Gov.-elect Greg Abbott (left), Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick and Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht are shown in the House chamber on Jan. 13, 2015, the first day of the 84th Legislative Session.
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott (left), Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick and Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht are shown in the House chamber on Jan. 13, 2015, the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. Bob Daemmrich
State representatives make nominations for Speaker of the House on Jan. 13, 2015.
State representatives make nominations for Speaker of the House on Jan. 13, 2015. Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Governor-elect Greg Abbott poses with the grandson of state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, on Jan. 13, 2015.
Governor-elect Greg Abbott poses with the grandson of state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, on Jan. 13, 2015. Bob Daemmrich
State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, gives a personal speech on the House floor after losing the speaker's race to Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.
State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, gives a personal speech on the House floor after losing the speaker’s race to Joe Straus, R-San Antonio. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
House Speaker Joe Straus shakes hands with state Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, on the first day of the 84th Legislative Session.
House Speaker Joe Straus shakes hands with state Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, on the first day of the 84th Legislative Session. Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Electronic voting board in House lights up with red votes for Joe Straus for Speaker of the House.
Electronic voting board in House lights up with red votes for Joe Straus for Speaker of the House. Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune
State Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, is sworn in as Texas Speaker of the House on January 13th, 2015
State Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, is sworn in as Texas Speaker of the House on January 13th, 2015 Marjorie Kamys Cotera
State Sen. Juan
State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, (center with yellow rose) listens to seconding speeches in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 13, 2015. Bob Daemmrich
State senators take the oath of office on the first day of the Texas Legislature on Jan. 13, 2015.
State senators take the oath of office on the first day of the Texas Legislature on Jan. 13, 2015. Bob Daemmrich
With Senate President Pro-Tempore
With Senate President Pro-Tempore “Chuy” Hinojosa watching, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst gives a final speech to the Texas Senate on Jan. 13, 2015. Bob Daemmrich

Texans need the truth. Help us report it.

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

John Jordan is the senior visuals editor, part of the team that ensures our stories are graced with arresting visuals. Based in Austin, John grew up in South America and has managed to hang on to some...