Donald R. "Dee" Margo of El Paso was named by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee for a term to expire on Jan. 31, 2021. Margo is a former state representative for House District 78 from 2011-13.

John L. Nau III was named chairman of the Texas Historical Commission by Abbott for a term to expire on Feb. 1, 2021. Additionally, Abbott appointed former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson and Anna Benavides Galo for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2019, and Feb. 1, 2021, respectively.

Benjamin M. Hanson of Austin was named by Abbott to the State Cemetery Committee for a term to expire on Feb. 1, 2021.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Madrid Jr. of Kingsville was appointed by Abbott to the Commission on State Emergency Communication for a term to expire on Sept. 1, 2017.

Zak Covar is stepping down from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the agency announced. His resignation is effective June 1. Covar, who was appointed to the commission in January 2014, is leaving to pursue a private sector job.

GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz on Monday named the California and Michigan chairmen of his presidential campaign. Saul Anuzis will lead Cruz's 2016 bid in Michigan, while Ron Nehring will take the helm in California. Both men are former chairmen of the Republican parties in their states.

Deaths: Bob Nichols, 88, former president of engineering firm Freese and Nichols, former national president of the National Society of Professional Engineers

Disclosure: The Texas Historical Commission is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. Dee R. Margo and John L. Nau, III are major donors to The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.