commitment to advocacy and public service.
For fellow LBJ students considering a role at the Texas Capitol, Hernandez has some simple yet powerful advice.
"Go for it—but be prepared for the challenges,” he said. “The work can be dense, and the political climate can sometimes make it feel like you’re not making a huge difference. But policy isn’t just about big, sweeping changes—it’s also about the smaller wins that improve people’s lives in meaningful ways."
Hernandez’s experience at the Texas Capitol has deepened his commitment to public service and reinforced his belief in the power of policy to effect real change. As he looks ahead to graduation in May, he is eager to build on this experience—whether shaping legislation at the state level or driving policy solutions on a national scale. No matter where his career takes him, his goal remains the same: to craft policies that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Learn more about the Master of Global Policy Studies degree. Applications close on April 15.