8 LBJWCS Alumni Elected To Office
The LBJ Women’s Campaign School is celebrating eight alumni who were elected to public office in the November election! Three will have the opportunity to continue serving their constituencies, while five have earned the trust of their communities to serve in elected office for the first time. Their victories are a testament to the leadership women are bringing to the political arena and reflect the impact of LBJWCS’s bipartisan training, which brings women from across the political spectrum together to build the skills needed to run for office and win.
Meet Our Newly Elected Alumni
Holly Jeffreys, a member of the inaugural LBJ Women’s Campaign School cohort, won her race for Texas House District 86. A lifelong Texas Panhandle resident, Holly has dedicated her career to serving her community through healthcare, education, and public service. As Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University and founder of Panhandle Family Care, she has worked to expand access to rural healthcare, strengthen educational opportunities, and create jobs across the region. Through her election, she will have the opportunity to bring her experience and leadership to the Texas House of Representatives and continue serving the Texas Panhandle.
Allison Bush, a Cohort 6 Alum and LBJWCS Advisory Council member, won her race for State Board of Education in District 5. She came to the LBJ Women’s Campaign School hoping to learn more about elections and what it takes to run a successful campaign, not necessarily with the intention of becoming a candidate herself. However, through the program, she connected with her mentor, Rebecca Bell-Montreau, and ultimately decided to take the leap and run for office. Now, she will have the opportunity to put what she learned into practice as she serves on the State Board of Education.
Senator Dawn Gile, a member of Cohort 2, won re-election to the Maryland State Senate. First elected in 2022, Senator Gile has remained committed to giving a voice to every member of her community. She first ran for office to advocate for working families, protect the environment, invest in schools, and support small businesses. During her time in the Senate, she has served on the Senate Finance Committee, the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, and as Senate Co-Chair of the Protocol Committee. With her re-election, she will continue representing her community and advancing the priorities that first inspired her to run for office.
Judge Daniella DeSeta Lyttle, another member of the inaugural cohort, won re-election to the 261st District Court. As the first Latina and first female Army veteran to serve on the court, Daniella brings a strong commitment to public service, integrity, and access to justice. Before taking the bench, she built a career as a trial attorney, representing families, veterans, immigrants, and other members of her community. Drawing on her experience as a U.S. Army veteran and attorney, she continues to serve her community and ensure the justice system remains accessible to all.
Judge Tanisa Jeffers, a member of LBJWCS Cohort 2, won re-election as Justice of the Peace for Travis County Precinct 5. Sworn into office in December 2024, Tanisa brings decades of legal experience and a commitment to equitable access to justice. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she built her legal career in family and criminal law, focusing on serving clients with mental health needs and finding fair, solution-oriented outcomes. In her role as Justice of the Peace, she continues to prioritize improving access to justice and connecting individuals with critical community resources.
Cassie Benoist-Templeton, a member of LBJWCS Cohort 6, won her race for Judge of the 428th District Court. A longtime Hays County resident, Cassie has dedicated her legal career to serving her community and pursuing justice. After earning her law degree from Oklahoma City University, she joined the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office, where she has spent the past twelve years prosecuting serious crimes against women and children. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her commitment to victims and community service. Cassie is committed to ensuring every person who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Ciara Parks, a member of LBJWCS Cohort 3, won her race for Justice of the Peace in Travis County Precinct 1. With more than a decade of legal experience as a prosecutor and public servant, Ciara brings extensive experience to the bench. She currently serves as General Counsel for the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department and as Associate Judge for the City of Manor. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to raise four children, Ciara understands firsthand how the justice system affects individuals and families. She ran for office because she believes representation matters and that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity, and understanding when navigating the legal system.
Yvonne Muñoz, a member of LBJWCS Cohort 4, won her race for Place 3 on the Travis Central Appraisal District Board. With more than a decade of experience in government and public policy, Yvonne currently serves as Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives. She also brings expertise in data analysis, evaluation, and public-sector accountability, which she applies through her consulting work with community college districts. As a Travis County homeowner and mother of two, Yvonne said she is committed to bringing strong oversight, responsible stewardship of public resources, and transparency to the appraisal process in the community she and her family call home.
At the LBJ Women’s Campaign School, we bring together women from across the political spectrum for a six-month hybrid training program designed to prepare them to run for office and be successful. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants leave LBJWCS with the skills, confidence, and network of alumni committed to public service. This election, not only did our alumni candidates secure victories of their own, but other alumni played important roles in campaigns that contributed to victories across the country. These successes demonstrate the impact of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School over the past six years and the strength of the community and network we have built.
As these eight alumni prepare to take office, the LBJ Women’s Campaign School looks forward to following their leadership and the impact they will make in their communities. Their victories serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging more women to step into the political arena, a commitment that will continue to guide the work of LBJWCS.