Gov. Greg Abbott made his three appointments to an oversight committee created by legislation this year to reorganize the delivery of health and human services in the state. Getting the nod from Abbott are:

• Heather Griffith Peterson, a former CFO for the state Agriculture Department
•  John Colyandro, the executive director of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
• Former state chief revenue estimator Billy Hamilton
  

State Rep. Walter “Four” Price, R-Amarillo, was named to serve as co-chair of the panel.

Abbott has appointed Ed Robertson of Pflugerville to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Abbott reappointed David Gutierrez of Belton to the board, naming him the agency’s presiding officer. Their terms expire Feb. 1, 2021.

John Scott is returning to private practice after having served as chief operating officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission since January. During his tenure, Scott led an effort there to reform contracting practices and internal ethics.

Eliza Vielma is departing the staff of state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, where she was communications director for a new gig with Overflow Communications. She previously was digital media director for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and new media and legislative affairs director for the Texas chapter of Americans for Prosperity.

Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, announced Thursday he is appointing Roxanne DeLaGarza Garcia as his new Legislative Director. DeLaGarza Garcia is currently the Committee Director of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

The Ted Cruz presidential campaign named Bill Stanley, the Republican majority whip in the Virginia Senate, named chairman of the leadership team in Virginia. Former U.S. Senate candidate Shak Hill and former Texas State Board of Education member Cynthia Dunbar signed on as co-chairmen.

Former State Board of Education member Terri Leo will challenge state Rep. Debbie Riddle in next year's GOP primary to represent the Harris County-based HD-150.

Philip Hayes, a former city councilman for the Smith County community of Hideaway, announced Tuesday that he intends to seek the GOP nomination for the HD-5 seat currently held by state Senate candidate Bryan Hughes.

SD-24 GOP candidate Dawn Buckingham announced an endorsement from state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and Carol Everett, president and founder of The Heidi Group. 

The political arm of Texans for Lawsuit Reform announced Thursday its endorsement of state Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, in the race to succeed state Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, in SD-1.

The Bexar County GOP installed Devora Griggs, a former district director for state Rep. John Garza, as its new party primary administrator. The job entails ensuring the primary election follows county and state election laws.

Jerry Hendrix has been named executive director of the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence and Innovation at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Hendrix, who previously served as the center's chief engineer, will also teach engineering classes.